Based on feedback from leaders and educators in the field, we’ve made key updates to the AI Toolkit. From role-specific entry points to new AI Navigators, these enhancements are designed to empower your institution’s AI journey at every stage. Whether your institution is just getting started or looking to expand, you’ll find tools and resources you need to confidently advance your AI adoption.

Read on to discover the latest enhancements to the AI Toolkit.

AI Snapshots: Choose your path to AI success

Sometimes just getting started with AI is the hardest part. Our expanded AI Snapshots make adopting AI more accessible than ever. These strategic entry points provide step-by-step guidance for a variety of roles in your institution, ensuring that no matter your position, you can confidently integrate AI into your work.

AI snapshots offer ready-to-use solutions to everyday challenges. You’ll find helpful instructions, starting prompts, and iteration ideas to assist you in utilizing Microsoft AI tools effectively to achieve your goals. From generating data-driven student support recommendations to creating custom cybersecurity promptbooks, these AI Snapshots unlock powerful ways to enhance AI integration across your institution.

AI Navigators: Learn from real-world AI success stories

Curious about how other education institutions are adopting AI? The AI Navigators section of the toolkit highlights real-world examples of education institutions leading the way in AI adoption. These profiles offer insights into each Navigator’s research, experimentation, testing, and deployment of generative AI solutions, helping you follow in their footsteps and apply those lessons to your own institution.

We’ve added two new case studies to give you more inspiration: Auburn University and the Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School. These navigators showcase how AI can enhance learning, boost efficiency, and build a culture of innovation. Use their stories to inspire your own AI strategy as you take your first steps towards AI adoption.

Take a closer look at how Auburn University empowers thousands of students, faculty, and staff to explore new ways of using AI with Microsoft Copilot. Play the video to get a glimpse of their AI journey in action.

Discover more insights from these stories in the toolkit and check out the following videos to get inspiration on how to implement AI at your own institution:

• Learn how the Northern Ireland Education Authority leverages Copilot to drive equity across their schools.
• Uncover how the University of Sydney utilizes the power of Azure OpenAI to allow professors to create their own AI assistants.
• Reveal how Coquitlam School District #43 partners with Microsoft to build secure infrastructure and enhance data insights.

Technical implementation guides: Optimize your AI rollout

One of the most important aspects of AI implementation is ensuring that your institution’s technology infrastructure can support it. We’ve expanded our collection of technical implementation guides, which provide detailed support for IT and education leaders. These guides outline the technical steps necessary to implement Microsoft AI solutions effectively and securely, helping you overcome common challenges and optimize the rollout process.

These detailed guides provide step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and secure rollout of Microsoft AI solutions like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure AI Studio. Each guide includes a dedicated “How to use” section, providing practical insights to help your team quickly and confidently get started using these AI tools.

The guides cover a range of Microsoft AI solutions, including:

• Microsoft Copilot
• Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Copilot in Windows
• Copilot for Security
• Azure AI Studio
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• GitHub Copilot

Empower your IT team and leaders to implement Microsoft AI solutions across your institution.

Discover more ways to advance your AI journey

In addition to the AI Toolkit, these training resources offer practical insights and guidance that support your institution’s AI strategy. Whether you’re focused on classroom integration, technical skills, or exploring new AI-driven possibilities, these resources can help you build a strong foundation for success.

• AI for education resources and learning opportunities: Engage with a variety of resources and training modules on how to use AI for educational purposes with Microsoft.
• AI for educators learning pathway: Explore the potential of AI in education, enhance teaching and learning with Copilot, and equip and support learners.
• AI classroom Toolkit: Support educators with a creative learning resource that helps teach students how to use generative AI safely and responsibly.
• Microsoft Copilot scenario library: Get inspired with guidance by roles and departments such as IT, HR, Legal, Communications, Operations, and more.
• Copilot technical skilling resources: Use this collection of kits, learning paths, Microsoft Mechanics videos, resources for developers, and upcoming events for Microsoft 365 Copilot to dive deeper into the technical aspects of Copilot.

Whether you’re just starting with AI or refining your existing strategy, the updated Microsoft Education AI Toolkit has everything you need to integrate AI seamlessly into your institution. Take the next steps to unlock AI’s full potential in education.

The post Strengthen your AI strategy with the updated Microsoft Education AI Toolkit appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

This year, inspire your students to build a strong foundation for AI literacy with Minecraft Education and Microsoft resources, opening doors to exciting, AI-powered careers.

Build AI literacy and fuel STEM fascination with Minecraft Education

Minecraft Education’s AI Foundations offers an exciting opportunity to integrate AI literacy into your STEM lessons in a fun, interactive way. This comprehensive resource is designed for learners ages 8 and above and turns abstract AI concepts into immersive learning experiences through a platform they already love.

Featuring bite-sized animated videos, free teaching materials, a parent guide, and imaginative new Minecraft worlds where players solve real world problems and explore AI-related careers, AI Foundations builds AI literacy and fosters a love for problem-solving and creativity. Explore these three exciting offerings from AI Foundations.

Discover the power of AI through Fantastic Fairgrounds

Kick off your AI literacy lessons with the Fantastic Fairgrounds world, which introduces students to AI through engaging gameplay. They’ll assist Park Director Leslie in solving real-world problems in the park’s pavilions. Through interactive, hands-on challenges, students explore foundational AI concepts, practice data analysis, and tackle dilemmas. By the end of this experience, students will have a better understanding of AI fundamentals and gain insights into potential AI career paths.

Harness AI to address global challenges in AI for Earth

Help your students dive deeper into AI’s real-world potential through the AI for Earth collection. With five engaging lessons, students are introduced to how AI can help solve environmental challenges such as water quality monitoring, ocean observations, and sustainable farming. Each lesson highlights the tangible ways AI can be a force for good in addressing global issues.

Through these lessons, students will develop their problem-solving skills and gain deeper insights into how AI can make a difference in areas like environmental sustainability. Whether your students aspire to be engineers, data scientists, or policymakers, this collection demonstrates AI’s broader impact.

Journey into the world of AI with AI Adventures videos

Explore AI with your students in the exciting AI Adventures video series. These three bite-sized videos make AI approachable for everyone. Your students will join two curious companions as they discover the wonders of AI, its problem-solving capabilities, and the importance of responsible AI usage. The series, produced in partnership with Microsoft’s Democracy Forward initiative, begins with AI 101: Building the Basics, where an unlikely pair of friends learn how AI systems work.

The series also contains AI in Action: Using AI Tools Responsibly and AI for Good: Solving Problems with AI. Both videos underscore the importance of trustworthy AI use. These videos are not only informative but also fun, making them a great way to break down complex ideas.

By integrating AI literacy through Minecraft Education, educators empower students with essential STEM skills that combine problem-solving, creativity, and data-driven thinking with real-world AI applications. As AI becomes central to STEM fields like environmental science, healthcare, and technology, building these foundational skills prepares students for dynamic careers that drive innovation. Whether they aim to be engineers, data scientists, or researchers, these resources make AI a tangible and transformative part of STEM learning, ensuring students are ready to lead in a world where AI plays an essential role in shaping the future.

If you’re looking for even more ways to integrate AI into learning experiences, check out:

• Minecraft Prompt Lab: Learn how to use Microsoft Copilot with sample prompts to create dynamic game-based learning experiences.
• Hour of Code: Generation AI: Explore engaging coding tutorials that introduce students to AI concepts and considerations.

Teach foundational generative AI concepts with our classroom toolkit

The AI Classroom Toolkit is a creative resource that blends engaging narrative stories with instructional information to create an immersive learning experience for educators and students aged 13-15 years. Available in multiple languages, the AI Classroom Toolkit is accessible to a wide range of students, making it a versatile resource for fostering digital and AI literacy in diverse educational settings.

The toolkit is designed to assist you in initiating important conversations about responsible AI practices in the classroom. Students will gain valuable insights and develop practical skills to enhance their digital safety including:

• Fact-checking
• Cultivating good digital hygiene habits
• Safeguarding their data privacy
• Adopting strategies to manage their mental wellbeing effectively

This adaptable resource allows you to cover everything in a single lesson or break the information into four parts to offer more time for discussion and reflection. It also features guided “Try It Yourself” activities that let students explore various AI tools and applications. These hands-on experiences enrich the lessons, but aren’t essential for achieving the core learning objectives, offering flexibility for classrooms regardless of their adoption of generative AI tools.

Use this quick video guide to help you plan how to use the toolkit with your students. It offers practical tips on structuring your teaching sessions, ensuring students grasp the essentials of generative AI at a comfortable pace. If you’re comfortable with generative AI concepts and ready to start using the toolkit, this may be the easiest place to begin.

Empower your classroom with AI literacy skills

If you’re interested in learning more about AI on your own, check out our AI for educators learning pathway. It offers modules that break down essential AI concepts and showcase real-world applications that can enrich your classroom. From automating routine tasks to supporting personalized learning, you’ll discover practical and interesting ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning with tools like Microsoft Copilot.

As technology continues to advance, the need for qualified professionals in AI-fueled STEM fields will only increase. National STEM Day is an opportunity to ignite your students’ passion for STEM and equip them with the vital AI literacy they need to thrive in the future. Use these resources and tools from Minecraft Education and Microsoft to help you innovate on November 8 and empower students to become active participants in shaping the AI-powered world of tomorrow.

The post Full STEM ahead: Inspire students with AI-powered innovation on National STEM Day 2024 appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Through Minecraft’s Hour of Code activities, students of all ages can dive into computer science in fun, interactive ways that spark creativity, develop problem-solving and critical thinking, and build a foundational knowledge of basic coding.

Microsoft is empowering classrooms worldwide to connect through the power of computer science. Together, with Code.org, we’ve brought programs like Minecraft Hour of Code to students around the world, making coding fun, accessible, and engaging. The impact has been huge with Minecraft Hour of Code reaching nearly 300 million sessions since 2016.

Code the show, save the day with Minecraft

Step into a vibrant theater world to help save the day in Minecraft’s Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On! In this new Hour of Code adventure, students will explore the theater to find the missing star, the Agent, while solving fun coding puzzles and interacting with lively characters. They will unlock hidden gags, customize the show, and plan an unforgettable performance.

Students can help the Agent overcome stage fright as they navigate backstage areas like the Dance Studio and Prop Department. For the grand finale, they will customize the stage show with their creative input and watch their coding skills come to life!

In this year’s exciting Hour of Code experience, students will: 

• Explore the theater to find the missing Agent and help them find their coding confidence. 
• Solve engaging coding puzzles throughout the venue.
• Team up with the Agent to create the Minecraft Hour of Code Extravaganza.
• Share their unique vision and grand finale with their friends.

While navigating the theater and discovering various departments, students will use the power of code to: 

• Compose toe-tapping tunes in the Recording Studio. 
• Choreograph dazzling dance routines in the Dance Studio.   
• Craft eye-catching props in the Prop Department. 
• Create show-stopping costumes in the Wardrobe. 

Explore Minecraft’s Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On! today, and plan to join millions of students worldwide to celebrate the power of code during Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) December 9-15, 2024.

Join the global Hour of Code movement

In addition to this year’s new adventure, explore our growing collection of Minecraft Hour of Code activities that are available throughout the year. Each self-guided activity is approximately one hour long and can serve as a fun and creative introduction to coding and computer science.

• Generation AI: Venture through time to create AI-powered inventions. Students learn about the principles of Responsible AI through problem solving, creativity, and computational thinking.
• Escape Estate: Use coding and computational thinking to solve puzzles and escape from Dr. Breakowski’s mysterious mansion.
• Minecraft Timecraft: Travel back in time to save the future. Students choose their adventure and learn basic coding concepts to correct mysterious mishaps throughout history.
• Minecraft Tale of Two Villages: Leverage the power of code to bring the two villages together. Students develop cooperation and empathy while learning computer science skills.

Throughout the entire collection, students can develop core coding skills like:

• Problem solving: Develop logical thinking to create unique solutions.
• Debugging: Identify and resolve errors in code.
• Computational thinking: Create strategies and structures to solve challenges.

These fun coding activities bring a unique opportunity for you and your students to learn and play together while practicing interdisciplinary skills like collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Minecraft Education resources to support teaching and learning

If you’re new to Minecraft Education or need a refresher, our training materials will help you navigate the platform with ease, understand its features, and guide your students through engaging activities. These resources can help you design meaningful tasks, set clear objectives, and effectively assess learning. Tailored for all experience levels, you can use these tools to incorporate Minecraft Education into your teaching practice and confidently lead your students through an Hour of Code.

Explore these popular resources to get started:

• Minecraft Education Teacher Academy: This four-part series, led by Microsoft Certified Educator Michael Barrett, will teach you pedagogical strategies for planning, assessing, and structuring Minecraft Education activities.
• Minecraft Trainer Academy: This module guides you through best practices for preparing and facilitating Minecraft Education training for your organization.
• Facilitate a Minecraft Hour of Code experience: This module equips you to successfully lead an Hour of Code session using Minecraft Education.
• Minecraft block coding academy: This learning path teaches you how to use Minecraft Education to teach programming skills and concepts to learners at all levels.

Deepen learning and student engagement with Minecraft Education

With Minecraft Education, Kent School District students are building critical skills for the future, such as AI literacy and coding. Recognizing Minecraft Education’s value, the district invested in scaled professional development to enable educators to effectively use this platform for teaching and learning. This initiative drove the integration of Minecraft Education across the curriculum in subjects ranging from chemistry and geography to library use as well as computer classes and English Language Arts (ELA). Since incorporating Minecraft Education as part of their Microsoft licensing agreement, Kent School District has seen a significant increase in student engagement.

“Every single time I use Minecraft, it makes my job easier,” says Mike Cline, an educator with Kent School District. “I see my students doing what they love and being creative. They have a spark in their eyes when they have the opportunity to show themselves—who they really are—or learn something new in Minecraft. Minecraft is another useful tool for my students, one that can make learning more fun: allowing them to do amazing things that help make the world a better place.”

Hour of Code is a perfect opportunity to ignite your students’ passion for coding—whether during CSEdWeek or anytime throughout the year. With Minecraft’s Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On!, your students can experience the excitement of coding while developing essential future-ready skills. Join millions of students worldwide in celebrating the global Hour of Code movement and watch your students bring their ideas to life—one line of code at a time!

The post Code, create, and take the spotlight: Minecraft’s Hour of Code 2024 appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

A July 2024 Forrester report commissioned by Microsoft found that education institutions using Azure OpenAI Service saw improved student outcomes, streamlined operations, and increased access to technology. By Year 3, they are expected to boost content generation efficiency by 30% to 60% and improve chatbot resolution rates by 20% to 50%, driving positive impacts on graduation and employment rates.

As AI adoption accelerates, institutions must also prioritize trust by focusing on scalable security, data privacy, and governance measures. Microsoft supports this transition with AI solutions that integrate built-in protections, addressing risks such as prompt injections and bias, while maintaining data privacy and compliance to safeguard institutions.

Join us as we explore five key use cases of generative AI in higher education, along with examples of institutions that have successfully implemented AI to deliver more equitable and personalized student experiences.

1. Around-the-clock real-time campus support

As student expectations evolve, meeting their demand for around-the-clock support has become a critical factor in student satisfaction and institutional efficiency. For example, Tecnológico de Monterrey’s TECgpt is an AI platform that offers quick access to information like tuition, scholarships, and campus services, allowing users to retrieve personal details, such as scholarship status, within minutes.

Similarly, the University of South Florida improved response times and reduced staff workloads by automating IT ticketing with Azure OpenAI, launching an AI-powered Help Desk in just one week. The University of Hong Kong has also deployed several Azure OpenAI-powered chatbots to handle IT queries, administrative tasks, and course selection, freeing staff to focus on more complex issues. Education leaders are automating routine tasks and delivering personalized academic assistance at scale, boosting retention and accelerating graduation rates while streamlining operations.

I can invest more time in people now that I don’t have to worry about those recurring repetitive tasks because people are what it’s all about. It is revolutionizing all our workflows, our teaching, and our learning spaces quite rapidly. With Copilot, we’re able to do things bigger, better, but also equitably across the university space. It’s changing the way we do everything, and that is a big deal.

Tim Henkel, Assistant Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, University of South Florida (USF)

AI innovations are reshaping how institutions engage with students by offering around-the-clock support for inquiries about housing, student life, and campus services, significantly enhancing the overall student experience. These AI tools also provide personalized academic and career guidance, helping students select courses, optimize degree plans, and receive tailored advising.

Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants streamline the financial aid process, guiding students through eligibility requirements, deadlines, and submissions, ensuring timely completion. Through AI integration, institutions can deliver responsive, student-centered services while improving operational efficiency, ultimately enriching the campus experience.

2. Personalize learning experiences at scale

In an environment where institutional success depends on student engagement and outcomes, personalized learning is becoming a strategic priority. With Data Science in Microsoft Fabric and Azure AI Services, institutions can integrate real-time data analysis from their LMS, leveraging AI to customize lessons, content, and pacing based on student performance.  AI tutors provide personalized, instant feedback, helping students make continuous progress and tackle challenging tasks with confidence. These tools empower institutions to deliver adaptive learning tailored to each student’s needs.

The Azure OpenAI Service provided remarkably high-quality hints generated by GPT-4 from a robust and scalable API that reliably handled heavy loads from hundreds of students working simultaneously near homework deadlines.

John DeNero, Faculty Director and Associate Teaching Professor, UC Berkeley

Universities around the world are leveraging AI to improve student outcomes and streamline administrative tasks. At the University of Sydney, the Cogniti platform utilizes AI teaching assistants to tailor feedback and adjust learning paths, boosting student engagement and academic success. IU International University of Applied Sciences in Germany offers an AI study buddy, Syntea, with always-available multilingual support and enhanced student engagement through personalized feedback. It also reduces course completion times by 27%, all while seamlessly integrating across platforms like myCampus and Microsoft Teams.

Similarly, UC Berkeley’s 61A-Bot, a specialized AI assistant powered by Azure OpenAI Service, has significantly enhanced student learning by providing real-time support and reducing homework completion times in their computer science courses. As institutions worldwide adopt AI-driven solutions, education leaders are transforming both learning personalization and operational efficiency, driving significant improvements in student success.

3. Accelerate learning for all with multi-language support

AI improves educational access by offering multi-language support through real-time translation, note-taking, and content delivery, enabling all students to engage fully in their preferred language. Flexible learning options allow students to review materials at their own pace, while chatbots offer seamless language transitions and targeted support to enhance comprehension and engagement.

By utilizing the advanced language models in Azure OpenAI Service, Cool English is taking an innovative step for English education in Taiwan, helping students reach their learning goals and overcome the challenges of limited opportunities for real-life conversational and writing practice.

Dr. Hao-Jan Howard Chen, Professor, Department of English at National Taiwan Normal University

This potential is already being realized through initiatives like National Taiwan Normal University’s “Cool English” platform, powered by Azure OpenAI, which has helped over 1.4 million students enhance their English skills through adaptive, conversational practice. Similarly, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) developed a multilingual chatbot to help EFL students write essays in English, offering seamless language switching and personalized guidance outside class hours. Powered by Azure OpenAI’s advanced models, the chatbot provides feedback and answers questions to help students improve their writing without generating essays for them. AI-powered language tools help create inclusive learning environments, enhance student outcomes, and attract a diverse international student body.

4. Accelerate academic research

AI is transforming academic research by accelerating discovery and innovation, and automating tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and report generation. In April 2023, Microsoft Research launched the Accelerating Foundation Models Research (AFMR) initiative to accelerate the use of large-scale AI models in academia. Through Azure AI Services, AFMR provides universities with access to powerful foundation models, supporting research in fields such as healthcare, scientific discovery, and multicultural empowerment. With over 200 projects in 15 countries, AFMR is building a global AI research community.

If you have a really good idea, it’s very hard to just search the literature and try to find everything. This is sort of like having a super adviser, a brilliant astronomer with an encyclopedic memory who can say, ‘Well, that could be a very good idea and here’s why,’ or ‘That’s likely a bad idea and here’s why.’

Alyssa Goodman, Robert Wheeler Wilson Professor of Applied Astronomy, Harvard University

Universities are harnessing foundation models to accelerate scientific discovery and hypothesis generation. A collaboration between astronomers at Harvard University and The Australian National University has led to the development of an astronomy-focused chat application that utilizes GPT-4. This tool draws from over 300,000 astronomy papers, helping researchers extract key information and analyze data to develop new theories.

At Georgia Tech, researchers are utilizing Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service to analyze global EV charging data, uncovering insights for policy development and improving infrastructure reliability to support sustainable and equitable EV adoption. With AI solutions like Azure OpenAI Service, higher education institutions can automate repetitive tasks, improve collaboration, and scale research efforts, all while ensuring data security and focusing on high-impact academic work.

5. Trustworthy AI for education

There is a critical need for organizations to deploy AI responsibly. As AI transforms education, decision makers must ensure these systems are secure, private, and fair. A key strategy is to choose AI platforms with built-in safeguards, like content filtering and bias detection. For example, South Australia’s Department for Education successfully piloted EdChat, an AI chatbot powered by Azure AI, which protects 1,500 students across eight schools from harmful content while empower educators to focus on the benefits.

Equally important is the protection of sensitive student information. With built-in features to safeguard text content, including moderation and groundedness detection, institutions can ensure responsible AI deployment while protecting student data with enterprise-grade security and robust privacy measures to prevent breaches.

Key principles of trustworthy AI:

• Security: AI systems must be resilient against threats.
• Safety: AI must operate reliably in sensitive environments like classrooms.
• Privacy: Protecting personal data is essential to maintain trust.

AI is not just a tool—it’s the catalyst for a new era in education. By enhancing student support, personalizing learning, and accelerating academic research, AI empowers institutions to break down barriers, expand access, and create more inclusive and innovative learning environments. Those who embrace AI today will lead the future of education, building adaptable, forward-thinking institutions focused on student success.

The question is no longer if AI should be integrated, but how quickly it can be implemented to unlock its full potential. The future of education is here—is your institution ready to lead it?

Ready to transform your institution with AI? Partner with Microsoft to unlock new possibilities and drive educational success:

• Explore how AI can empower your institution.
• Download the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit.
• Use this Microsoft Learn Collection to explore, build, and deploy AI solutions with Azure AI Studio.

The post How higher education is reimagining student experiences with Azure OpenAI Service appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

We’re over the moon to introduce two new stellar additions to our universe: the James Webb Space Telescope Challenge and Artemis: Moon Base One. These exciting new worlds join our existing Artemis mission series, creating an out-of-this-world journey that will take students from Earth to the Moon and beyond.

Unveiling the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered what secrets the universe holds?  Now you can introduce your students to the wonders of space with the new James Webb Space Telescope Challenge. Developed in collaboration with NASA and aligned with global science curricula for ages 8-14, this immersive lesson offers a hands-on journey through space exploration. Students will learn about the telescope’s mission, star formation, planets, galaxies, and exoplanet, as well as participate in a creative solar system-building challenge.

As students embark on their cosmic adventure, they’ll tackle essential questions that drive real astronomers: What exactly is the James Webb Space Telescope, and what can it do? How do stars and planets differ? And how can we model the vast structures of our universe?

Imagine walking into a virtual Solar System Room, where a magnificent diorama of our cosmic neighborhood awaits. With a simple click, students can interact with each celestial body, uncovering the secrets of planet sizes, types, and even their distinctive colors. Did you know that Mars is red due to iron oxide on its surface, or that Uranus appears cyan because of methane in its atmosphere? These are just a few of the fascinating facts students will discover.

But the journey doesn’t stop at our solar system. In the Star Formation and Types module, learners will dive into the lifecycle of stars, from birth in nebulae to their eventual fate. They’ll explore the characteristics of different star classes, from the scorching blue-white O-class stars like Zeta Ophiuchi to the cooler, orange K-class stars like Aldebaran.

The adventure continues in the Galaxy Room, where students meet the charismatic NPC Dr. Ceres. Under her guidance, they’ll unravel the mysteries of our Milky Way and venture into the realm of other galaxies. Black holes, nebulae, and the grand structures of the universe all come to life in this captivating virtual space.

But the real excitement begins with the Build Challenge. Here, students become cosmic architects, designing their own solar systems or even galaxies! They’ll grapple with decisions that mirror those of real planetary scientists: What type of central star (or black hole!) will anchor their system? How many planets will orbit it? Will there be asteroid belts? As they build, they’ll apply everything they’ve learned about planet types, sizes, and compositions.

Throughout their journey, students can document their discoveries using in-game cameras and journals, creating a record of their cosmic explorations. This simulated scientific expedition takes them to the farthest reaches of the universe, all from the comfort of their classroom or home.

The James Webb Space Telescope Challenge ignites curiosity, fosters scientific thinking, and inspires the next generation of space explorers. By the end of this experience, students will have gained not only knowledge but also a genuine sense of wonder at the vastness and complexity of our universe.

Sign up for a Special Classroom Event

Join us with your class for a special webinar with leaders from NASA and Minecraft to learn about this incredible tool and dive into astronomy with the pros. Sessions available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

To the Moon and Beyond: The Artemis Missions

But why stop at observing from afar? With our Artemis mission series, students can take one giant leap for education and experience lunar exploration firsthand.

Our partnership with NASA brings the excitement of the Artemis program to life in the blocky world of Minecraft. Students will follow in the footsteps of astronauts, from the thrill of rocket launches to the challenges of establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon.

A New Frontier: Moon Base One – The Ultimate Artemis Challenge

Imagine stepping onto the lunar surface, your heart racing as you contemplate the monumental task ahead: building humanity’s first permanent Moon base. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie – it’s the thrilling finale of our Artemis series in Minecraft Education.

Artemis: Moon Base One brings the ultimate goal of NASA’s Artemis program to life in the blocky, imaginative world of Minecraft. Just as Artemis 3 aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, our latest world challenges students to do the same, all while grappling with the real scientific and logistical challenges of lunar living.

We’ve designed Moon Base One as a rich, role-playing experience that puts students in the astronaut’s boots. Why? Because when learners step into the role of lunar pioneers, something magical happens. Suddenly, they’re not just reading about space exploration – they’re living it. The challenges of producing oxygen, generating power, growing food, and protecting against radiation become personal puzzles to solve. This approach ignites imagination, fosters empathy, and allows students to tackle real-world problems in a safe, virtual environment.

The beauty of Moon Base One lies in its flexibility. Students can choose to brave the lunar frontier solo, fostering independence and self-reliance, or team up with classmates to build a collaborative lunar colony. The choice between survival mode and creative mode adds another layer of customization. In survival mode, every decision counts as players manage limited resources and confront unexpected challenges. It’s a true test of problem-solving skills and resilience. Creative mode, on the other hand, gives free rein to students’ imaginations, allowing them to design ambitious lunar colonies without resource constraints – perfect for those big, bold ideas that could shape our future in space.

As students explore their lunar home, they’ll find themselves pondering questions that real NASA scientists grapple with daily: How can we sustain human life in such a harsh environment? What resources can we use on the Moon? How does reduced gravity affect our construction plans? What groundbreaking research could we conduct from our lunar base? These questions drive the experience, pushing students to think critically and creatively about the future of space exploration.

But Moon Base One goes beyond just building a cool space base (although that’s definitely part of it!). This experience develops crucial skills that are vital not just for space exploration, but for any future career. Resource management, scientific thinking, engineering design, collaboration, communication, adaptability, problem-solving – all these skills and more are honed as students work to make their lunar base a success.

By the time students complete their Moon Base One mission, they’ll have gained a deep appreciation for the complexities of space exploration and the incredible ingenuity required to make it possible. They’ll understand why establishing a lunar base is such a crucial steppingstone for humanity’s journey into space, paving the way for even more ambitious missions, like a journey to Mars.

Who knows? The lunar habitats your students design today might just inspire the real Moon bases of tomorrow. With Moon Base One, we’re skilling the next generation become part of humanity’s greatest adventure.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers

The Minecraft Education and NASA partnership is predicated on the innate curiosity we have about the stars and the experiences on earth needed to cultivate the skills and mindset needed for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. Critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity are all put to the test as students navigate these cosmic challenges.

By bringing cutting-edge space science into the familiar, engaging world of Minecraft, we’re making these complex topics accessible and exciting for learners of all backgrounds. Who knows? The first person to set foot on Mars might be inspired by building their first Moon base in Minecraft!

Ready for Launch?

The James Webb Space Telescope Challenge and all Artemis missions, including the new Moon Base One, are available now for Minecraft Education. We can’t wait to see the incredible discoveries and creations your students will make as they explore these new frontiers.

So, are you ready to launch your classroom into space? Download these cosmic learning experiences today and prepare for an educational adventure that’s truly out of this world. Let’s inspire the next generation of space explorers, one block at a time!

The post Craft the Cosmos: Inspire Tomorrow’s Space Explorers with Minecraft’s New NASA inspired Worlds appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

“We teamed with Microsoft because we share a fundamental belief: that educators must be at the center of technological integration so AI supplements, rather than substitutes, the human connection that is the cornerstone of teaching and learning,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “This symposium is just the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between AFT, Microsoft, and other stakeholders within the AI and education communities, and will ensure the dialogue continues well beyond 2024.”

“AI presents an opportunity to enhance worker experience, giving teachers more time to get back to their true passion—educating young people,” said Amy Pannoni, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, HR at Microsoft. “That focus is what made this symposium unique. The gathering brought educators together with technology leaders to learn how to leverage new AI tools and provide feedback on their development and deployment. The symposium was a launch point for AI learning and dialogue and part of a broader set of commitments between Microsoft and the AFL-CIO.”

By fostering collaboration between educators and technology leaders, we aim to ensure that AI tools are developed with the needs of teachers and students in mind. This ongoing collaboration underscores Microsoft’s commitment to empowering educators and enhancing the learning experience through innovative technology.

Leveraging AI to support educators

At the AI Symposium, we heard from educators and leaders that a key concern is educator burnout and heavy workloads. We believe that technology and AI offers a way forward. During the event, teachers let us know that they’re already using AI tools that boost their creativity like Microsoft Copilot and Khanmigo for Teachers for content development.

The promise of AI can go farther by supporting teachers in some of their most complex and time-consuming challenges:

• Curriculum planning is a popular use case for AI. With Copilot and AI-powered tools like Khanmigo for Teachers, educators can quickly build lesson plans, find references and resources, and deliver standards-aligned weekly calendars of activities and content.
• Differentiating instruction: Transforming existing materials is a powerful way to enhance teaching with AI. Whether it’s adding complexity to a reading passage to keep students engaged, personalizing materials for learners to build confidence, or even adjusting the language or pedagogical style of worksheets and other materials, transforming content is a great way to leverage AI tools. 
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are critical for documentation and planning to ensure all students are supported. However, they take a tremendous amount of time for teachers to develop and customize. Tools like the IEP generator in Khanmigo for Teachers can help save time by simplifying the process. Educators can add their ideas, reference a broad set of historical IEPs, and quickly develop personalized plans for each student.
• Preparing students for the future: Educators can support students in building future-ready skills like AI literacy so that they can thrive in a rapidly changing work landscape. AI-powered tools can play a crucial role in this process, helping students develop the competencies they need for success.
• AI for brainstorming: By prompting Copilot or other AI-powered tools to take on the role of a pedagogical expert or other type of advisor to help with brainstorming, educators can develop their ideas further and more quickly, helping to bridge the gap from idea to classroom.

A collaborative approach

Use of AI in education requires attention to privacy, fairness, and transparency. Microsoft’s partnership with AFT creates a collaborative approach to developing trustworthy AI. By keeping teachers and students at the center of development educational technology, AI can continue to be a tool for support, creativity, and productivity that includes everyone in the opportunities and benefits of AI.

“Our members know their students best. And that expertise is what’s needed to make AI work for everyone,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

By bringing together thought leaders, educators, and technologists to explore the potential of AI in education, we can ensure the trustworthy and equitable use of AI. AI can enhance teaching and learning experiences when teachers’ voices lead the conversation. We look forward to building an expanding collaboration with educators as we meet the possibilities of AI in education together.

The post Teachers lead the way in co-creating AI solutions that empower education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Recognized in over 100 countries, World Mental Health Day is more than just a date. It’s a call to action that resonates with communities, schools, and individuals worldwide. In recent years, the spotlight on mental health—especially for young people—has grown brighter. As educators, parents, and community members, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to address student mental health needs.

The good news? Our efforts are starting to make a difference. Kathleen Ethier, Director of Adolescent and School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, positively notes, “There is still a great deal of work to be done to address the crisis in youth mental health, but the data can really give us some hope that when we come together, we put young people first, we do what is needed, we can see positive change.”

Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can make a lasting impact on students’ well-being.

Get started with SEL training

Help students develop a growth mindset, navigate their emotions, and build a foundation for their future success by starting with some of our SEL training paths and modules. Learn more about instructional strategies to support SEL and wellness tips for educators, so you can start making an impact right away.

Explore our SEL training for educators:

• SEL skills learning path: Learn how to create student-centered classrooms that foster emotional intelligence, equipping your students with skills they need to thrive in the future.
• Teach SEL with Reflect: Learn how to seamlessly integrate SEL into your teaching practice with Reflect, a Learning Accelerator that supports student engagement and well-being.
• Developing wellness skills: Take your knowledge to the next level. Enroll in a variety of Microsoft Learn modules and explore supporting resources, designed to help you cultivate wellness skills in your students.

Support student well-being with Reflect

Guide your students as they build important social, emotional, and academic skills with Reflect. Reflect is a Learning Accelerator that offers quick check-ins, age-appropriate reflections, intentional brain breaks, and actionable data in the Reflect web app or Microsoft 365 learning apps.

One-on-one attention has an enormous impact on students’ engagement, learning, and well-being. Make Reflect part of your routine to give each of your students a place to share their feelings and give yourself data to track their status, progress, and needs.

Explore engaging activities in Reflect

Reflect offers a variety of fun activities for you and your students to practice well-being skills.  Incorporate SEL into your classroom with ready-to-use activities and materials:

• Stories: A library of engaging stories that help students explore social-emotional skills and offer AI-powered reading fluency practice.
• Inside Out 2 collection: Reflect brain breaks celebrating Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, including stories, coloring pages, and games.
• Memory game: Players can identify emotions while matching the Feeling Monster cards.
• Kindness balloons: Students can explore a range of emotions and feelings as they share kind words about each other.

Check out the entire collection of short, inclusive activities in Reflect designed to promote SEL and help you gain well-being insights. Note that some activities may require authentication with your Microsoft school or institution account.

Navigate student emotions with Reflect Compass

Reflect Compass is a tool that helps you navigate student check-in results with evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being, engagement, and a sense of belonging. It’s built on the expertise of Challenge Success and grounded in over 20 years of research at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education.

 Explore these Reflect Compass features and resources:

• Ask follow-up questions to better understand students’ emotions during Reflect check-ins.
• Explore a variety of evidence-based strategies to help process emotions, all neatly categorized by type.
• Play the Compass podcast for episodes dedicated to specific feelings and strategies to help students navigate their emotions.

Use Reflect to foster a happier, healthier, and more balanced school community with age-appropriate reflections, intentional brain breaks, and actionable data. If you’d like more help getting started, check out Reflect Teacher’s Guide PDF.

Introduce mental health concepts with Minecraft Education

Minecraft Education is an excellent platform for introducing mental health concepts to students and building social-emotional skills like self-awareness and communication. Through immersive, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences, Minecraft provides a safe space where students can express themselves, collaborate with their peers, and navigate their emotions in a low-stress environment.

Ready to help your students practice essential mental health skills? Explore these exciting Minecraft Education challenges:

• Build Your Joy in Minecraft: Join Joy and Anxiety from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 in this creative challenge. Students will solve a puzzle using Microsoft MakeCode then use Minecraft as a canvas to build a representation of something that brings joy to their lives.
• The Mindful Knight: Introduce students to the basics of mindfulness with this engaging quest. The interactive environment encourages students to make responsible choices during social interactions, guiding them towards becoming mindful social participants.
• Reflect World: Students will build SEL skills through a creative experience involving collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. After playing, discuss each emotion, the adventure it leads to, and ways to regulate emotions in real life.
• Minecraft Social and Emotional Kit: These specially designed worlds and activities support SEL. Your students will explore emotional well-being, empathy, and responsible decision-making through interactive gameplay.

Join us as we celebrate World Mental Health Day 2024 with resources designed to support student well-being and foster a positive learning environment. With tools like Reflect and Minecraft Education, you can prioritize mental health and help students practice empathy, strengthen emotional resilience, and create a more supportive classroom experience.

The post Support and celebrate student well-being on World Mental Health Day appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

At Microsoft Education, we believe that there aren’t enough words to truly capture the essence of what teachers do every day. From the attention paid to each student’s unique needs, to the impact made on their academic and personal growth, educators are the unsung heroes of our society. Join us as we express our gratitude for the dedication of educators everywhere by watching our special video.

Honoring all educators for World Teachers’ Day 2024

For this occasion and always, we celebrate the diverse and vibrant community of educators across the world. Every role, from classroom instructors, special education teachers, paraeducators, librarians, coaches, counselors, and more, plays a crucial part in creating an enriching environment for students. Your efforts—individually and collectively—profoundly impact the lives of students.

The attention paid

There aren’t enough words for the attention paid. Educators are the ones who notice when a student is struggling, who stay after school to offer extra help, and who find creative ways to make learning accessible and engaging. You’re the ones who adapt your teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. This level of dedication requires not only expertise but also a deep sense of empathy and commitment.

We know that you often go above and beyond your job descriptions. You spend countless hours preparing lessons, grading assignments, and finding new ways to inspire your students. You are mentors, counselors, and role models, providing guidance and support both inside and outside the classroom. The attention that you give to each student is a testament to your passion for education and your belief in the potential of every child.

The impact made

There aren’t enough words for the impact made. The influence of a great teacher can last a lifetime! You’re the ones who ignite a passion for learning, who encourage students to pursue their dreams, and who provide the support and guidance needed to overcome challenges. The impact of your work is evident in the achievements of your students, in the confidence you build, and in the lifelong love of learning you strive to instill.

You shape the future by shaping the minds of the next generation. We see you and know that you inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage creativity. You help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. Your success can be seen in the careers your students pursue and in the contributions they make to society.

The lives changed

There aren’t enough words for the lives changed. Educators have the power to transform lives, not just through the knowledge you impart, but through the relationships you build and the values you instill. You teach more than just academic subjects—you teach resilience, kindness, and the importance of hard work. The stories of students who’ve been inspired and uplifted by their teachers are countless, each one proof of the profound difference a teacher can make.

It’s no wonder that you often become lifelong mentors and friends to your students. You provide a safe and supportive environment where students can grow and thrive. You help them navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare them for the future. The relationships you build with your students are based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. These relationships can have a lasting impact on a student’s life, providing them with the confidence and support they need to achieve their goals.

Thank you, teachers

Thank you, teachers, for the stories we can’t fully express. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to your students is truly remarkable. At Microsoft Education, we’re grateful for the incredible work you do every day. We’re committed to supporting you with the tools and resources you need to continue making a difference in the lives of your students.

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2024, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of teachers everywhere. There may not be enough words to fully express our gratitude—but we tried anyway.

The post Thank you, teachers, for the stories we can’t fully express appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Dyslexia Awareness Month 2024 offers an opportunity to recognize the strengths that come with dyslexia and to empower those valuable skills in classrooms. Join us as we honor the unique strengths and power of Dyslexic Thinking.

Understanding Dyslexic Thinking

Of the more than 7 billion people on earth today, 1 in 5 are dyslexic. This genetic difference in an individual’s ability to learn and process information gives dyslexics a pattern of valuable strengths, referred to as Dyslexic Thinking skills. Dyslexic Thinking is an approach to problem solving, assessing information, and learning that involves:

• Pattern recognition
• Spatial reasoning
• Lateral thinking
• Interpersonal communication

Understanding how to nurture and empower Dyslexic Thinking is fundamental to the fabric of the future.

Rethinking human intelligence

Studies show that dyslexic thinkers are highly sought after by employers, especially as we enter the fifth Industrial Revolution, a phase of industrialization where humans can use AI to create more sustainable, human-centric solutions. Dyslexics excel in creative thinking, complex problem solving, and effective communication, making them ideal contributors in this era.

Made By Dyslexia have made it their mission to teach the world the brilliance of Dyslexic Thinking and to empower it in every home, every school, and every workplace. Their ground-breaking report, “Intelligence 5.0: A new school of thought rethinking the intelligence needed in Industry 5.0,”concludes that today’s world needs a different kind of intelligence focused on human skills such as complex problem solving, adaptability, resilience, communication, and creative thinking. These are skills dyslexics naturally possess but aren’t measured by traditional education and workplace tests which instead focus on dyslexic challenges.

In this report, Made By Dyslexia advocates for a shift in how we define intelligence. This new paradigm, Intelligence 5.0, emphasizes skills frequently found in dyslexic thinkers, like leadership, creativity, and problem-solving, which are increasingly in demand in the modern workplace.

We all need to rethink the human intelligence needed in the 5.0 world. Creativity, problem-solving, and communication are the most sought-after skills in every job, in every sector, worldwide. And these skills are inherent to dyslexics.

Kate Griggs, Founder & CEO, Made By Dyslexia

Key findings from the report

Dyslexics have the intelligence the world now needs. The headline research from the report reveals that one of the world’s largest recruitment firms, Randstad Enterprise, finds that Dyslexic Thinking skills are the most in-demand skills in every job, across all sectors, globally. Yet, despite this, outdated views on intelligence remain.

In the same report, global research with YouGov found that although 73% of people recognize that problem-solving is a good indicator of intelligence, nearly half still believe that accuracy of reading, spelling, punctuation, and grammar are also key signifiers of intelligence. Traditional assessments typically disadvantage dyslexic thinkers, whose strengths areas aren’t well-measured by standardized tests.

Interestingly, just 6% of global respondents believed that scoring highly in exams was the best indicator of intelligence, with only 5% believing high scores on psychometric tests are a strong indication of intelligence.

In this report, Made By Dyslexia sets out four key steps that schools and workplaces can take to better recognize and amplify Dyslexic Thinking skills.

1. Define dyslexia as a valuable skill.
2. Offer support and adjustments so Dyslexic Thinking can thrive.
3. Tailor testing and exams (or recruitment processes) for Dyslexic Thinking.
4. Offer support and community through employee resource groups (ERGs) in the workplace.

Intelligence 5.0 calls for a new way of thinking that prioritizes human skills, especially those inherent in Dyslexic Thinking. By recognizing and empowering these abilities, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative future, one where dyslexic thinkers are celebrated and empowered to lead the way.

Tools and resources to support and celebrate Dyslexic Thinking

Microsoft digital learning tools

Educators and families can support the unique needs of dyslexic thinkers with Microsoft’s digital learning tools. These tools, integrated into familiar Microsoft Education products, offer a range of benefits, including:

• Personalized practice: Tools like Reading Coach and Math Assistant in OneNote help students develop essential skills in reading, writing, and math through tailored practice and feedback. These tools empower students to practice independently while helping increase engagement and confidence.
• Real-time feedback: Educators can monitor student progress and offer personalized support with Education Insights. This tool provides valuable data and analytics to help educators make data-informed decisions to support each student’s unique abilities.
• Accessibility features: Tools like Immersive Reader and Dictation are specifically designed to support students with learning differences, creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Learn more and get started with tools to support Dyslexic Thinking using these handy quick guide PDFs:

• Digital tools for dyslexia quick guide
• Reading Coach with AI stories quick guide
• Reading Coach in Immersive Reader quick guide
• Immersive Reader quick guide
• Speech to Text (Dictate) quick guide

In addition, watch the video to discover how the dynamic partnership between Microsoft and The Prince Couple’s Foundation in Sweden offers non-stigmatizing technologies to help all students reach their full potential in school and beyond.

Dyslexia training, in partnership with Made By Dyslexia

Learning differences call for different teaching approaches. In partnership with Microsoft, Made By Dyslexia offers a series of free, transformative modules on Microsoft Learn that help educators explore how to support and celebrate Dyslexic Thinking in their classrooms. These training courses, led by expert educators from schools known for their innovative dyslexic strategies, are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to support dyslexic thinkers:

• Dyslexia Awareness, Parts 1 and 2: Learn how to spot, support, and empower every dyslexic learner with essential strategies to identify and nurture their strengths.
• Dyslexia Teaching, Parts 1, 2, and 3: Deepen your understanding of dyslexia with specialist strategies showing you what to teach, why it helps, and how to apply skills and proven approaches to support dyslexic learners in your classroom.
• Dyslexia and technology: Explore the challenges dyslexic learners face and discover technology tools from Microsoft to support them.
• Empower Dyslexic Thinking in Schools: Learn about the seven archetypes of Dyslexic Thinking in kids with practical tips and instructional guidance.

For Dyslexia Awareness Month 2024, join us in celebrating the unique strengths of Dyslexic Thinking. Create inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive and explore the ways to support dyslexic learners in your classroom with help from Microsoft and Made By Dyslexia.

The post Celebrate the strengths of Dyslexic Thinking appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about computer programs that prevent bad actors from accessing devices and systems, it’s also about empowering students, educators, and staff with the knowledge to stay informed and vigilant. Understanding how cyber criminals target schools, the tricks they use to sneak in, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks is key to keeping your community more secure.

This October, let’s “Secure Our World” together. From conversation tips to hands-on experiences like Minecraft Education worlds, you’ll find cybersecurity resources to enhance your classroom instruction.

Starting the cybersecurity conversation

Starting a conversation about cybersecurity with students is a simple and effective way to build cyber habits that keep everyone safer online. Cyber criminals often use clever social engineering tactics to trick someone into downloading malicious software or revealing their personal information. Students might be more at risk because they’re still learning to spot the difference between legitimate messages and potential threats.

Key points to discuss about phishing

Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing personal information. Here are some essential points to cover with your students:

• Avoid clicking unknown links: Hackers use phishing links to infiltrate your life. These links can appear in text messages, emails, QR codes, search engines, websites, social media posts, and direct messages.
• Don’t access QR codes that seem too good to be true: Hackers have started using QR codes, a technique called Quishing, that direct unsuspecting users to a data harvesting or phishing page to collect personal data. Often they’re disguised as free giveaways or other compelling offers.
• Be aware of social engineering: Hackers may impersonate family members, friends, teachers, or authority figures to gain your trust and extract information.
• Recognize red flags: Phishing messages often contain misspellings, convey a sense of urgency, or offer fake rewards. Always hover over links to see where they lead before clicking.

Examples of when to be extra vigilant

It’s important to teach students to be extra cautious in certain scenarios. Here are some examples for both primary and secondary level students:

Primary school students

• Researching information for a class report.
• Looking for online math tutoring courses.
• Searching for online videos and citing unverified information in schoolwork.
• Messaging a teacher with a question.

Secondary school students

• Differentiating between ads and organic posts on social media.
• Receiving messages asking for passwords or threatening account lockouts.
• Being direct messaged with unknown links and urged to click them.
• Searching for jobs and applying to scam companies.
• Researching and applying for college or trade school.
• Receiving friend requests from duplicated profiles of known individuals.

Even a quick 10-minute discussion about cybersecurity can significantly boost your school’s overall safety. You might also want to share these tips with families so that they can reinforce these important lessons at home.

Hands-on, minds-on experiences with Minecraft Education

Teaching cybersecurity concepts to students is easy with the Minecraft Education Cyber and Digital Citizenship collection of worlds and accompanying educator guides. The worlds include a progression of standards-aligned lessons that span elementary through post-secondary education. Just like other Minecraft Education experiences, students immerse themselves in a virtual world where they accomplish tasks, collaborate with others, and engage in activities that teach cyber safety and security—all while having a lot of fun!

Minecraft cyber education content has been downloaded more than 80 million times, and the CyberSafe series is also available for Bedrock players on the Minecraft Marketplace. The Cyber and Digital Citizenship collection is broken down into four age-appropriate bands:

• CyberSafe (ages 7-11): Introduces students to basic cybersecurity concepts like online safety, healthy gaming interactions, and digital citizenship practices.
• Cyber Fundamentals (ages 10-14): Expands students’ knowledge about cybersecurity by covering malware, personally identifiable information (PII) threat analysis, and data protection steps.
• Cyber Expert (ages 13-18): Deepens understanding with a focus on social engineering, ransomware, and the importance of using backup software.
• Cyber Defense (ages 14-18, 18 and older): Offers an advanced look at access control systems, cybersecurity careers, and ways to earn cybersecurity certificates.

In our largely online world, learners need to develop the skills they’ll need to navigate online spaces safely, and confidently. Educators also need the right tools to empower their students to be cyber safe. Minecraft Education’s cybersecurity curriculum helps learners of all ages become cyber heroes—protecting their data, using the Internet safely, and modeling digital citizenship. Stay tuned for new cyber content in Minecraft Education for Safer Internet Day—a global day of celebration in February each year.

If you’re new to Minecraft Education or need a refresher, sign up for a one-hour training as part of Minecraft Teacher Academy. Explore more professional learning, either on-demand or with a live cohort.

Inspiring cybersecurity champions

In addition to cybersecurity resources for the classroom, we also offer unique opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity. With Microsoft, your students can:

• Discover diverse mentorship opportunities: Explore the many learning and mentorship opportunities Microsoft and partner organizations provide so that all students can see themselves in cybersecurity.
• Explore educational opportunities: Discover how Microsoft and the Last Mile Fund can help students earn a cybersecurity degree through scholarships for financial assistance and cybersecurity exam costs.
• Get certified to fight cybercrime: Eligible students can get their Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification for free and earn college credit while doing so. Visit the Microsoft Learn Student Hub: Student certifications to learn about all the available certifications and how to enroll.

Build your knowledge with cybersecurity training for educators

Your own cybersecurity awareness and knowledge plays a critical role in your school’s overall security strategy. Cyber criminals know that educators are busy and may quickly respond to urgent messages or irresistible deals. By learning to distinguish between legitimate and suspicious messages or links, you are less likely to fall victim to social engineering tactics designed to steal private information.

To help strengthen your cybersecurity skills, Microsoft offers cybersecurity training modules for educators. “Build cybersecurity resilience in K-12 classrooms with Microsoft tools” is a comprehensive introduction designed for educators. This module covers essential concepts like how to anticipate cyber threats and secure your device, identity, and online activities. It includes:

• Explanations of common threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
• Tips for protecting your passwords and PII.
• Strategies for maintaining privacy when working online.
• Steps to take if you fall victim to a cyber-attack.
• Ideas for teaching cybersecurity to students.
• Information on joining cybersecurity groups that offer educator resources.

If you’re interested in using Minecraft Education to teach cybersecurity, be sure to check out “Minecraft Education lessons: Teach cybersecurity concepts with Minecraft Education.” This Microsoft Learn module covers:

• Explanations of Minecraft worlds that provide cybersecurity instruction to K-12 students.
• Overview of the differences between resources for upper elementary, middle school, high school, and post-secondary students.
• Topics featured in the Minecraft cybersecurity worlds.
• Types of activities that students complete while learning in Minecraft.

By joining Microsoft for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, you’re not just protecting your school—you’re empowering the next generation of cybersecurity champions. Dive into the tools and resources to spark student interest and help them build their skills to thrive in the digital world. Together, let’s make your classroom a community of cyber-savvy learners. Stay safe and inspire those future cyber heroes!

The post Teach cybersecurity with Microsoft and Minecraft Education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Educational leaders are constantly on the lookout for new methods to improve student learning and equip them for future challenges and opportunities. With the swift progress in generative AI, a new range of possibilities has opened up for educational institutions.

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) recognized the potential of AI to enhance computer science education, enrich learning experiences, and prepare students for the workplace of the future. They used Azure OpenAI Service to deploy a custom AI chatbot to support student learning and help students with complex coursework. Their experience offers a valuable example of ways to tailor AI to the unique needs and goals of your school.

Benefits of AI in higher education

From the University of Sydney’s AI assistants for teachers to Auburn University’s workshops on building custom chatbots. From enhancing research and practical applications at Georgia Tech to streamlining query responses at the University of South Florida, it’s clear that education continues to evolve with AI innovation.

Here are just a few examples of the many ways that AI can be used to differentiate instruction and enhance student learning:

• Personalized learning: AI can tailor educational experiences to individual students’ needs, providing personalized feedback and support.
• Scalability: AI tools can handle large volumes of requests, making them ideal for large classes and education at scale.
• Constant availability: AI-powered assistants can provide support around the clock, ensuring students have access to help whenever they need it.
• Efficiency: AI can help with routine tasks, allowing educators to focus on more complex and creative aspects of teaching.
• Data-driven insights: AI can analyze student performance data to start identifying areas for improvement and optimize learning strategies.

Supporting students with AI innovation

UC Berkeley PhD student, J.D. Zamfirescu-Pereira, together with master’s student Laryn Qi and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science faculty members Narges Norouzi and John DeNero, started looking into ways to build an interactive bot. The bot would be deployed on Azure OpenAI Service, specifically GPT-4 for the classroom, to support students taking the Intro to Computer Science class.

The team developed the 61A-Bot—named after the Intro to Computer Science course—to help students through the rigorous curriculum. The 61A-Bot acts as a specialized chatbot, helping students solve complex problems independently by providing hints whenever they encounter coding challenges.

“The Azure OpenAI Service provided remarkably high-quality hints generated by GPT-4 from a robust and scalable API that reliably handled heavy loads from hundreds of students working simultaneously near homework deadlines,” says John DeNero, Faculty Director and Associate Teaching Professor.

Deploying a custom AI assistant

UC Berkeley’s 61A-Bot is part of a broader trend of using AI and large language models (LLMs) in education. The deployment occurred over two semesters, where more than 2,000 students made over 100,000 requests to the chatbot. The bot offered one-shot, contextual feedback through both a “Get Help” button within a popular code editor and a “get feedback” feature within the command-line auto grader.

This innovative approach not only reduced homework completion times but also increased the availability of support options for students. Students who used the bot experienced significant reductions in homework completion times, seeing reductions of over 30 minutes. The immediate support provided by the bot was especially appreciated during late-night study sessions.

The benefits of 61A-Bot are far-reaching—from debugging help and personalized feedback to generating course materials and answering forum questions. The bot significantly reduced homework completion times and increased opportunities for students to receive real-time feedback. UC Berkeley has demonstrated how AI tools like those created by using Azure OpenAI Service are becoming integral to educational institutions.

Enhancing learning experiences with AI

As educational institutions continue to explore AI’s role in the classroom, it’s crucial to prioritize tools that make learning more efficient. The journey of 61A-Bot is a testament to the transformative power of AI and an example of thoughtful integration to enhance education.

A key ingredient of successful education is to ensure that students are spending their time effectively. AI tools that provide individualized guidance and feedback can help students make continuous progress in learning new material and tackle challenging assignments with confidence.

John DeNero, Faculty Director and Associate Teaching Professor, UC Berkeley

To evaluate the impact of introducing 61A-Bot, the research team sought to answer three key questions: whether the hints provided by the bot helped students improve their code, how effectively the hints captured problems in student code, and whether the issues resolved by students were the same as those addressed in the hints. The results were highly encouraging, demonstrating how the bot can help enhance learning experiences and support students in their academic journey.

Gaining practical experience

Through ingenuity and dedication, the faculty and students at UC Berkeley created a tool that not only helped make learning more efficient but also helped foster a sense of independence and confidence among their peers. Their tailored implementation of a specialized chatbot provided students with valuable opportunities to gain experience with AI in a secure, controlled setting, which will be increasingly important for their future careers.

“Generative AI needs to be deployed thoughtfully and carefully in order to have a positive impact on education, and this work is urgent because we’ve observed that many students will use AI on their assignments no matter what—whether it helps or hurts their learning,” says DeNero. “Therefore, quickly developing helpful ways of using AI is a critical need, and Azure OpenAI Service allowed us to make very fast progress at scale in UC Berkeley’s largest introductory computer science course.”

This is an exciting example of how schools can responsibly and securely incorporate generative AI tools into their teaching methods. By adopting this transformative technology, you can enhance educational outcomes and prepare students for the workplace of the future.

Explore and share these AI resources:

• AI in Education Report: Learn more about the need for bridging the AI literacy gap and starting AI conversations in our AI in Education Report.
• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit: Designed to guide school leaders through the process of integrating AI into their school’s operations and building robust plans for your organization.
• Worklab: Discover the latest research insights on the future of work and generative AI

The post UC Berkeley enhances computer science education with Azure OpenAI Service appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Over the last few years, schools underwent tremendous change by adopting hybrid learning and new tech tools for teaching, learning, and working. However, schools face increasing challenges with outdated software and ever-increasing cyberattacks that threaten the security of sensitive and important data, targeting student personal information, login credentials, school operational data, and more. It’s a daunting security landscape as the education sector regularly makes up over 80% of the reported malware encounters in any 30-day period.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the real-life challenges that primary and secondary education institutions have faced and learn how they solved them.

Harnessing secure AI tools to transform education

Bad actors are constantly testing the fences of educational IT networks looking for vulnerabilities. Because of this, the Fulton County school district in Georgia, US, put plans in place to monitor, detect, and mitigate these potential cybersecurity threats. The district also wanted to modernize data collection to showcase student performance and operational efficiency data in near real time.

The district’s plans involved advanced Microsoft security features through a Microsoft 365 A5 educational license, which gave them the tools to address cybersecurity risks. They also transformed their data-driven decision-making with dynamic analytic insights using Microsoft Power BI. Additionally, the district maximized its existing Microsoft licenses and migrated to an end-to-end platform that spans on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, which suited the institution’s complex needs.  

Newington College, a primary and secondary-level boarding school in Australia, experienced a cybersecurity incident that catalyzed their need to improve the security and management of education technology while revolutionizing the way students and teachers engage and collaborate. For Newington, the greatest success lay in the efficiencies gained and benefits realized across the Microsoft stack by simplifying the deployment and support model across the environment. This process has become a catalyst for enhanced engagement, collaboration, and student success—helping the IT team stay on the front foot of opportunities.

Many school districts are embracing technologies they deem beneficial for educating students and supporting how faculty work. In fact, 68% of educators and 95% of education leaders have already used AI for school-related purposes. Wichita Public Schools in the US is one such example. Because no two students learn in precisely the same way, Wichita Public Schools started looking into the many ways Microsoft Copilot with enterprise data protection can help educators bring a greater diversity of tailored learning experiences into the classroom.

Students are also using AI-powered tools to enhance their learning and literacy. The Stour Academy Trust, located in Southeast England, tested two powerful Microsoft Education tools—Reading Progress and Reading Coach—to boost literacy and help readers succeed. Features in Reading Progress leverage AI to generate and personalize reading passages and assessments, which significantly reduces an educator’s workload while addressing student’s specific needs.

The Stour Academy Trust beta-tested AI-enabled Reading Coach to further enhance student reading fluency. When added to Reading Progress assignments, Reading Coach identifies words that are most challenging for each student and gives them a supported opportunity to practice the words again. One of the most exciting features of Reading Coach is the ability for learners to co-create their own personalized reading experiences utilizing responsible AI. Due to their success, Reading Coach and Reading Progress continue to be introduced across the Stour Academy Trust so that all educators can see how these tools fit into their classroom practices.

Our final case study takes us back to Australia, where the South Australia Department for Education is empowering students and teachers with responsible AI in the classroom. The Department has harnessed the power of AI to build and trial a chatbot that has been designed specifically for teaching and learning. ‘EdChat’ is the first chatbot of its kind in Australia and one of the first in the world to be introduced in an educational setting.

The chatbot was designed in partnership with Microsoft and uses Azure OpenAI Service, powered by the same technology as ChatGPT. Students can enter prompts to get information on a topic, ask for creative suggestions or analyze complex ideas. EdChat proved extremely helpful in allowing students to access vast amounts of information quickly, and have this information synthesized into simple, easy-to-understand language.

These are just a few real-life examples of how specific Microsoft products have helped in primary and secondary education. However, there’s something even bigger that Microsoft offers that every school should consider for meeting their needs.

The most comprehensive value for education

The Microsoft 365 A5 license offers a comprehensive solution tailored for schools, blending essential security, management, productivity, and learning tools. There are three highlights that separate Microsoft 365 A5 from others. The first is the ability to implement a Zero Trust approach across your entire digital estate with Microsoft’s suite of security products. The second is simplified endpoint management that gives you the power to deploy endpoints from the cloud and streamline support of student devices. The third is that Microsoft 365 A5 offers AI-powered instructional tools and advanced accessibility features, enabling new patterns of working and learning in today’s environment.

In a Forrester report from 2023, the composite education organization using Microsoft 365 A5 licenses saw a 118% return on investment or $4.2M over 3 years, $1.7 million reduced downtime for educators and IT staff, and a 30% reduction in licensing costs with vendor consolidation.

Microsoft 365 A5 empowers you to support your school community—from enhanced security and access control, comprehensive cyber threat protection, and streamlined data governance and security, to efficient classroom management and collaboration. Microsoft 365 A5 is one of the best choices that every school should consider when looking to enable secure teaching, learning, and working for all.

Reimagine education with AI

Microsoft is committed to security, privacy, and compliance across everything we do, and our approach to AI is no different. Microsoft’s approach to Responsible AI is grounded in a set of core principles and practices that we believe should guide AI development and use. With that in mind, perhaps the most exciting application currently is Microsoft Copilot, allowing you to leverage AI to provide personalized suggestions, accelerate routine tasks, offer real-time feedback, and more. Additionally, Copilot also offers enterprise data protection to help safeguard your information. Simply tell Copilot what you want to create, and it will help you generate new content in seconds.

Additionally, Microsoft Teams for Education leverages AI to enhance learning outcomes and streamline collaboration. Educators can leverage AI to help draft rubrics, assignment instructions, learning objectives, and more. With Reading Coach—a popular Learning Accelerator available in and outside of Microsoft Teams—learners can create unique AI-generated stories by choosing characters and settings from a curated collection of options.

There are additional ways that Microsoft can help meet your school’s needs. You can protect against student endpoints through the recently released student Defender for Endpoint. You can also step up your security by leveraging AI and machine learning to provide real-time threat detection and response with Microsoft Sentinel.

Overall, from productivity and learning to security, Microsoft is ready to help provide the most value to you and help you realize transformative benefits for your school.

Now is the time to transform your school

Microsoft 365 Education is a significant step toward meeting the demands of your school and empowering students and teachers to do more. By leveraging Microsoft’s robust tools and resources, educational institutions can create more secure and connected learning environment.

• For an overview on Microsoft 365 licensing, see the Microsoft product licensing page.
• Visit the Microsoft Education Cybersecurity solutions page to learn how our solutions help protect your school’s information.
• Empower everyone in your organization to be a cybersecurity champion with cybersecurity awareness resources and training.
• Learn how you can get started with free AI tools from Microsoft Education.
• Reference the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit to deploy and implement Microsoft AI Solutions.
• Learn more about Microsoft Copilot and ways you can use it to save time and energy.
• Explore quick Learning Accelerators demos and leverage these powerful tools in your classroom.

The post Transforming education in the age of AI with a unified solution appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.