Microsoft Gulf is showcasing its latest academic software at an ongoing educational supply and solutions event in Dubai.

The three-day Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) 2011 opened yesterday (May 3) at the Airport Expo Centre.

Microsoft’s educational offerings at the event include new solutions such as Microsoft Interactive Classroom, Window Live Movie Maker, Microsoft Mouse Mischief and its Live@edu solution.

Microsoft’s presence at GESS will also be enhanced with partners like HP, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and IT Worx who will have a presence on the Microsoft stand.

“Microsoft believes in the transformative power of technology in education to create social and economic opportunity. Microsoft takes a holistic and long-term approach to supporting education and is working closely with governments, educators, parents and students in the region to develop IT solutions that will increase access to quality education and improve learning outcomes,” said Azza Shinawy, education lead, Microsoft Gulf.

“GESS 2011 is the perfect platform to demonstrate our offerings for the education sector and showcase how access to technology can improve the quality of teaching as well as the learning experience for students of all ages.”

Conor McCarthy, vice-president, business development, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, said: “At GESS 2011, we are proud to unveil Pinpoint - the only fully integrated end-to-end educational platform on the market. We will also be showcasing a number of innovative digital K-12 products, including the celebrated Destination and Edmark series, Earobics and Skills Tutor.”

Magdy ElKomy, business development manager, Education, said: "This year at GESS we are showcasing how ITWorx CLG (connected learning gateway) stands out remarkably in the learning management systems’ market, not only in the Gulf but worldwide too.”

“On the one hand, the platform combines a unique, engaging and easy-to-use multilingual interface with the latest social networking capabilities, including the most advanced tools for teaching, learning and school management. On the other hand, the platform's nativity to Microsoft SharePoint 2010 makes it easy to operate and customisable with personalisation features that accommodate the diverse needs of schools.”

“Being designed for mobile learning, cloud hosting, integration with Live@edu, and integration with different School Information Systems (SISs), CLG is already witnessing huge uptake in nationwide deployments in the UAE’s Ministry of Education schools as well as in private Saudi and Qatari schools,” he added.

The Microsoft Live@edu program provides higher education and K–12 institutions with a set of free hosted communications services for students, faculty and alumni, a statement said.

The Microsoft Interactive Classroom is an education add-in for Office 2007 or 2010 that bridges lessons delivered in PowerPoint, it added.

Microsoft Mouse Mischief integrates into Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 and Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007, letting teachers insert questions, polls, and drawing activity slides into their lessons, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service