1. 21st Century Skills for Employability Don Carlson Director of Education Microsoft – Western Europe

2. Agenda GDP and competitiveness of ICT Students of today Potential partnerships

3. Economic Drivers of Transformation Globalisation

4. Education correlation to National Economic Transformation

5. Why are ICT skills important? 80% of the gap in Growth rate of GDP per head between the US and the EU is attributable to the lack of ICT investment in business

6. ICT skills are an enabler of access

7. “…All the evidence indicates that Europe faces a serious risk of a shortage of IT skills. Companies need to take action now to support long-term IT competency needs and to pay close attention to the implications of renewed competition for the best talents….”

8. The Advanced Technology Skills Gap Less than 8.1% Gap 8.1%-14% Gap 14%+ Gap Source: IDC; Networking Skills in Europe, September 2005 2005

9. Less than 8.1% Gap 8.1%-14% Gap 14%+ Gap Source: IDC; Networking Skills in Europe, September 2005 2008 The Advanced Technology Skills Gap

10. Students: the problem? Source: IPTS calculation based on OECD PISA 2003

11. Generation Matters ―ElementK, 2002 BoomersGeneration Xers IndependenceDependent on instructor to define and support learning Independent problem solvers and self-starters TechnologyComputer is a “nice to have” Technology is a “must have” StimulationSlower pace: its OK to wait; gaming not serious Crave stimulation; expect immediate answers & feedback RelevanceLearn “what” or “how” first, then “why” What’s in it for me? Lifelong Learning Work in the same organization for life View job environments as places to grow Learner Control Instructor focus expectedLearners want autonomy Comfort with Unknown Discomfort is avoidedXers are fearless; hand-holding is not expected

12. The Skills for Employability Alliance

13. New Digital Literacy Curriculum Online

14. Portugal An MOU was signed on February 1st between the Portuguese Government and Microsoft for Collaboration on the Technology Plan. Adopting MS Digital Literacy curriculum as the Official IT curriculum in the formal certification and training of adults or young people already outside the education system. Aim is to train 1 million people by 2010

15. Innovative Teachers Forum KEYNOTE SPEAKERS TEACHER EXHIBITION AWARD CEREMONY

16. Innovative Teachers Network

17. Summary Public-private investment and partnerships are essential Potential solutions must have the ability to scale Microsoft is committed to working with our partners and programs to enable change.