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May 2007 - Posts
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If you saw the news last night you will have been WOWed by the "tabletop computer" feature. See the demo and learn more at www.microsoft.com/surface 
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An end of year show is the exciting culmination of a lot of hard work, passion and enthusiasm from both students and staff. We would like to help promote all of this effort to a wider audience including potential employers. If you have short article or a link to your show's website then you could either comment on this blog post with the details and/or send it to ukmsacad@microsoft.com for inclusion in our next newsletter. 
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Since the launch of XNA, the new programming framework for the Xbox 360 and the PC, there have been lots of opportunities to get involved.
- Many universities have taken advantage of our Techtalk programme and have invited Andy Sithers (Microsoft) and/or Nick Burton (Rare) to give guest lectures;
- Others joined our seeding programme and are currently working on contributions to the Creators' Club Global Community;
- Programming students are entering the DreamBuildPlay competition
- and now programming students, musicians and artists can enter Ocean Odyssey.
Naturally there have also been many requests for further information and training. If you haven't already done so then visit www.xna.com for the product overview, "getting started" tutorials and news.
Professional XNA Game Programming for Xbox 360 and Windows (ISBN 978-0-470-12677-6) is the first book to come out. It is published by Wrox, (an imprint of Wiley) and retails for £26.99, details here.
Happy gaming,
Claire 
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Many of you will already know Mark Johnston from his work as an academic developer evangelist a few years ago. We are very glad that Mark has decided to come back to the Academic team as our new marketing manager. It seems that he always kept a soft spot for the academic world as evidenced by his recent blog posting An Introduction to WPF for Academics 
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The Microsoft UK Academic Team and Developmentor invite you to join us for two days of technical education and discussion. We are offering:
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An intense, dynamic and interactive event led by world-class instructors from Developmentor and Microsoft. |
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Deep technical insight into the principles and practice of the .NET Framework 3.0, including Windows Presentation Foundation, and Microsoft’s web development platform ASP.NET 2.0 |
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Chalk-and-talk sessions on pre-released Microsoft technologies led by Microsoft technology specialists |
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A chance to focus on higher education teaching and applying new technologies in your teaching |
The event is designed for academics and teaching staff based in UK Higher Education, who teach computer science, ICT or technology, and who want to better understand the Microsoft development platform.
The Academic Insight Event will be held at the Menzies Stourport Manor Hotel, Kidderminster, Worcs, from 12pm on 26 June to 12pm on 28 June 2007.
All training, equipment, meals, refreshments and accommodation are included in the fee of £150.00 (+VAT). All attendees will also receive a training manual and DVD plus an Academic Resource Kit containing books, software and teaching resources.
Register for the Academic Insight Conference
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment
Kate 
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The Microsoft Student Partner programme is a great way for students who are passionate about technology to work alongside Microsoft. As an MSP the students will receive training, resources, mentoring and more, in return they will act as our ambassadors on campus. The programme has been so successful this year that we want to extend it and have an MSP at every university next year. The deadline for applications is fast approaching - May 26th - so we are asking for your help in 2 ways:
1. Please send a short email to Stuart Leddy telling us who you wish to nominate and why t-sleddy@microsoft.com
and
2. Ask the student concerned to complete the simple application form on www.microsoft.com/uk/academia
So that we do not detract from their studies, ideal students are those in their penultimate year although we are happy to accept nominations for students in other years if you feel strongly that they are the most suitable. This really is a tremendous opportunity for the student, please see the testimonies on our website from those who took part this year.
Claire 
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Games are more fun when creative energies come together, that’s why we’re inviting gamers from all disciplines to collaborate in our XNA Game Development Competition.
Using Microsoft’s XNA software and the support of a vibrant and creative online community, you can bring your wildest ideas to life.
The theme is Ocean Odyssey and everyone is welcome, from programmers to pianists, sculptors to scriptwriters.
Individual and team entries will be judged by a panel of game industry experts – with £5,000 of great prizes to be won.
Enter the XNA Game Development Competition by 17th June 2007 and see where it takes you.
The journey starts here: www.xna-uk.net
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Due to overwhelming demand, places at our student conference, Slide 7, is almost fully subscribed. If you haven't already done so, please alert your students to this fantastic opportunity to come to our campus, learn about our latest web technologies and socialize with Microsoft staff at the BBQ by our lake.
Please encourage your students to register
Ed Dunhill
Developer Evangelist 
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The Microsoft Recruitment Team is running a Recruitment Open Evening on Thursday 7th June to showcase the exciting technical career opportunities.
Please pass this invitation to graduates or final year students that you know who may be interested in joining Microsoft in the following areas:
- Development
- Strategy Consulting
- Infrastructure
- Security Consulting
- Solution Architecture
- Technical Account Management
- Support Specialists
- Dynamics
- Sharepoint
- User Experience Consulting
Thursday 7th June at 6.30pm Reading
There will be presentations by Managers to showcase their businesses and the exciting opportunities within them. There will also be a chance for you to meet with Hiring Managers to personally ask them any questions that you may have regarding the technical careers available.
The Recruitment Team will also be on hand to discuss the interview process, selection and how to apply.
Schedule of Events:
6.30pm Sign in and Register
7.00pm Presentations from hiring managers
7.45pm Networking opportunity to talk to Hiring Managers and Recruitment Team.
*There will be refreshments at the event* To register your interest in this event, please click here.
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Microsoft is sponsoring the Investor in Education category of the e-Legacy awards. This category recognises the investment in the next generation of electronic engineers and welcomes nominations of companies or organisations that have:
- provided equipment to schools/universities or specialist clubs,
- established structured work placement schemes,
- contributed to extra curricula courses,
- and/or worked with you to motivate and encourage students to take an interest in electronics.
Obviously, you cannot nominate us :-) but if you would like to nominate someone then please visit http://www.epdonthenet.net/e-legacy/categories.asp
If you would like further information on how Microsoft can help support your curriculum then please contact me at ukmsacad@microsoft.com
Thanks
Claire Perry
Academic Information Manager 
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Those of you who have been following the Imagine Cup this year will already know that first place in the Software Design Challenge went to The Seedlings from the University of Hull. They have now won a place representing the UK in the global finals in Seoul, Korea.
2nd place went to CompUTeach from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and 3rd to Herts of Code from the University of Hertfordshire.
Well done to all the teams who took part!
....BUT the Software Design Challenge is only one of the nine ways to enter the Imagine Cup and so we are now pleased to announce that multiple students from the following universities have successfully completed round 1 in their category :
Bradford University De Montfort University Manchester University Swansea University University of Birmingham University of Cambridge University of Hull University of Kent University of Leicester University of Manchester University of Reading University of Stirling University of York
Round 2 ends on May 18th – that’s next Friday folks – so we wish them all the best of luck and will keep you posted about who will be joining The Seedlings on the plane to Korea.
To keep up-to-date with the global competition www.imaginecup.com
Good luck!
Claire
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I’m sure you feel that you on the final home run, the last couple of months before the long break. Well we’ve been busy pulling together a few events to keep you focused - hey it might even help you stay 5 minutes ahead of your students! J
Take a look at the selection of events below, but don’t wait too long to register as places are being booked as quickly as sausage off a BBQ.
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MSDN AA System Administrator Event 30th May 2007
A series of presentations using our virtualisation technology to bring you extensive live demonstrations showing how the individual products along with other server products come together in common scenarios. There will be opportunities to talk to the presenters and other Microsoft staff, technical and non-technical, to get your questions answered. This is the perfect event for those responsible for deploying MSDNAA. This event would be ideal if you are an IT professional / systems administrator and want to know more about Vista, Office 2007, Exchange 2007 and SharePoint Learning Toolkit.
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Academic Technology Day 30th May 2007
The aim of the Academic Technology day is to give you a high level overview of the current and future Microsoft developer platform and technologies enabling you to be at least 5 minutes ahead of your students. Presentations for teaching staff including; the next generation of C#, Silverlight (formerly known as WPF/E), Windows Mobile, .NET 3.0 + Visual Studio “Orcas” and XNA. In addition, this event will provide an overview of our thinking around these technologies and our roadmap for future development. This is the perfect event for getting an overview of the Microsoft business and direction
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Academic Insight Conference 26th - 28th June 2007
Come and experience two days of deep technical insight into the principles and practice of the .NET Framework 3.0, including Windows Presentation Foundation, and Microsoft’s web development platform ASP.NET 2.0 This residential conference gives you the chance to focus on higher education teaching and applying new technologies in your teaching. A great way to learn or update skills. |
Slide 7 – Microsoft web development for students
This event will cover the nuts and bolts of Microsoft web development technology as well as showcasing the latest developments. The day will include introductory and advanced sessions including ASP.NET, AJAX, Silverlight, Connected Mobile Development and Visual Studio Orcas all capped off with a BBQ by the lake!
Enjoy
Kate 
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