Al Farabi KazNU, Almaty. The long standing collaboration between Microsoft Corporation and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has led opening of the Microsoft IT Academy at KazNU. The General Manager of Microsoft for Central and Eastern Europe Ms. Anke den Auden and the first vice-rector of Al-Farabi KazNU Professor Mukhambetli Burkitbaev signed the agreement at the newly established office and auditorium of the IT Academy at KazNU.
The Microsoft IT Academy (ITA) is an innovative learning platform that uses the Microsoft technology designed specifically for training students and teachers. With the opening of the ITA, training courses in the specialties of the Faculty of Information Technology and the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics will be revised to provide students with deep practical skills in working with Microsoft technologies and products. The successful graduates of the program will be certified for their specific skills and competencies.
“We are pleased that the campus of the educational and scientific complex of the oldest Kazakhstani University will host an advanced Microsoft IT Academy representing the world leader in digital technologies – Microsoft Corporation. Participation in the IT Academy program will help the university become one of the leading providers of high-quality IT education. The industry professionals, prospective students and other stakeholders in the academic ecosystem will learn about the latest Microsoft technologies” said Dr. Burkitbayev Mukhambetkali.
The Microsoft IT Academy at KazNU will offer regular training programs and certification for students and teachers, which are important for Kazakhstan for succeeding in building modern digital infrastructure and internationally competitive technology-oriented economy. Courses are developed in the following areas: computer science; IT infrastructure; data processing and analysis; performance.
Anke den Auden said: “Young professionals will solve complex social problems of the 21st century, creating new generations of machines, materials and systems. Higher education must respond to the rapid pace of change in the 21st century in order to solve various problems and radically rethink how we educate young people for this future. We hope that Microsoft IT Academy is a type of advanced classes that can help Kazakhstan students to obtain a high level of specialty and skills for this rapidly developing future. ”
At a meeting with students and teachers KazNU, General Manager Ms. Anke den Auden also raised the issue of women’s involvement in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the development of future skills in the 21st century.
Ms. Anke told what Microsoft is doing in this direction, and stressed: “We live in a time when everyone needs computerization. The growing role of computer education in every discipline, from engineering to art, is obvious. And it is important to attract more women to computer science and technology. Women are more likely to get involved in computer science and technology if they see that they can work on important issues.”
The Microsoft IT Academy KazNU will be open to all students, researchers and educators at KazNU and will allow teachers to access a variety of on-line courses about Microsoft technologies, include up-to-date information in training courses, and students will be able to get certified and receive world-recognized Microsoft certificates. The Faculty of Information Technology and the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at KazNU will take a lead in training the students and trainers.
The photo is courtesy of Marat Zhunisbekov and Ban Ki-Moon Institute for Sustainable Development at KazNU