Microsoft, Caspian Bring Educational Software To ITN

Microsoft announced that it is partnering with educational software developer Caspian Learning to provide content for its Innovative Teachers Network (ITN), an online resource site and community for educationalists. The content will include samples from several of the company's games in areas such as science, literacy and the humanities - for students in key stages two through to four. Teachers who are signed up to the network will be able to download the games free of charge to use as learning resources in the classroom. Caspian Learning develops 3D learning based games using research into cognitive processes. The learning tasks students have to complete are designed to improve student engagement and thinking skills. Caspian plans to provide further materials for the ITN site throughout the year, including its Thinking Worlds authoring engine. Launched globally in May 2006, the engine allows teachers to edit, adapt and create their own learning based games. Speaking about the partnership, Graeme Duncan, COO, Caspian Learning said: “Our partnership with Microsoft's ITN means that more and more children, both nationally and internationally, will be able to benefit from learning based games. Teachers will be able to access a raft of games that will help to engage children in class and provide a new learning experience. We are very pleased to be making our resources available on Microsoft's ITN.” Steve Beswick, Director of Education, Microsoft added: “It is great to be working in partnership with Caspian to build these new and exciting educational resources on The Innovative Teachers Network. The Network is a valuable online resource for many teachers, allowing them to collaborate with colleagues and peers to share their creative ideas for the classroom. The learning games will provide new content and resources, which teachers can use to develop more creative and engaging lessons and activities in the classroom.”