Lagos — Teaching technology just got easier with Microsoft's introduction of what it calls 'e-Faculty Connection' Developer and Platform Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, Attilla Szenvedi told participants at the company's recent Academic Day, held in Lagos, that Faculty Connection is a tool that is expected to transform education, foster local innovation and enable job opportunities. It is a resource for technology news, customisable curriculum, free software downloads, and members-only community forums.

Szenvedi explained that Microsoft Faculty Connection is designed to address the challenges educators face in teaching technology students. "It takes time and preparation to keep students engaged while giving them a fundamental understanding of theory, to provide labs and assignment that inspire innovation and to integrate professional tools and skills that will prepare students for successful careers.

"To aid your preparation and save you time, Microsoft's Faculty Connection features content and valuable tools that are exclusive, free, and designed to support technology educators like you. The site offers curriculum, free software, members-only forums, insight into Microsoft's latest initiatives, as well as, access to regional events and training. While Faculty Connection is a free resource, some of the features have been reserved exclusively for faculty.

The curriculum content and materials include hundreds of topics relevant to today's academic teaching requirements, from just a module to full courses. These can be freely used as they are or edited them to meet personal educational objectives.

To verified members, Faculty Connection also provides free Microsoft software and development tools, while the Forum allows them to connect with their colleagues to share knowledge, concerns, challenges and successes in real time. The Faculty Connection Newslink is an easy way to see what is new from Microsoft in education. No fewer than 80 government and private tertiary institutions were represented at the one-day event. Microsoft is partnering with Sidmach Technologies,

Ha-Shem Network Services Limited and BI-TRAX Axxent Company.

Szenvedi used the opportunity to introduce the participants to the 'Imagine Cup', which has been described as the world's premier student technology competition, which is soon to be launched in the country. According to him, the competition, which is in its sixth year, "represents a fantastic opportunity to bring students together and excite them about what they are studying. The theme for next year's competition is 'The Envionmentí'.