"Cooperation will be done within the framework of realising the world non-commercial education initiative Microsoft Partnership in Education for broadening the use of modern information technologies in educational institutions of secondary (full) general and secondary vocational training", the press release reads.
It cites Russian Education and Science Minister Andrei Fursenko as saying that "the concluded agreement lays a strong foundation for the process of introducing innovations in the education system".
"Today it is impossible even to imagine the education system without the use of updated technologies", he said on Monday during signing the agreement.
The press release says that the agreement is designed to settle problems in unimpeded use of information technologies by graduates of educational institutions, development of methodical ware for use in training, training and upgrading teachers in the field of computer literacy, development of innovative approaches in teaching.
Specifically, special web resources will be elaborated for support and development of the innovative teacher community making active use of information technologies in training, says the Russian Teachers Support Fund.
By now, about 70 countries have concluded agreements on cooperation in implementing the Partnership in Education initiative. In all, Microsoft will invest four million dollars in the development of education in Russia.
