6 October 2008

The government of Portugal and Microsoft are aiming to accelerate technology adoption in education with the international launch of the Microsoft Magellan Learning Suite.

In support of the Portuguese government’s ‘e-Escolinhas’ programme, Microsoft has developed a suite of software, training, content, services and support for the Magellan – an affordable portable computer for primary and junior high school students made in Portugal.

Portuguese prime minister José Sócrates and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced investment in the Magellan Initiative through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential programme, Microsoft’s commitment to make technology more affordable, relevant and accessible for the 5 billion people around the world who do not have access to it.

“With the Magellan computer and the massive introduction of ICTs in the Portuguese education system, for the first time a whole generation will grow up to have strong English and ICT skills,” said José Sócrates, prime minister of Portugal. “This new generation will be better prepared and able to contribute more to the modernisation and development of Portugal. Furthermore, with the Magellan initiative, a PC will be introduced in many homes for the first time, thus also strongly contributing to overcoming info-exclusion in general.”

With the Magellan computer and the massive introduction of ICTs in the Portuguese education system, for the first time a whole generation will grow up to have strong English and ICT skills

José Sócrates, prime minister of Portugal “Providing students with access to technology and educational opportunities that will enable them to thrive in the knowledge economy is critical to the future success of every community,” Ballmer said. “We are pleased and honoured to join the Portuguese government and others on the Magellan Initiative as we work together to make technology more relevant, accessible and affordable for students in Portugal and around the world.”