Microsoft is committed to education: software and hardware that also takes into account the integration of people with disabilities

Microsoft has recently materialized its commitment to the inclusion of people with some type of disability. We saw it, for example, with the Xbox Adaptive Controller as the most striking element. However It is not the only movement that the Redmond company is making in this sense

And, for example, they have the Code Jumper project, a way of bringing programming language learning closer to users with some type of disability thanks to the use of blocks.A program that is now being expanded with the objective of teaching blind or visually impaired children to program.

Facilitating learning

The use of Code Jumper is basic and very intuitive for this type of user. It is based on touching blocks of figures with different shapes and colors, connecting cables and different physical components that will later be used to create computer programs with which they can carry out different activities.

The use of these tools is essential for these children, as it helps them learn to code and perhaps encourages them not to stop side a passion that in the future may become their way of life. It is a way of facilitating the arrival of these people to degrees and jobs related to computing.

Microsoft has thus started a collaboration with The American Printing House for the Blind with the aim of bringing Code Jumper closer to users and in turn Serving as a basis for it to reach more users in the future.

In addition, Microsoft announced Immersive Reader for VR It is a utility designed for use in virtual reality devices that comes with the aim to help anyone with ADHD, autism, dyslexia or any visual impairment. To that end, Immersive Reader for VR will benefit any user who requires extra help when reading.

New hardware for classrooms

And education does not end here for Microsoft, because in parallel they have presented new hardware intended for use in classrooms. It includes a new Microsoft Classroom Pen and seven affordable Windows-based PCs designed for use in class.

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The new Microsoft Classroom Pen is designed based on the needs and particularities that it may have when used in the classroom.It has been endowed with a robust and resistant body, with a more durable tip to which a groove is also added at its end with the aim of tying it>"

The Microsoft Classroom Pen is intended for use in education, so at this time it cannot be purchased by the general public and will only be available in packs of 20 units priced at $40 each, almost $800 a pack. It will launch starting in February in the 36 markets where the Surface Go is already available.

As for computers, there are seven models that will be available during the second half of 2019 and their prices start in the $189 for laptops and $300 for desktops.

• Lenovo 100e
• Lenovo 300e (2-in-1)
• Lenovo 14w
• Acer TravelMate B1 (B118-M)
• Acer TravelMate Spin B1 (B118-R / RN)
• Acer TravelMate B1-141
• Dell Latitude 3300 for Education

It is, as in the case of the Microsoft Classroom Pen, equipment designed for schools and academic institutions, so the prices They are intended for bulk purchases. In addition, each computer will have free access to Office 365 and the operating system is Windows 10 S.

These and other novelties +have been presented at the Bett 2019 event that is being held in London. This is an act based on the application of technology in the educational sector and in which Microsoft is gaining a leading role.

Education Blog Cover image | Darkmoom1968