Bangkok--10 May--Hill & Knowlton
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce adopts Microsoft’s Cloud Computing technology to build a digital learning community
In a Cloud Computing first for Thailand, Microsoft and UTCC strive to lift Thai education standards to new heights.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) is joining forces with Microsoft in order to integrate a Hybrid Learning 2.0 system into its curriculum, which promises to bring education standards up to date with the rapidly evolving digital lifestyle of 21st century students.
Bringing together the latest IT innovation, Microsoft software and cloud-based technology (or software-plus-services), the collaboration will be applied to enhance education standards and transform the classroom experience by making it easier than ever before for students and teachers to communicate via online communities. In order to achieve this, Microsoft has developed a fully digital approach to learning with an interactive learning environment with cloud-based services so that students can work efficiently from any location with a wireless internet connection.
As a leader in Cloud Computing technology, Microsoft’s vision for 21st century education is an environment that is knowledge-based. This means using the cloud to make it easier for students to both access and share the information they need with their peers and teachers via a 3 screens concept — comprising of PCs, internet browsers and mobile phones. Using any of these access points, students can obtain course materials and interact with teachers and classmates anywhere and anytime. Course materials can also be downloaded with a teacher’s personal guidelines for studying by themselves anytime they want.
Under an agreement between Microsoft and UTCC, Microsoft is offering various Microsoft online software and services to students and teachers for free. Included in these programs are Microsoft DreamSpark, Microsoft BizSpark, Microsoft WebsiteSpark, Microsoft Imagine Cup and MSNDAA, which together are expected to enhance the education standards of UTCC and help position it as a leading and innovative university that can compete on the global stage. Microsoft also plans to establish Microsoft IT Academy programs for UTCC in order to encourage UTCC students to obtain internationally recognized Microsoft certification before their graduation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chiradet Ousawat, President of University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said, “I am proud to say that the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce is the first university in Thailand to adopt Microsoft’s Cloud Computing technology and offer the Hybrid learning 2.0 system in order to establish a truly digital learning community. We are excited to be a part of this next generation of learning tools and firmly believe that UTCC students will gain substantial long-term benefits from this collaboration.”
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce is equipped with an IT infrastructure that can support the hybrid learning system, while prospective 2010 students at UTCC will receive a laptop running Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 in order to take full advantage of the new system. Students can connect using the WiFi internet available throughout the university in order to use and download learning materials and search for relevant information specified by teachers before attending their classes. By making it easier and more enjoyable for students to learn, this new approach will also help equip students with the IT skills they’ll need to succeed upon graduation when they join Thailand’s workforce of the future.
Patama Chantaruck, Managing Director, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited added, “At Microsoft we recognize that students will play a vital role in the future development of the country. As such we are committed to using technology as a means of improving education standards and we are continuously seeking new ways to integrate IT into learning environments by collaborating with various organizations, such as the Ministry of Education and educational institutions. We are happy to see the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce adopt Microsoft’s Cloud Computing technology and I strongly believe that UTCC, as a leading Thai university, and Microsoft’s leading Cloud Computing technology can together create an efficient learning method that will maximize the potential of teachers and students and help bring Thai education standards to the international forefront.”
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited provides world-class software that is easy to use and localized to suit the local market’s needs. It also has a compelling and consistent platform to build powerful business solutions that can scale from a notebook computer to a mainframe — class multiprocessor systems using Microsoft technology. For further information, information, please visit the Microsoft (Thailand) website at: http://www.microsoft.com/thailand.
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For further information about UTCC, please contact:
Jatupol Naknim or Walee Aramying
The Way Communications
For further information about Microsoft, please contact:
Suphada Chaiwong
Hill & Knowlton Thailand
Tel: 0-2627 3501 ext 209
Fax. 0-2627 3510
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