Microsoft introduced new technological tools and updates designed to help educators create a holistic learning environment by supporting five key areas: student centricity, skills focus, social learning, safety, security and scalability.
In partnership with YouGov, Microsoft found that 71-percent of K-12 educators felt technology has helped them improve their instruction and expanded their teaching capacity. With the rise of digital classrooms and hybrid learning environments, Microsoft recognizes the importance of helping teachers find new ways to engage students remotely.
New tools and solutions launched include Reading Progress, which is designed to enhance students reading skills remotely, as well as features like Group Assignments and third-party app integrations in Microsoft Teams that will empower educators and support students in their classroom experience. Other updates include the availability of Minecraft: Education Edition outside the classroom and the launch of Reflect, a Microsoft Teams app that provides teachers with capabilities that support their students’ well-being virtually.
“We are grateful for the resilience and commitment educators have displayed in evolving their teaching styles over the past year, and we aim to keep supporting them to deliver quality education for their students during these challenging times,” said Larry Nelson, regional general manager, Education, Microsoft Asia.
Reading Progress helps educators save time by creating reading fluency assignments, visualize reading progress with a holistic view of data and insights, and engage students in independent practice. Available prior to the next school year, Reading Progress is free for all students and teachers using Microsoft Teams for Education, and is compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Meanwhile, the enhanced version of Microsoft Teams and other tools to help educators unlock digital experiences that complement and enrich in-person learning will also be available ahead of the next school year.
To ensure students’ safety in digital and physical spaces, Microsoft is launching Supervised Chat in Teams. Available later this month, this feature allows designated educators to initiate chats with students, while preventing students from starting new chats unless an appropriate educator is present to ensure students engage in safe discussions.
According to Nelson, innovation will continue to transform learning experiences and stands to help prepare students for their futures. “We are honored to partner with educators and schools across Asia in our mission to help every student on the planet achieve more,” he said.
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