A MAJOR international conference in Cape Town closed on a high note when three organisations promised R7million to educate children about the environment.

Microsoft, the Smithsonian Institution and TakingITGlobal committed more than R7million to the educational programme "Shout".

The conference was organised by Microsoft and brought together 500 teachers from across the world to share experiences.

Using technology, teachers and pupils will study the effects of deforestation on the world's environment. Once a teacher logs into an online event, they will be able to connect with millions of other teachers, and download teaching materials.

The conference ended on Friday.

TakingITGlobal co-founder Michael Furdyk said: "Shout is driven by the concept that students can and should direct their learning both inside and outside the classroom, with teachers collaborating."

"Shout" grew out of a pilot program launched by Microsoft and TakingITGlobal at a Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Forum in Singapore earlier this year.