Microsoft IT Academy

[u8dmtm]

Our Head is interested in becoming a Microsoft IT Academy. Does anyone have any experiences of this, what's involved etc.

[Kitkatninja]

I work for Tresham (part-time in the evenings) in their IT academy part teaching MS courses, while I don't have any direct dealing with setting a centre up as an academy, I can give you the contact details of the person who does (if that helps).

 

-Ken

[HarryMonkey]

Try looking here

 

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/learning/academy/default.mspx

[patshaw101]

I thought I'd re-ignite this thread.

 

Our headteacher asked me to research the requirements for becoming an MS IT Academy, and the benefits. I had a meeting with Prodigy Learning - a UK partner for the MS IT Academy programe. Needless to say, the program looks very attractive. For a relatively low investment, there are all sorts of benefits, including inclusive site licenses of software (with usage restrictions/terms and conditions).

 

I'm generally a Microsoft-sceptic, but I've got to admit the deal does look good for specialist schools.

 

Before I take the discussions further with our headteacher, are there any MS IT Academies out there that could help me with a query? As part of the program, Microsoft permits you to deploy most Microsoft titles exclusing office as part of your small annual subscription fee. How have other MS IT Academies used these simingly free site licences. Microsoft is quite clear that the use of the software must be for development or research purposes, and for the purpose of delivering the IT Academies program. How have other schools intepretted this? Does this mean I can only use this software in 1x suite for the purpose of the MS IT academy program? How have you used the benefits?

 

If we sign up, we obviously need to ensure we stay within the T&C's of the licensing conditions, but how far can I go?

 

Does anyone have any other comments to make regarding the MS IT Academy program?

[jcs808]

Microsoft is quite clear that the use of the software must be for development or research purposes, and for the purpose of delivering the IT Academies program. How have other schools intepretted this? Does this mean I can only use this software in 1x suite for the purpose of the MS IT academy program? How have you used the benefits?

 

When we enquired about the MS academy, it was made clear that the licences were only to be used for delivering the academy program, not for use accross the whole school. Although that was not so clear in the initial literature and only became apparent after I’d asked the question.

[nadeem]

For a relatively low investment, there are all sorts of benefits, including inclusive site licenses of software (with usage restrictions/terms and conditions).

 

can you give me an idea of roughly what this figure is please

[patshaw101]

Nadeem,

 

It may be commercially sensitive information, so I wouldn't want to post costings here. I recommend you give the guys at Prodigy Learning a call. It costs a lot less than you might think!

[AndrewBettany]

Check this out - meet with the guy from Microsoft who helps run the Academy Progamme!

 

IT Academy - University of York

 

Early Bird Session - The Future of IT Skills Provision?

 

 

Microsoft's "Get on the Bus" tour is making a stop in York on October 29th 2009 from 6pm to 9pm at the University of York. Doors open at 5pm for informal networking.

 

Microsoft would like to invite FE/HE institutions that are interested in joining the Microsoft IT Academy program and existing IT Academy managers and educators to attend a special "early bird" session which will allow an exclusive insight from Microsoft on the future development of the IT Academy program.

 

Further information regarding the IT Academy Program in the UK.

 

The ITA Academy programme was highlighted this week in a CBI report which stated that the partnerships developed between UK universities and Microsoft through the Academy programme is an excellent example of how a large companies can help shape course content by ensuring that courses are based on up-to-date programmes and technologies.

 

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) community lead Tjeerd Veninga will present around future plans for the programme focusing on further support mechanisms, better communication and the launch of a new web portal. For those that are new to the academy programme Rhys Jones from Prodigy Solutions will outline the programme and how it can benefit your institution.

 

Special guests presenting include:

Tjeerd Veninga - Community Lead Worldwide. Microsoft Learning USA

Rhys Jones - Prodigy Solutions - The UK IT Academy Support Partner

Andrew Bettany - University of York IT Academy Manager

 

Agenda

1.00 - 1.45 Welcome & Networking Lunch

1.45 - 2.00 Introduction to the Microsoft IT Academy Program

2.00 - 2.15 IT Academy Program benefits & opportunities

2.15 - 2.45 Case Study - University of York IT Academy

2.45 - 3.00 Break

3.00 - 4.00 UK IT Academies - Tjeerd Veninga

4.00 - 4.30 Q&A, networking and close

5.00 “Get on the Bus” tour event

 

After the IT Academy early bird session, attendees will be invited to join the Microsoft "Get on the Bus" Road Show which will commence at 5pm at the National Science Learning Centre on campus.

 

Why should I attend?

Find out how the Microsoft IT Academy program can bring real benefits to your University or College

 

Hear how the IT Academy program engages and stimulates students to learn new technologies and obtain industry recognised qualifications

 

Network with fellow learning professionals

 

Learn from Microsoft directly how the IT Academy program in the UK is the most developed and continues to evolve.

 

Provide feedback directly to Tjeerd Veninga on how your academy works

 

Suggest your ideas and comments on learning and certification within the ITA program directly to Microsoft Learning

 

Grab exclusive Microsoft giveaways

 

Windows 7 Ultimate Tjeerd has 50 NFR copies of Windows 7 Enterprise for the first 50 registered attendees to this early bird session!

 

 

 

Who should attend this FREE "early bird" IT Academy event?

Representatives from established IT Academies, Further Education Colleges, Higher Education Institutions or IT Academy Managers & Educators are invited to this event.

 

For health and safety reasons only registered attendees will be admitted to the session.

 

 

Register at IT Academy - University of York

[KeithMPhoenix]

Just noticed this thread - actually now that this is not limited to Prodigy we have had a few schools/Colleges etc approach us regarding it and ive attended a couple of conference calls in relation to it. Seemingly it is indeed very good value and does provide a lot to the institutions in question.

Good news is that its not something you have to commit to at signing (or renewing) your Campus or Schools Agreement - it can be signed at any point.

[featured_spectre]

My school is a member, pm me as I can give you some info regarding it.

[Sylv3r]

We are a member and will be looking at providing training to the local community and partner primaries in the summer term.