Firms to Fund Teachers’ Training in Computers

Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. are teaming up to contribute funding and software for a half-billion-dollar program to train teachers to use computers in classrooms.

Chip giant Intel and software giant Microsoft say they want to work together to eliminate “the barriers teachers face in effectively applying computer technology to improve student learning.”

Microsoft cited government statistics that show four out of five classroom teachers “do not feel prepared to use technology as part of daily instruction.”

Under the three-year program, Intel will invest $100 million in cash, equipment, curriculum development and program management to train more than 400,000 teachers in 20 countries.

Microsoft will donate software valued at $344 million at retail prices as well as program support costs.