KERIS

As you know, technology in education can be a powerful catalyst to promote learning and that education changes lives, families, communities, and ultimately nations. It is the fundamental premise of this vision that a global initiative called “Partners in Learning” was formed. Microsoft is partnering Government, Ministries of Education, and other key stakeholders to offer a spectrum of education resources ― tools, programs, and practices ― to empower schools to increase student learning through teacher development and leadership. This year, we are honored to have Korea Education & Research Information Service (KERIS), Korea, as our partner in organizing and hosting the 2^nd Innovative Teachers’ Conference 2005.

This collaborative project between the KERIS and Microsoft is supported by UNESCO and will be held from 8 to 10 November 2005 at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Seoul, Korea.

Last year’s inaugural event in Singapore was a success. Innovating and inspiring ideas were shared amongst more than 200 teachers from 17 different countries from the Asia Pacific region and the United States.

This year’s conference will be attended by more than 300 teachers and government officials from at least 22 countries globally. These innovative teachers are winners in their respective national competitions where selection was based on their work and efforts in the quest of raising the education standards through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This conference is organized to recognize their creativity, innovation and the often challenging work of bringing education to a higher level through the use of ICT as well as inspire other educators.

The conference agenda will include keynote speakers such as Professor Eduardo Chaves, presently the Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair in Education in Human Development at the Ayrton Senna Institute, in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, and a member of the International Advisory Council of Partners in Learning at Microsoft Corporation and Professor Kyungsook C. Lee, presently the President of Sookmyung Women’s University, in Seoul, Korea, Commissioner /Information and Communication Team, Korean National Commission for UNESCO and Commissioner / Private Advisory Committee for APEC 2005 Korea.