Microsoft Provides Educational Resources for Worldwide Teachers

Sierra Monica B. — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:41:46 +0000

During this year’s edition of the National Educational Computing Conference, which is taking place in Washington DC until July 1, Microsoft is showcasing some new solutions meant to help teachers and students be more productive and efficient.
Among these, participants at the conference will find out about the key features of the Windows 7 operating system, the partnership with the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies, and various software releases meant to improve the education experience of students.

The 2.5 million teachers in the Innovative Teachers Network can obtain the advanced computer program called AutoCollage, developed by Microsoft Research and made available as a free download for creating digital photo montages and sharing a dynamic visual experience among students. In addition, members can get the new plug-in that integrates ITN content with learning management platforms.

New free software tools available for teachers include Worldwide Telescope with real images from world’s best observatories, Photosynth that allows students create 3D worlds and share them online, Expression Web curriculum bringing various tutorials and videos for middle and high school students, the Digital literacy curriculum for students who need to learn about Internet, computer software and security, as well as the Learning Essentials desktop application that allows teachers create administrative tasks, instructional resources and teaching strategies.

For students in the United States, Microsoft released CareerForward, an online course teaching students about career opportunities.

Regarding the key elements of the Windows 7 operating system that both teachers and students will benefit from to become more productive, Microsoft highlights the enhanced user interface with direct access to the most used applications, the multi-touch support with handwriting recognition for compatible computers, increased system performance and reliability, smarter power management for longer battery life for portable computers, more security features for data protection, and the Windows XP Mode that enables support for applications used in Windows XP.

Microsoft Hohm Teaches us how to Lower Energy Bills

Sierra Monica B. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:35:59 +0000

Since world’s leading electronics manufacturers started following the new standards in the development of electronic devices with respect to energy usage levels, more and more customers began to realize the importance of power saving and the impact on the environment, most of us being motivated by the energy bill costs spent every year.

The new online application announced by Microsoft and called Hohm will provide us information on energy usage, recommendations, and ways of lowering the energy bills.

Microsoft Hohm uses complex data from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy and is built on the Windows Azure cloud operating system, using the Bing search and the Microsoft Advertising platform, while being accessible from any computer and Internet browser.

Currently, Microsoft Hohm is in the beta stage and will be available for people in the United States via www.microsoft-hohm.com.
When it will be ready to use, anyone will be able to get recommendations based on their home’s features, usage characteristics and installed appliances. Examples of recommendations meant to reduce energy costs in your home include removing air leaks, setting a programmable thermostat, or placing new caulking.

Hohm gathers data from users’ feedback to improve accuracy so, in case you don’t enter details about your home, the software will offer general recommendations based on national averages.
You also have the possibility to compare your energy usage with others’ and exchange referrals with the community.

In order to develop the free service, Microsoft partnered with the Puget Sound Energy, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the Seattle City Light and the Xcel Energy.

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Microsoft Provides Educational Resources for Worldwide Teachers

Microsoft Hohm Teaches us how to Lower Energy Bills