European Electronique and Microsoft go to school on mobile

Partners to supply and promote Windows mobile devices to English and Welsh schools

Microsoft has chosen European Electronique to help drive its Shape the Future programme aiming to sell more Windows mobile gadgets to schools.

Yolanta Gill, chief executive at European Electronique, said it would be working with schools, free schools and academies throughout the UK. The goal is for each pupil to have a mobile device.

"Not only to supply access to mobile devices, but to teach and develop a true understanding of how one-to-one learning can help transform the education process," Gill said.

The VAR is on a raft of education procurement frameworks, including Crescent, Value Wales, and North-East Universities as well as the ICT Services Framework.

European Electronique joins other Shape the Future resellers including RM and Softcat.

Steve Beswick, UK education director at Microsoft, said the worldwide programme, which was launched in 2006, could improve one-to-one computing for school pupils, aiming to boost their confidence and employability.

"At a time of high youth unemployment, we think it is more important than ever," Beswick said. "It will enable us to make a true impact in preparing students for the 21st century."

According to a PR statement, the devices would be chosen from a range of "affordable", discounted Windows 8 Pro or Windows 7 Pro gadgets from vendors such as Toshiba, HP and Lenovo. They would all run either Office Pro 2010 or 2013, licenced for home or school use.

Schools would not need to buy additional student licences for each device, it confirmed, and they would be able to apply for Microsoft funding that could be used for professional development or purchasing extra resources.

"Sessions available to schools could include mastering Windows 8, understanding the benefits of cloud computing in education, and developing a school IT strategy aligned with education goals," according to the announcement.