Microsoft can continue to provide high school teachers with great resources.
I have taught Computer Science for 16 years. I have taught regular Computer Science, with QBasic, VB6, and not teach with VB .NET and through the years my students and I have benefited from many Microsoft programs.
When we went to VB6, Microsoft provided software to our district. They have also provided curriculum materials through those many years.
I’ve used the Microsoft Educational website MainFunction while it was up and running. In fact, I provided a lesson plans for teaching VB6 with Alfred Thompson’s Teaching with Fundamentals and won a grant through MainFunction.
I’ve gone to several Microsoft sponsored staff development opportunities including last year’s game cruise.
I have also given back, and I try to respond whenever they want curriculum or other items evaluated. I don’t always get to get a response back but that means they are doing the job right. I am always ready to take a few moments to add constructive criticism when needed.
I’ve also participated in a local event where programmers code websites for local charities and done in Microsoft’s name.
In other words, I believe our relationship has been synergist and that both sides benefit (though I do believe that Microsoft has done much more for me than I can for them.)