Microsoft has entered into a strategic partnership with the Smithsonian Institute and TalkingITGlobal. The partnership is titled ‘Shout’ and is designed to encourage teachers to use technology to help students explore, connect and act to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. The theory is that it will also teach them important skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and social responsibility.

“Over the next three years, Microsoft, the Smithsonian Institution and TakingITGlobal will make a more than $1 million commitment to engage and empower a global network of millions of teachers and students to address together the environmental issues affecting our most precious natural resources ,” said Hennie Loubser, regional general manager, Microsoft West, East, Central Africa & Indian Ocean Islands.

A new Website launched for the partnership - http://www.shoutlearning.org/ - will allow teachers from around the world to connect and collaborate on solutions to “challenges” featuring Smithsonian research projects.