Educators have come to us with recurring concerns about bringing classroom experiences to life. The pandemic drove out brick and mortar learning, but technology kept learning possible. Although in-person learning has returned, students, guardians, and school staff will continually see an increase in technology’s presence.
Lack of student engagement can seem like an untamed beast. You are aware every class has its unique mix of students. We know your task as an educator to keep your students engaged is not easy. What may have worked two or three years ago for a fantastic classroom experience can put students in a daydream today. It is hard to make an impact and teach fundamental skills when your students have difficulty focusing.
We will briefly cover how Microsoft 365 and Office 365 features can help solve these areas of concern. We hope to provide you with information that will assist in your planning for an impactful 2022-2023 school year.
Classroom Tools from Microsoft 365 and Office 365
Your students are accustomed to technology. Microsoft 365 and Office 365 feature Classroom experience in Microsoft Teams (CEMT), bringing technology to students’ fingertips collaboratively and creatively. The Microsoft 365 and Office 365 feature allows seamless interaction even when students are not in the same room – enhancing critical thinking and communication skills. If a student is absent from their group project or cannot make it to your office hours, CEMT has video calling, offering another option for face-to-face communication. Students no longer have limited involvement because of their location.
Microsoft 365 and Office 365 CEMT can also benefit students with apps, such as OneNote, offering an innovative way for students to turn in work and receive feedback. Students may use OneNote as a digital notebook. There are sections available to stay organized with different subjects and lessons. Students can share OneNote links with their classmates and collaborative pages for students to work with their peers on group assignments.
CEMT offers tools to collaborate with fellow educators to exchange ideas to help your students in your classroom better. “Teachers get a digital hub for classrooms and professional learning all in one area,” stated an Omaha Public School IMS Executive Director.
Your student’s imagination expands when you add Microsoft Whiteboard into any classroom. As you know, visual aids support students with various learning styles. Microsoft Whiteboard allows students to draw, type, upload photos, and more in one place and from anywhere. Microsoft Whiteboard also automatically saves changes. Students can see additions in real-time as their peers edit and collaborate across devices. You may also project Microsoft Whiteboard in your classroom. Or use Microsoft Whiteboard for your students to illustrate data interpretations, storylines, or any visual queue that can reinforce their understanding of your lessons.
Learn more here: Digital Online Whiteboard App – Microsoft Whiteboard
Students that learn by having fun are immersed in their classroom experience. Many students are familiar with Minecraft and can now know how to code while playing. There are also over 600 standards-aligned lessons with Minecraft Education including coursework in coding, STEM, History, Language Arts and more. Students can collaborate with each other using multiplayer. Students can even teach their classmates lessons as Minecraft Student Ambassadors. Minecraft Education also has tutorials to guide you on making the most of the program for your classes.
Microsoft 365 and Office 365 include CEMT, OneNote Class Notebook, and Microsoft Whiteboard. Only Microsoft 365, however, features Minecraft Education with Code Builder.
Planning For a Great School Year
Utilizing classroom tools from Microsoft 365 and Office 365 such as CEMT, One Note, Whiteboard, and Minecraft Education brings technology and learning together for your students. Students who do not participate in classroom activities may miss opportunities for deeper understanding. Every student can benefit from having full knowledge of the lessons you cover. When we meet students where they are in their interests, they learn on their terms. Students take ownership of their education.
Our team of experts is happy to help you determine if Microsoft 365 or Office 365 is the best fit for you and your classroom. We can also set up your Microsoft or Office 365 licenses, so you are up and running by the incoming school year.