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FEATURE: SKILLS & TRAINING
Innovative
teaching
approaches
improve digital
skills gap
For innovation to continually
advance in the technological
sphere, we must attempt to
close the digital skills gap
and create a world of digital
problem solvers. Introducing
spaces such as learning
academies that cover topics
under the digital umbrella
might just be a starting point.
P
lans have been unveiled for a new university in Milton
Keynes focused on digital skills. It is hoped that around
5,000 students will study for qualifications in areas such as
digital, cyber, autonomy, robotics and artificial intelligence
(AI) at the university, which is currently called MK:U.
The first undergraduate cohort is expected to start in 2023. Microsoft
has been named as a partner in the new university, alongside Grant
Thornton, MK College and Tech Mahindra. The proposal is being led by
Cranfield University.
The government and Microsoft share an aim to make Britain one of
the leaders in technology and innovation. Chancellor Philip Hammond
used last year’s budget to announce more money for AI and triple
the number of trained computer science teachers, while Microsoft has
launched a digital skills programme that aims to ensure the country
remains one of the global leaders in next-generation technologies.
Ian Fordham, Director of Education at Microsoft UK, said: “We are
passionate about ensuring that students leave university with the skills
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