Registration Deadline for Bliink 2012 Web Design Competition

Microsoft is pleased to announce the Bliink 2012 Illinois Web Design Competition. Student registration opens January 2, 2012. This year’s competition is co-sponsored by Illinois Institute of Technology, Illinois Technology Association, and the Chicago Public Schools. We hope educators will include Bliink in their lessons this winter and excite their students with this engaging, real-world team project and the cool prizes they can win by designing websites with Microsoft Expression® Studio.

Students will: · Dream big about how technology can make the world a better place · Learn more about the power of technology to solve real-world problems · Receive Microsoft Expression® Studio professional software at no charge · Develop career skills in design, technology, and communication · Create a website to communicate their learning and creativity · Be excited about the opportunity for local and regional recognition · Work hard to earn prizes that include Xbox 360 and Kinect · Feel pride and accomplishment in their success and learning

Teachers will: · Engage students with big ideas and meaningful problem-solving activities · Receive Expression Studio professional Web design software for their school at no charge · Appreciate the free teacher-created and class-room tested curriculum resources · Value the abundant resources and support with the contest and Expression Studio · Enjoy showcasing student skills and creativity

Bliink (www.bliinkcontest.com) is open to Illinois students ages 13-19 participating in teams of two to four. Students can submit projects created in or out of class. Contest registration begins January 2, 2012. Each participating student must register by February 28, 2012. Project submission deadline is March 20, 2012.

Visit Expression For Educators for free Expression Studio learning resources. Inquire about receiving Expression Studio software free of charge for your school: innovativeteachers@microsoft.com Students can download Expression Studio free of charge for their personal PCs at DreamSpark after they register for the contest and receive a DreamSpark access code. Complete details are posted on the Bliink website.

Email questions to Pat Phillips at innovativeteachers@microsoft.com.