(Originally published on June 10, 2024 by Microsoft 365 Insider Engagement Team)
As the school year winds down and graduation caps are poised to fly, it's time to reflect on the journey and look forward to new beginnings. Whether you're a teacher tidying up after a year of inspiring young minds or a student stepping boldly into the future, Microsoft 365 is here to ensure your transition is relaxing as a nap in a backyard hammock.
For educators: Evaluate and coordinate with ease
Teachers, you've done it! Another year of molding the future is nearly in the books. But before you close the classroom door, make sure that getting the grades in and coordinating final projects goes as smoothly as possible.
Make grading a snap with AI in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams for Education now uses artificial intelligence (AI) for a variety of cool new features, including automatically generating assignment instructions and grading rubrics (in the Assignments module); creating and organizing class resources (in Classwork); and producing AI-generated passages and comprehension questions (in Reading Progress). As an educator, you can use these tools to save time and enhance your lessons while exciting students with new technology tools. Learn more.
OneNote integrates with Loop for end-of-the-year collaboration
You already know about the power of OneNote, the powerful digital notebook application that helps you capture and organize your notes, ideas, and data all in one place.
We’re excited to announce that OneNote now integrates with Microsoft Loop, the app that has transformed collaboration. You can create and insert Loop components directly from the Insert menu in OneNote, making it even easier to share, edit, and create with your students and colleagues as you close the school year (or start thinking about the next one). Learn more.
Create forms and quizzes with Excel and Stream integration
Microsoft Forms makes it easy to create quizzes that engage your students and check for retention as we approach end-of-the-year exams. Now we’ve added even more integration with other Microsoft applications. You can sync any form or quiz data with Excel in real time, making it simple to update and track progress. Create a quiz in practice mode, allowing students to review material without feeling like they’re being tested. And you can now insert a quiz directly into any Microsoft Stream video, which gauges student comprehension and invites them to actively engage with the material. Learn more.
Motivate summer readers with Reading Coach
Microsoft Reading Coach helps students improve their reading comprehension and fluency by providing AI-driven feedback and guidance. They can use this fun tool to practice reading aloud and access personalized recommendations for how to improve.
Now, just in time for summer reading, Reading Coach has released a new feature that allows users to unlock special rewards! After each 20-minute reading block, readers can access a fun new character or story setting. Also, in preparation for summer professional development, educators can now take the Microsoft Learn Reading Coach course for free! Learn more.
For students: Stepping into tomorrow
Congrats on finishing another school year! But before you dive into summer, wrap up those final projects and freshen up that resume so you’re ready to put your best foot forward.
Create cool projects and memories with Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a versatile, easy-to-use video editor that you can use for school projects or just for fun. The app, which integrates with both Teams and PowerPoint, allows you to import and trim your video clips; add transitions, filters, and text; and easily export and share your videos.
We’re excited to announce that Clipchamp is coming to Microsoft 365 Education! Beginning June 23, 2024, Education customers can access Clipchamp to make amazing videos with ease. Whether it’s recording an experiment, presenting research, or producing multimedia projects (such as end-of-the-year videos), Clipchamp can make your schoolwork fun and memorable. Learn more.
Craft your future with Word
Whether you’re looking for a summer job or starting your career, a stylish resume can help you stand out from the crowd. Make sure your accomplishments are given the first-class treatment they deserve with a smart-looking resume that tells the world, “Here I am!” When crafting your document, be sure to leverage the latest formatting options available in Word for the web, including multiple columns and headers and footers. Learn more.
Nail the presentation with PowerPoint
End-of-year project or interview presentations can be daunting, but not with PowerPoint's Speaker Coach feature. This AI-driven tool will critique your practice runs with actionable feedback, including notes on pace, body language, filler words, pronunciation, and repetition. Make sure you deliver a performance that’s compelling and engaging with the latest PowerPoint technologies. Learn more.
Stay connected with Microsoft 365 Insider
As we say goodbye to another school year and hello to new adventures, remember that Microsoft 365 is here to support you every step of the way. And don't forget to stay connected with the Microsoft 365 Insider program. You'll get early access to new features, updates, and the community support you need to make the most of your Microsoft 365 experience.
Here's to a successful wrap-up and an even brighter future. Cheers to new beginnings and the tools that help us keep learning and growing!
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