Omani teachers trained on using Microsoft Project 2003 to better manage time and work

Master trainers will pass on knowledge to teachers and students across Oman

Muscat, 17th January, 2006: Microsoft has completed training of 59 master trainers who will help to raise IT expertise in Oman's public schools. The master trainers have all been trained on the use of Microsoft Project 2003, and will now pass on their knowledge to IT teachers and supervisors across the Sultanate. Microsoft Project 2003 will become a part of the official curriculum from September, to enable teachers and students to better manage their time and work.

The training was carried out as part of the Partners in Learning agreement that was signed by the Ministry of Education in Oman and Microsoft in September 2004, to encourage teachers and students to use ICT to improve the learning process. The master trainers, who are all teachers and supervisors for the Ministry of Education, will now train other teachers in the use of Project 2003, so that teaching of Grade 9 students can begin in the new academic year.

"The Ministry of Education aims to provide the highest standard of education for Oman's students, and that includes offering them the best opportunities available through new technology. The Ministry is already using Microsoft solutions, and by introducing Project 2003 to our students, we will be able to give them a powerful tool to manage their work and give them hands-on experience of how technology is used in the workplace," said Malik Al-Yahmadi, Ministry of Education, Oman.

The Microsoft Project 2003 product suite is integrated with the Microsoft Office System, to enable users to organize work and communicate effectively and succinctly through familiar, easy-to-use tools. Students in Oman's second cycle of basic education schools will be taught how to use Project 2003 to help them manage their work and increase their familiarity with using IT tools.

"The Partners in Learning program reflects Microsoft's commitment to improving education, through different initiatives, such as the Innovative Teachers Network, which helps to support teachers with best practices, training, teaching tools and content, and this new training is a part of that. With the introduction of Project 2003 to the curriculum, it was essential that we made sure that Omani educators would be able to get the most from this powerful solution, and through our master trainers, we have the most efficient and appropriate manner of sharing knowledge," said Amna Al-Nakhi, Academic Programs & Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft Gulf.

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About Microsoft Gulf
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991.

Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middleeast

For further information contact:
Microsoft contact
Bahaa Issa
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Tel: 00-9714-3917000
Fax: 00-9714-3917001

Media contact:
Mark Sutton
ASDA'A Public Relations
Tel: 00-9714-3344550
Fax: 00-9714-3344556
Email: m.sutton@asdaa.com