Microsoft: 34 K-12 Schools and School Districts that have Signed on to use Windows 8

After it was announced that Apple has won a contract a $30 Million iPad contract with L.A. Unified School District. Microsoft has announced a similar deal today.

In a press release, Microsoft revealed that, “a new collection of 34 K-12 schools and school districts that have signed on to use Windows 8 to inspire collaboration and creativity in the classroom, improve student learning outcomes, and better prepare students for the workforce ahead.”

This might not be as big a deal as the Apple’s $30 million iPad contract, however this shows that Microsoft is still dominating the education market.

According to the report:

With its cloud foundation, Windows 8 lends a flexible, anywhere-anytime learning experience across a range of devices. Designed to help students and teachers consume and create content, Windows 8 devices are ready for the modern Office applications that customers choose to install, applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and OneNote. Windows RT devices come with Office Home and Student 2013 RT, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, already installed. Microsoft also recently announced that the Windows 8.1 update for Windows RT devices, due later this year, will include Outlook 2013 RT as well. Windows 8 devices drive further efficiency as they can connect to 450 million peripherals that schools already own, including printers, projectors and assistive technology.

“Educators who experience the difference of a touch tablet running Windows 8 realize that with one device, they can have both a touch tablet and a laptop with no compromises,” said Margo Day, vice president of U.S. Education, Microsoft. “Teachers using Windows 8 tell us they are seeing a renewed excitement to learn among their students and that Windows and Office are the tools they need to prepare students to succeed in college and career.”

“What I love about Windows 8 is that it flattens the learning environment for an improved, more interactive classroom dialogue between teachers and students,” said Chris White, director of technology at Somers Central School District in New York, which is deploying Dell Latitude 10 tablets with Windows 8 and Office 365 for Education for 1,675 teachers and students in grades 6-12.

“As just consumption devices, iPads could only take us so far – they weren’t great in front of the classroom,” White said. “Teaching with Windows 8 devices is more personalized and project-based to better reflect the college- and career-ready skills that will be required of students once they graduate.”

Some may beg to differ.

The Company also announced special pricing directly to schools and universities in 26 markets around the globe, including the U.S., for a limited time. Between June 17, 2013, and Aug. 31, 2013, K-12 and higher education institutions can purchase any amount of Surface RT (32 GB) devices for $199, with the Touch Cover for $249 and with the Type Cover for $289while supplies last.