The Record - Issue 21: Summer 2021

133 “We believe that supporting teachers, learners and tomorrow’s workers and entrepreneurs will be vital for an inclusive economic recovery” emerging between universities and commercial enterprise to support workforce development and employability pathways.” Microsoft and its partners have been helping colleges, universities and schools more effec- tively serve their students throughout the pan- demic with accessible and inclusive solutions that support hybrid and blended learning; and technologies such as Dynamics and PowerApps, which provide data insights and dashboards. “The shift we are witnessing in teaching and learning has catalysed discussions about digital transformation in education like never before,” says Glidden. “We in the technology industry must remain focused on supporting education leaders in continuing to drive these changes and helping educators adapt to hybrid, blended and flexible learning models.” School-age students are not the only ones affected by this education technology reform. “We have also launched programmes such as Career Coach for professional development and digital skilling to help the workforce of the future thrive in a digital economy,” Glidden explains. “I am particularly proud that Microsoft has helped more than 30 million people – unemployed due to Covid-19 – to develop digital skills through an initiative that uses data to identify in-demand jobs and provides free access to learning paths. “We believe that supporting teachers, learners and tomorrow’s workers and entrepreneurs will be vital for an inclusive economic recovery and higher levels of citizen engagement worldwide.” While some governments and businesses have shifted their focus to life beyond the pandemic, others continue to struggle with the healthcare crisis. Microsoft is continuing to drive health- care best practices. “We have provided technology platforms to enable health and human services organisations and their clients to remain connected through- out the pandemic,” Glidden says. For example, Microsoft and its partners are helping educators to more effectively serve their students throughout the pandemic with accessible and inclusive solutions PUB L I C S E C TOR