Intel and NIIT to drive computer-assisted education in schools

Company release, November 22, 2004

New Delhi

Intel, the worlds largest chipmaker and NIIT, Asias biggest IT training organisation, have signed a memorandum of understanding to significantly enhance the usage of technology-assisted learning in schools.

The two companies agreed to transform the quality of technology-assisted education in Indian schools to reach global levels of PC and Internet availability. As part of this MOU, Intel and NIIT are aspiring to double the number of Indian schools benefiting from computer-assisted education to 80,000 by 2010.

The MOU outlines how Intel and NIIT will work together to integrate information and communications technology (ICT) into schools, across all classes, from kindergarten to XII. The two companies will also set up collaborative teams, with professionals from the IT industry, educationists and community members, to support the countrys most challenging technology induction initiative in schools.

Together with NIIT, we aim to infuse global best known practices into Indias education system and introduce technology-assisted learning in this vast country, said Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel.

Intel will contribute technology strengths to NIITs content creation, curriculum delivery and education process management capability to enhance education across India, Barrett added.

Intel and NIIT will also develop new technologies and education models to make technology-assisted learning more affordable and accessible. The two companies will work with governments and education planners to define new ICT deployment models, devise IT education standards and build replicable learning models.

Emphasizing the need for this initiative, Rajendra S. Pawar, Co-founder and Chairman, NIIT said, NIIT has played a key role in preparing the IT professionals for the industry. India is already known for its robust higher education system. Through this association, we will work towards raising the education standards in the K-12 space, particularly among the rural populace.

We are excited about working with Intel and contribute to the process of nation-building by taking the benefits of IT to the deep interiors, he added.

Intel and NIIT will use their vast experience in setting up technology-assisted centers of excellence in schools and education establishments, to showcase state-of-the-art technology architecture, emerging pedagogy models and cognitive abilities to the education planners, policy makers and implementers. NIIT will be actively involved in offering customized technology-assisted learning solutions to schools in the government and private sector.

About NIIT K-12

By offering integrated IT education in over 2500 government and private schools and training over one million students every year NIIT has uniquely positioned itself as the single largest IT education services provider.

With its mission of Making young minds successful by imparting better education through Technology, NIITs K-12 Business has proved to be the most effective and innovative program to be implemented in the country in its category, at such a large scale.

Several Indian State Governments--Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal--have been using NIITs expertise and strengths in the K-12 segment. NIITs K-12 initiative has taken computer literacy within the reach of school students thus preparing IT savvy citizens of tomorrow.

As part of its NIIT@School initiative, NIIT offers to private schools, a complete package that covers infrastructure consultancy and facilities management and the entire gamut of IT education for students. NIITs K-12 education offering includes validated multimedia content mapped to school curriculum, courseware and certification of students. At another level, NIIT offers training to existing faculty.

About NIIT

NIIT Limited, an acknowledged leader in IT and IT-assisted training offers Learning and Knowledge Solutions in 33 countries. Training over 500,000 learners annually, NIIT has trained one out of every three software professionals.

NIITs education offerings include: GNIIT-an industry-endorsed program for students seeking careers in the IT and BPO segments; CATS-offers training programs on advanced technologies for IT professionals; SWIFT-a platform for equipping ordinary people with basic Internet and computer literacy skills; NetVarsity.com, the e-Learning portal offers a distinctive blend of content, technology and services, while NIIT@School-provides a turnkey, IT integration program that offers computer-based learning in over 2500 government and private schools.

NIITs SEI CMM Level 5 assessed Knowledge Solutions Business has emerged as a leader in the field of Knowledge Management and e-Learning content and services. It offers integrated Learning Solutions that range from strategy and design to development, implementation and administration. Its customers include Fortune 500 Companies, Universities, Technology Companies, Training Corporations and Publishing Houses.

For further information please contact:

Geetanjali Sharma, NIIT Ltd., Ph: +91 11 26203377, Fax: 26203386, Email:

geetanjalis@niit.com Or

Ankur Hatibaruah, TBWA India PR, New Delhi, Ph: + 91 11 26142292, Fax:

26153682, Email: ankur@tbwa-india.com

Or Visit www.niit.com