Empowering education systems, educators, and students to thrive in the AI-era.

Classrooms are places of possibility where curiosity meets knowledge, and potential becomes reality. At Microsoft, we’ve supported education systems, leaders, educators, and students for over 50 years, and remain dedicated to this mission as education is reimagined in the age of AI. Trustworthy AI, combined with practical skills for educators, can amplify teacher expertise making instruction more responsive, freeing time for human connection, and ensuring every learner can actively participate in the opportunities of this new era.

Today we’re excited to advance our offerings, bringing together secure, education-specific technology, supported by skill‑building programs to empower every school, educator, and student to thrive with confidence in an AI‑powered future. We’re announcing Microsoft Elevate for Educators, a program connecting educators with community, professional development, and AI tools to transform teaching. In addition, we’ve launched new AI-powered tools purpose-built for education, including Teach in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app to streamline lesson preparation. For educators that have Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Learning Zone can provide rich, dynamic interactive experiences using on-device intelligence to engage students better.

The new Study and Learn Agent provides students with an AI-powered learning companion to understand concepts and practice skills. We’re also offering higher education students free 12-month access to Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career, supporting them from classroom learning to career readiness. These offerings are designed specifically for schools to help build capacity, develop essential skills, and create more engaging teaching and learning experiences.

Introducing Microsoft Elevate for Educators

The Microsoft Elevate for Educators program is part of the company’s broader Microsoft Elevate commitment to help schools and educators build skills, expand opportunities, and ensure everyone benefits from AI. Through Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft aims to help more than 20 million people gain in-demand AI skilling credentials in the next two years and advance AI education and workforce readiness globally.

The Microsoft Elevate for Educators program equips educators and school leaders with access to one of the world’s largest and most connected peer educator networks, offers free professional development resources and access to in-demand credentials to confidently integrate AI into the classroom. Microsoft Elevate for Educators is available today and includes:

• New global communities for K-12 educators and schools. Educators and schools worldwide face the challenge of integrating AI in ways that truly benefit every student. In response, Microsoft is launching significant updates to its global educator community to help educators strengthen skills, gain recognition, and collaborate globally on best practices in AI-powered teaching. The new Microsoft Elevate for Educators and Microsoft Elevate Schools communities build on our existing global community and now offer year-round membership, expanded training opportunities and resources, and a progressive achievement system for educators to advance as they learn. For the first time, school districts, systems, and ministries can gain special recognition for supporting educators’ professional growth and demonstrating measurable impact in classrooms and across education systems.
• Professional development for educators globally. Free professional development and associated credentials help educators earn recognition for demonstrated skills that can qualify for salary increases or career advancement. The AI Skills Navigator helps educators learn new skills through a suite of new self-paced courses, live sessions, and AI-powered simulations available in more than 13 languages. Also launching during Bett UK 2026, Microsoft is providing educators with a new AI in Special Education course to help enhance and customize student learning.
• Industry-recognized credentials for educators. Available at no cost, the new Microsoft Elevate for Educators Credential, developed in partnership with ISTE+ASCD and aligned to the AI Literacy Framework, helps educators gain confidence and expertise in integrating AI into their teaching and learning. Educators worldwide will also have access to study materials for other Microsoft certifications, including a new Microsoft certification in Instructional Technology which will be made available to educators in the coming months.

In higher education, we continue to partner with colleges and universities to integrate AI into classrooms, empower faculty, and equip students with future-ready skills. Through AI Skills Navigator, we support the entire campus ecosystem. Microsoft Learn for Educators and AI Bootcamps support faculty with ready-to-use Microsoft Official Courseware, making it easier to teach, learn, and apply AI responsibly. And our Microsoft Student Ambassadors program nurtures a vibrant student body and accelerates learning through skilling events, AI adoption, and credentials. Explore more with The Skills Hub Blog.

AI tools designed for education

AI can be a powerful complement to educator expertise. Many of our education tools are available at no cost for Microsoft 365 Education customers such as Teach and the Study and Learn Agent and can help educators save time, simplify planning, and engage students. Additionally, educators, staff, and students can advance their AI journey with a deeply integrated experience and the latest innovations through an academic offering of Microsoft 365 Copilot.

To provide leaders with guidance on responsible and effective AI adoption, we’re sharing a new IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Schools: Strategies from the Front Lines of K-12 Education.¹ It highlights lessons learned from early adopters, such as Brisbane Catholic Education in Australia, Broward County Schools in the United States, and Coquitlam School District in Canada, and outlines opportunities for integrating AI into schools.

Teach: Your AI assistant for instruction and more

Now available in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, Teach helps streamline class preparation with intuitive, customizable features including lesson plan creation, quiz, rubric development, and adapting materials to different reading levels. With Teach, you can quickly generate lesson plans aligned to relevant standards, modify content for diverse learners, and adjust difficulty levels with simple prompts. Available at no additional cost for education customers, Teach helps you save time and stay focused on your students’ success.

Microsoft Learning Zone: Bringing the power of Copilot+ PCs to education

Copilot+ PCs are Microsoft’s most advanced laptops yet, combining the power of next-generation hardware with on-device AI and deep Windows integration. Microsoft Learning Zone is an AI-powered Windows app designed to use on-device intelligence on Copilot+ PCs to deliver real educational value. With this new Copilot+ PC app, educators can quickly create, share, and track personalized and interactive learning activities right from their device, instantly boosting student engagement. Students can engage with these activities on any Windows 11 PC to receive immediate feedback and personalized coaching. Microsoft Learning Zone has earned the ISTE Seal of Alignment for learning design, usability, and research-backed teaching practices.

The app draws on trusted content partners, including NASA, OpenStax, PBS NewsHour, the Nobel Peace Center, World Wildlife Fund, Figma, and Minecraft Education—to support high-quality learning experiences. New content additions include the Nobel Peace Center lesson collection, which explores peace, justice, and human rights through stories of laureates such as Malala Yousafzai and Wangari Maathai, alongside companion activities in Minecraft Education.

Educators can share Learning Zone content anywhere through Microsoft Teams, with learning management system (LMS) integration expected later in 2026. It currently supports English and Spanish, with Portuguese, French, German, and additional languages planned for 2026.

Study and Learn Agent: Supporting student growth

The Study and Learn Agent, built on learning science principles, is designed to help students ages 13 and older engage more deeply with academic concepts to develop critical and reflective thinking skills. Students can work to understand concepts, practice with adaptive exercises, explore topics through guided study, or engage with built-in activities like flashcards, matching exercises, and quizzes. Study and Learn will provide students with an AI-powered learning companion that supports their growth and independence.

Supporting students in higher education

Students are already using AI-powered tools for writing, research, creativity, and career planning. For a limited time, eligible higher education students can now get 12 months of Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career—two powerful subscriptions working together to support academic success and jump start careers. The offer is an all-in-one AI-powered plan to help students excel in every aspect of campus life, from writing research papers and organizing class notes, to creating standout presentations and applying for internships and jobs, available at no extra cost for eligible students.²

Trusted resources for education leaders

Security, trust, and accessibility are foundational in education. We’re proud to introduce the Microsoft Education Security Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help education institutions simplify and strengthen their cybersecurity posture. It provides practical guidance for education leaders on everything from strategic planning and compliance to implementation scenarios and real-world case studies.

For organizations just getting started, the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit offers a practical starting point. It includes real-world customer stories, guidance for responsible AI adoption, snapshots of AI usage, and a wealth of information to help you on your AI journey! Read stories and best practices from other education institutions.

Join us in shaping the future of education together

Microsoft is committed to supporting education systems, leaders, educators, and students as learning is reimagined in the age of AI. With tools, skilling, resources, and programs, we aim to help you reclaim time for what matters most: inspiring students, fostering curiosity, and nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

Heading to Bett UK 2026 from January 21–23, 2026? Visit Microsoft at stand SM20 to explore our latest innovations. See our full program and explore the 2026 agenda.

¹ IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Campuses: Strategies from the Front Lines of K-12 Education, #US54034625, December 2025.

² With select market restrictions, check here for availability and details.

The post Introducing Microsoft innovations and programs to support AI-powered teaching and learning appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

As EDUCAUSE’s 2025 Top 10 IT Issues highlights, a leading priority is to build data-empowered institutions that use data, analytics, and AI to enhance decision-making, simplify workflows, and empower teams to improve student success.

Yet many institutions are still limited by siloed and inconsistent data spread across dozens of systems. Becoming data empowered takes more than new tools. It requires democratized data and insights, a clear strategy, and a culture that supports data-driven decision making.

A single, AI-powered platform can provide the secure foundation for unified data. It allows institutions to use AI in ways that are practical and measurable. It has the potential to connect disconnected systems and empower leaders, faculty, and staff with insights that create impact across many parts of the institution.

Building the foundation of a data-empowered institution

Becoming a data-empowered institution is not a one-time project but a continuous strategy that can transform how colleges and universities operate. Institutions that lead with data can:

• Drive institutional strategy with intelligent insights.
• Seamlessly govern and protect data across campus.
• Accelerate research workflows with generative AI.

While unified data and AI-powered insights are key enablers, institutions must also prioritize data security and governance to provide leaders with trusted insights for decision-making. With these fundamentals in place, data can become a trusted institutional asset that helps strengthen collaboration across teams and break down departmental silos. When data is managed as an institutional asset, leaders can make informed decisions and allocate resources where they’ll have the greatest impact.

Microsoft Fabric helps unify data and teams to apply AI at scale, enhance decision-making, and build trust in insights by breaking down silos, improving performance visibility, accelerating innovation, and promoting data security. With these capabilities, leaders can better align resources, support student success, and stay resilient in a rapidly changing environment.

Driving institutional strategy with intelligent insights

Higher education leaders face mounting pressure to make faster, smarter decisions amid enrollment shifts, funding uncertainty, and workforce changes. These challenges ripple across budgets, staffing, and student services, while siloed systems often fragment financial, enrollment, and student success data, leaving leaders with outdated or incomplete insights.

Microsoft Fabric offers a unified foundation to turn institutional data into a source of agility and confidence. By connecting systems and applying predictive analytics, leaders can model scenarios, uncover insights, and act on opportunities such as:

• Tracking shifts in applications and yield rates to redirect outreach and boost enrollment.
• Identifying early signs of attrition and activating support to keep students on track.
• Modelling how changes in enrollment, aid, or scholarships affect financial outcomes.

By transforming data into actionable intelligence, institutions move from reacting to challenges to anticipating them. With AI-powered insights, leaders can automate outreach, streamline reporting, and coordinate action across departments to support student success and institutional resilience.

Like many other schools, Xavier College was grappling with a complex network of platforms and IT products, with its data scattered across 130 disparate systems. The College migrated all current and historic student and staff data to Microsoft Azure in under seven months, consolidating multiple systems and eliminating the need to manage data separately.

Key considerations for leaders: Are your financial and operational models rooted in historical data, or do they anticipate and shape strategy?

Governing and protecting data seamlessly

Colleges and universities manage sensitive information across student records, financial data, medical research, and intellectual property. Rising cyberthreats and evolving compliance requirements can put this sensitive data at risk while fragmented security tools overextend IT and security teams.

By protecting sensitive information and addressing risks quickly, institutions can safeguard research, teaching, and operations while maintaining trust and compliance. Strong data governance helps promote responsible information use, supporting innovation and collaboration without compromising security.

These measures help institutions protect valuable data and maintain trust with researchers and partners:

• Automate checks and reporting to improve audit readiness and reduce manual effort.
• Demonstrate robust data protection to secure grants and renewals.
• Monitor and respond to threats in real time, minimizing disruptions.

As part of Oregon State University’s (OSU) commitment to innovative security protocols, they continue to both deepen and expand their cybersecurity posture. They’re using Microsoft Security Copilot alongside Microsoft security tools with the goal of elevating their proactive security measures, allowing analysts to focus on tasks that add greater value to the institution.

Key considerations for leaders: Does your institution have unified visibility across all data systems, or are gaps still creating risk and stretching your teams thin?

Accelerating research breakthroughs

Research breakthroughs frequently require accurate, connected data that’s ready to power new insights. Critical information is often scattered across disconnected systems, which can make it difficult for faculty and researchers to collaborate efficiently or uncover patterns that drive innovation. In many cases, valuable time is spent cleaning and cross-checking data instead of focusing on discovery.

When institutions build a strong data foundation, they can discover new possibilities. Unified, well-governed data allows researchers to ask better questions, explore trends faster, and collaborate across disciplines while giving leaders a chance to gain predictive insights to drive breakthroughs.

When data is connected and trusted, AI can take research further by automating routine analysis, revealing new patterns, and suggesting fresh directions to explore. With the right foundation in place, faculty and students have an opportunity to spend less time managing information and more time advancing knowledge, securing funding, and driving the institution’s long-term growth.

Using Azure OpenAI, researchers at Georgia Tech were able to analyze unstructured data to better understand the charging experience of electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The volume of information was substantial, but it was estimated that human experts would require 99 weeks to extract the salient data points, which wasn’t realistic. Azure OpenAI was pivotal in advancing the research.

Key considerations for leaders: Are your research teams able to quickly connect datasets across disciplines, or are insights still fragmented and slowing discovery?

Unifying teams and data to support student success

Data empowerment helps institutions maximize innovation and value across operations, instruction, and systems:

• Simplify faculty and staff workflows – Unified data and automation can help streamline administrative work and empower educators. AI-powered tools are being used to improve efficiency and free up time for more strategic tasks. At the University of Waterloo, an AI assistant is helping students navigate job searches more efficiently and access support, contributing to a more streamlined experience that aligns with the university’s focus on student success.
• Engage learners and alumni – With a strong focus on student success and social mobility, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is transforming higher education to meet the diverse needs of its students. By connecting siloed data and applying AI-powered tools, the university is streamlining processes and personalizing engagement across the student journey.

Becoming a data-empowered institution is a journey, not a destination. These five scenarios show how institutions can transform operations when data is unified, and AI is applied with purpose. The path to proactive leadership starts with unified data. Microsoft can help you move with confidence.

Download the Data-Empowered Institution e-book to see how leading institutions are putting these scenarios into action, and how your campus can take the next step.

Ready to learn more? Discover additional resources and tools to accelerate your data empowerment journey:

• Read the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ study to see how leading organizations achieved 379% ROI with Microsoft Fabric, and how your institution can apply these insights to maximize the value of its data.
• Explore how Microsoft Fabric can help your institution securely unify data, enhance collaboration, and prepare your organization for the AI era.

The post Building data-empowered higher education institutions appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

While over 80% of respondents in the 2025 AI in Education Report have already used AI for school, we believe there are significant opportunities to design AI that can better serve each of their needs and broaden access to the latest innovation.¹

That’s why today, we’re announcing AI-powered experiences built for teaching and learning at no additional cost, new integrations in Microsoft 365 apps and Learning Management Systems, and an academic offering for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Introducing AI-powered teaching and learning

Empowering educators with Teach

We’re introducing Teach to help streamline class prep and adapt AI to support educators’ teaching expertise with intuitive and customizable features. In one place, educators can easily access AI-powered teaching tools to create lesson plans, draft materials like quizzes and rubrics, and quickly make modifications to language, reading level, length, difficulty, alignment to relevant standards, and more.

Teach is rolling out in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app starting today at no additional cost for education customers with more functionality, including Learning Management System (LMS) integration, coming soon. Many of these features are also available in the daily flow of educators using apps like Microsoft Teams and OneNote.

Supporting students with Study and Learn Agent

By creating AI experiences grounded in learning science, we can more effectively support the process of learning for students and shift focus on the use of AI for quick content generation to nurturing the growth of skills over time. We’re bringing Study and Learn, an advanced agent, to students to provide adaptive experiences and help foster critical and reflective thinking. They can choose to work on their understanding, practice with exercises, study a specific topic, or simply chat and select from engaging built-in activities like flashcards, matching, fill-in-the-blank, or quizzes as they go. Study and Learn is coming to preview in November 2025 and will be available at no additional cost.

Learn more about all the latest updates in today’s Education Tech Community blog post.

New integrations in everyday apps for education

Millions of educators, staff, and students ages 13 and older are using Copilot Chat to personalize learning, enhance instruction, and reimagine administrative tasks. In Fulton County Schools, it’s helping to increase student agency and engagement and at Babson College it’s accelerating time to market for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Copilot Chat is included at no additional cost with Microsoft 365 and now available in apps like Outlook and PowerPoint to provide secure AI chat powered by GPT-5 with enterprise data protection and IT controls. Plus, coming to preview in December 2025, it will be accessible in LMSs such as Canvas, Schoology, Brightspace, Blackboard, and Moodle™ through the Microsoft 365 LTI.

Broadening access to the latest AI innovation

We’re excited to introduce an academic offering for Microsoft 365 Copilot in education at $18 (USD) per user per month for educators, staff, and students ages 13 and older starting in December 2025.² Deeply integrated into apps used every day, Microsoft 365 Copilot combines the power of AI with your data—documents, presentations, emails, meetings, chats, institutional knowledge, and more—plus the web to deliver relevant responses with sources. It also delivers cutting-edge capabilities like comprehensive agent access including Researcher and Analyst, Copilot Tuning for increased customization, and the Copilot Control System to protect institutional data.

Microsoft 365 Copilot has helped save significant time for our educators and staff, empowering them to focus on the reason they came into education—supporting student learning and personalizing education in ways that weren’t possible before.

Leigh Williams, CIO, Brisbane Catholic Education

At Brisbane Catholic Education, participating educators saved over 9 hours per week in administrative and planning tasks, allowing more time for enhancing student experiences and wellbeing. Eighty-four percent of users—including students—at the University of South Carolina reported saving between one and five hours per week, with 8 in 10 users reporting satisfaction with Copilot. Professors reported time savings and improved quality in academic output, allowing more focus on higher-value research and mentoring. Meanwhile, administrators reported reduced meeting prep time and improved decision-making through faster data synthesis, and communication teams increased their creative output without sacrificing quality.

Transforming education experiences with agents

Institutions are deepening the use of AI to advance their mission and prepare students for the future while also beginning to demonstrate the potential of agents to transform experiences across teaching, learning, research, and operations. Whether you’re looking to use pre-built solutions, quickly build your own, or develop advanced systems, we’ve made it easy to take the power of generative AI a step further with agents. Simply use natural language to create instructions and select relevant content to begin transforming experiences and processes with customized agents.

The University of South Florida is driving a comprehensive approach across the spectrum of agents. The IT team has built agents to enhance campus experiences and support for topics like travel policy, the IT help desk, or events such as student commencement. They’ve worked with the library, athletics, and are partnering with the College of Medicine to create custom solutions including an advanced accreditation system and interactive student handbooks.

Student Ambassadors built agents for several departments resulting in decreased manual reporting time, expedited inventory analysis, and improved content creation workflows. Their Microsoft 365 Copilot users are also already seeing efficiency gains with Researcher and Analyst to support tasks like annual report development, procurement, billing evaluation, and budget reviews. Next, they’re piloting the use of autonomous agents to drive IT process automation and an agent-driven contact center.

At Broward County Public Schools, academic leaders are creating innovative agents such as an interactive quiz engine to enhance student engagement, a resume and job description analyzer to support career readiness initiatives. They’re also exploring agent use cases like professional development planning, recruitment assistance, newsletter and report drafting, and more. To streamline operations, Broward is building agents to facilitate contract management and improve access to support information for users of their Student Information System.

More ways to get started on your AI journey

No matter where you are on your AI journey, we offer a place to get started, including many options at no additional cost. Educators can take advantage of our Learning Accelerators like Reading Coach to receive immediate feedback and insights powered by AI, Minecraft AI Foundations to build AI literacy in engaging ways with students and families, as well as Khanmigo for Teachers for a suite of standards-aligned tools with no prompting required and Khanmigo Writing Coach for students. GitHub Copilot Pro is available to educators and students for free plus access to dozens of learning resources in the Student Developer Pack.

Many students are not only starting to use AI tools in the classroom, but also at home and for purposes outside of schoolwork like trip or meal planning, shopping, and side hustles. Microsoft 365 Personal is available for use of productivity apps and credits for new AI features. Eligible college students can receive a 50% discount on Microsoft 365 Personal and can sign up for a free 12-month trial for a limited time.

¹ Survey Data – 2025 AI in Education Report

² All prices are in US dollars and accurate as of December 2025. Regional prices will vary based on foreign exchange rates at the moment of ordering SKUs.

The post Designing Microsoft 365 Copilot to empower educators, students, and staff appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

At Microsoft, we recognize the evolving needs of educators and institutions—and we see them as opportunities to provide meaningful support through a secure, high-performing platform. Windows 11 helps you simplify IT, support equity, and unlock future-ready learning.

Let’s explore how Windows 11 is built to securely support today’s educational needs and deliver AI-powered experiences. We’ll also highlight your upgrade paths to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.

Secure by design, ready for the modern classroom

As learning continues to become more connected and digital-first, having a secure technology foundation is more important than ever. Windows 11 was built with this in mind—combining modern protections with performance and usability.

Microsoft Defender provides real-time protection that updates automatically, helping you stay ahead of evolving digital risks with less manual work. Hardware-level security features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 are built in, helping safeguard student and school data at every level—from classroom to district.

These capabilities don’t just protect—they help you simplify. With centralized management through Microsoft Intune, your IT teams can more easily promote consistency across devices and reduce time spent on maintenance and troubleshooting.

Performance matters too. Windows 11 provides practical enhancements to the classroom experience, including faster boot times, improved multitasking capabilities, extended battery life, and accessibility tools such as voice typing and live captions—all designed to empower every student to participate and succeed.

Explore how Windows 11 can help you save time, track progress, and support diverse learning needs in the classroom.

Scale digital learning

Ceibal, a government agency in Uruguay, was founded to universalize access to digital technology in the Uruguayan public education system and is the largest education Microsoft tenant in Latin America. In 2023 they adopted Windows 11 as the main operating system and more than 240,000 students and teachers across Uruguay were using Windows 11 PCs. Their learning management system (LMS) CREA saw usage rates increase from 55% in 2019 to 86% in 2024.¹ The migration also delivered practical benefits: maintenance and update costs decreased, and compatibility between software and hardware improved significantly.

Prior to moving to Windows 11, maintenance and update costs were higher because each device model had its own OS version. Additionally, compatibility between software and hardware made things even more difficult. By integrating Windows 11, everything became much quicker and simpler with added security.

Mateo Pérez, Product Coordinator at Ceibal

Forward-looking platform for personalized learning

Windows 11 is built to support not just today’s educational needs, but tomorrow’s innovations. As AI continues to become an integral part of teaching and learning, schools need tools that are both powerful and practical—helping educators adapt without requiring them to overhaul their workflows.

One example is Microsoft Learning Zone, a Windows app designed to save educators time while enhancing student engagement. Built for Copilot+ PCs, Learning Zone uses on-device AI to help educators create personalized, interactive lessons from the materials they already use—turning a worksheet or slide deck into student-ready activities in minutes.

Whether introducing new concepts, reinforcing key ideas, or tailoring practice to individual learners, Learning Zone puts AI directly into the teaching workflow—responsibly and privately. Because it runs on the device, educators stay in control of both content and student data.

Available in public preview, Learning Zone shows how Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs can support modern instruction while preserving privacy and empowering educator creativity. Educators can also use built-in trusted content from world-class partners—from NASA’s hands-on exploration and OpenStax’s Rice University-backed curriculum to Minecraft Education’s immersive game-based learning and Kahoot!’s AI-powered instant quiz generation—all seamlessly integrated and ready to inspire student curiosity from day one.

Planning your upgrade to Windows 11 Education

With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, 2025, you have several options to keep your learning environments secure and AI-ready. Every institution is in a different place with budgets and timelines, so the transition doesn’t have to happen all at once. Microsoft offers three flexible paths to help institutions transition based on their budget and readiness.

Option 1: Upgrading eligible devices

Many existing devices are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft offers a free tool called PC Health Check that tells you if your device meets the requirements for Windows 11. Schools can use Microsoft Intune to upgrade at no additional cost—unlocking immediate security, performance, and accessibility improvements without investing in new hardware.

Option 2: Making the most of device transitions

When it’s time to purchase new Windows 11 PCs, to help ensure older devices are responsibly recycled or repurposed whenever possible, we encourage the use of trade-in and recycling programs available through our retail and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners. To help schools stretch their budgets, eligible devices can be securely recycled with cashback to offset new purchases through select programs. For devices that don’t qualify for trade-in, Microsoft’s end-of-life management programs support sustainability goals through responsible recycling.

You can also explore Shape the Future, a Microsoft discount program that helps K–12 education institutions access affordable Windows 11 PCs and promote digital equity.

Free planning tools to support your Windows 11 upgrade

Microsoft offers resources to help assess and plan your upgrade to Windows 11. These tools are designed to give you clear insights and support confident decision-making.

• Windows EOS Devices Calculator: Estimate the benefits and costs of upgrading or understand what it takes to maintain Windows 10 devices securely after support ends.
• Windows 11 Migration Assessment: Evaluate your institution’s readiness for Windows 11 and get practical recommendations for your transition.

Option 3: Phase your rollout

If replacing all devices at once isn’t possible, consider a hybrid plan. For eligible devices, upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for licenses on a per device basis until you’re ready to fully transition. The ESU program allows covered devices to continue to receive security updates for up to three years. ESU pricing for Microsoft Education customers will be $1 per device for the first year, $2 the following year, and $4 the third year to help institutions receive the support they need.² This offer is extended to all education customers, including K-12 and higher education.

Invest in AI-powered learning

Schools ready to enhance productivity through AI can consider Copilot+ PCs. These Windows 11 PCs, in comparison to traditional devices, deliver faster performance, longer battery life, and on-device AI experiences that support a long-term investment in educational innovation. Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent, and secure Windows 11 PCs ever, optimized for AI-powered experiences like Learning Zone.

No matter your timeline, Microsoft is committed to helping your school move forward confidently—keeping learning secure today while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

The transition to Windows 11 doesn’t have to happen overnight—but planning should start now. A well-managed move can lead to stronger security, reduced maintenance, improved compatibility, and higher engagement.

Windows 11 offers every school a high-performance foundation for learning today—and innovation tomorrow. Whether your district is ready to upgrade or just starting to plan, Microsoft is here to help every step of the way.

Explore Windows 11 today and see how your school can reimagine teaching and learning.

¹ Ceibal LMS usage statistics, 2024

² All prices are in US dollars and accurate as of October 2025. Regional prices will vary based on foreign exchange rates at the moment of ordering SKUs.

The post Build secure, future-ready learning experiences with Windows 11 appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

From small classroom changes to larger system-wide strategies, AI is becoming part of the future of education. The conversation is no longer “if” but “how” as institutions consider what that means for students, educators, and institutions. To better understand this shift, we conducted numerous studies and surveys and collaborated with academic institutions and organizations. The 2025 AI in Education Report explores current AI use, emerging opportunities and leading examples, and what’s next for its role in education.

Here are four key takeaways from the 2025 AI in Education Report:

1. AI adoption is accelerating across education, but training hasn’t kept pace.
2. AI can be a creative and collaborative partner, by complementing—not replacing—traditional learning methods.
3. AI fluency is a workforce imperative, with growing pressure on institutions to prepare students accordingly.
4. AI is helping reimagine learning experiences, but challenges around responsible usage and readiness must be addressed head-on.

We’ve also surveyed academic and IT leaders, educators, and students from around the world—explore the detailed AI in Education Report survey data for more insights.

1. AI adoption is accelerating across education

The report findings show that AI usage in education has surged, with 86% of education organizations now using generative AI—the highest rate of any industry.¹ In the United States:

• Student use of AI for school jumped 26 percentage points from last year.
• Educator use rose 21 percentage points.

From personalized learning in K-12 classrooms to AI-powered administrative tools in universities, institutions are rapidly integrating AI to improve efficiency, engagement, and outcomes.

But it seems that AI training hasn’t kept pace:

• Less than half of US students and global educators say they know a lot about AI.
• Internationally, 76% of leaders say that half or more of AI users at their institution have received AI training.
• Yet 45% of educators globally and 52% of US students say they haven’t received any training.

This mismatch signals a perception gap between what leaders think they’ve delivered, and what students and educators feel they’ve received.

Recommendations

• Share the AI for educators learning path to help educators build confidence and practical skills for using AI in their daily practice.
• Offer ongoing, differentiated professional learning using the AI Skills Navigator.
• Use the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit to guide strategic planning across your institution.

2. AI is a creative and collaborative partner

AI is helping students, educators, and education leaders think more creatively and work more collaboratively. The 2025 AI in Education Report shows that:

• Students are using AI to brainstorm assignments (37%), summarize information (33%), and receive feedback (32%).
• Educators are using it to brainstorm, create, and update lessons (31%), simplify complex topics (24%), and differentiate instruction (23%), freeing up time to focus on student engagement.
• Leaders are using it to streamline operations (35%), provide accessibility tools (33%), and identify opportunities for student growth (33%).

These uses help leaders and educators free up time for engagement, empower students to learn in ways that work best for them, and encourage creative exploration for all.

While AI use is growing, the report findings show that it’s more effective when used to complement—not replace—traditional learning methods. A study from Microsoft Research and Cambridge University Press & Assessment found that students who combined AI tools with note-taking and other methods learned more than those who relied on AI alone.

Recommendations

• Encourage experimentation with Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat to explore new ways of enhancing, not replacing, traditional learning methods.
• Use AI-powered Microsoft Learning Accelerators to complement instruction—giving students real-time feedback and supporting you in guiding their learning.

We use Copilot Chat as a brainstorming partner to ideate, but not to actually do our work for us. It helps us collaborate and expand our creativity to think of more ambitious ideas.

Pragya Modgil, student, Johns Creek High School, Fulton County Schools

3. AI fluency is a workforce imperative

AI fluency is becoming a top priority for new workers—alongside fundamentally human skills like conflict mitigation and adaptability. Together, these skills are going to be essential when students enter the new world of work. The report notes that:

• Upwards of 47% of leaders consider upskilling employees in AI is the top workforce strategy for the next 12 to 18 months.
• 66% of leaders say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI literacy skills.

Educators and education leaders acknowledge the need for more AI skills training, with 54% of global educators and 76% of global leaders viewing AI literacy as an essential component of basic education for every student. Today’s students will need to be able to:

• Know how to use AI as an assistant, not as a tool.
• Learn how and when to delegate to AI and when to involve people.
• Think like managers—since it’s likely they’ll be managing AI.

Recommendations

• Explore institutional approaches like the “Teaching with AI” course at Auburn University or the Waterloo Experience Accelerate Program at the University of Waterloo.
• Use the immersive activities in Minecraft Education AI Foundations to teach students both technical and human-centered AI skills.
• Transform teaching and support job readiness with Copilot Chat, available for students 13 and older.

4. AI is helping to reimagine learning experiences

Whether it’s supporting neurodivergent learners, facilitating multilingual communication, or acting as a brainstorming partner, AI is empowering students and educators to explore new ways of thinking and learning together. In a UK-based study, university students and educators said AI helped them overcome creative blocks, explore new topics, and clarify complex content—describing it as a collaborative partner available around the clock.

Yet while AI is expanding new possibilities in education, realizing its full potential requires addressing the concerns it raises. The 2025 AI in Education Report sheds light on the evolving landscape:

• Students are most concerned about being accused of plagiarism or cheating (33%) and becoming too dependent on AI (30%).
• Educators’ top concern is plagiarism (31%), followed by overreliance (21%), misinformation (20%), security (20%), and insufficient training (20%).
• Leaders are most concerned about ethical concerns (21%), lack of IT readiness (20%), and equitable access (18%).

Recommendations from the report to address these concerns include fostering open communication, leaning into always-on training opportunities, and creating space for your community to share and reflect. Together, these actions can help build a more informed, inclusive, and confident culture.

Recommendations

• Read the IDC White Paper, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Campuses, sponsored by Microsoft, for organizational, process, and technological recommendations to shape and advance AI strategy.²
• Explore real-world stories of AI in education from World Traveler School, Brisbane Catholic Education, and Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
• Get started with AI solutions from Microsoft Education to expand possibilities at your institution.

Creating opportunity through AI in education

While AI familiarity and usage are high across all groups, gaps remain. The insights from this report point to four key challenges facing AI in education:

• Adoption without alignment – Widespread AI use is outpacing training and shared understanding among educators and students.
• Creative potential, cautious optimism – The possibilities with AI are inspiring but must be grounded in proven teaching and learning strategies to be effective.
• Workforce preparation needs – Institutions recognize the importance of AI literacy but need practical support to embed it meaningfully into curriculum and instruction.
• Reimagining learning responsibly – AI offers exciting potential, and realizing that potential will require engaging students and educators to build solutions together through open communication.

To move forward, educators, leaders, and students should work together, adapt in real time, and commit to responsible use of AI. Educators and leaders aren’t asking for bans—they’re calling for high-quality, job-embedded professional learning.

Teachers are saying, ‘I need training, it needs to be high quality, relevant, and job-embedded…’ In reality, people require guidance and that means teachers and administrators going through professional development.

Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer of Code.org and Lead of TeachAI

AI can be a powerful thought partner and force multiplier—amplifying ideas, streamlining tasks, and unlocking new possibilities for teaching and learning. As you navigate the opportunities and complexities of AI, Microsoft Education is here to support you with tools, training, and insights. Explore the full 2025 AI in Education Report to dive deeper into the data and use the resources in this blog to support your own AI journey.

¹ IDC InfoBrief: sponsored by Microsoft, 2024 Business Opportunity of AI, IDC# US52699124, November 2024. IDC’s 2024 AI opportunity study: Top five AI trends to watch – The Official Microsoft Blog

² IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Campuses: Strategies from the Frontlines of Higher Education, IDC# US53344625, May 2025. AI-ready campuses: Strategies from higher education frontlines | Microsoft Education Blog

The post AI in Education Report: Insights to support teaching and learning appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

To help students stay competitive in college and beyond, FCS realized that both students and staff needed proficiency and support in AI. But for FCS, AI isn’t just about keeping students competitive—it’s about challenging them to do more and empowering them to turn their ideas into reality. Students aren’t just learning how to use AI—they’re using it to push past limitations, break down complex challenges, and bring ambitious projects to life.

To support this vision, FCS set a clear goal: create more personalized, engaging learning experiences while reducing administrative workloads. The district also prioritized a structured and protective environment to help ensure data security and trust in AI adoption. Learn more about how FCS is turning this vision into reality—and what other schools can take from their approach.

From prompt to possibility: Copilot Chat expands student potential

When Copilot Chat was introduced in the school district, the first step was equipping educators and staff with the knowledge to use it effectively. After initial training, educators introduced Copilot Chat to students as a thought partner, provided coaching on topics like prompting, and quickly saw student confidence and curiosity increase.

Students used it to ideate, receive immediate feedback without judgment, design multimedia projects, identify and fix code errors, adjust content based on their preferences or pace, and manage their time. Educators are also now able to challenge them more than ever, and students are using Copilot Chat as a force multiplier to bring their ideas and passions to life in ways they couldn’t previously imagine or access.

We want AI to be as familiar as a textbook or a laptop—an everyday tool that enhances teaching and learning. Students have to be skilled in how to use technology properly before they ever get to college.

Dr. Joe Phillips, Chief Information Officer, Fulton County Schools

Copilot Chat is now generally available for students aged 13 and older, opening new opportunities for learning, creativity, and support in and beyond the classroom. With thoughtful implementation, schools can empower students to explore ideas, ask questions, and build confidence using AI as a thought partner. Learn how to enable and manage Copilot Chat access for students and get started today.

For schools looking to enhance student engagement and digital fluency, Copilot Chat offers a practical, classroom-ready solution. It’s a free, secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o and the ability to maintain IT control with enterprise data protection and management and is included with Microsoft 365. It also includes features like file upload, image generation, Copilot Pages, and agents. Learn more by reviewing our Copilot Chat documentation.

Preparing students for real-world success with AI skills

FCS’ Johns Creek High School has a diverse student body of approximately 1,800. The school’s career tech department provides students with training they’ll need to thrive in the modern workplace. For Jason Gonzalez, a senior at Johns Creek High School, Copilot Chat became more than a tool—it became a launchpad for possibility.

“Before, I had to limit my ideas to whatever I was sure I could do,” says Gonzalez. Now I can push past those limitations, break down complex challenges step-by-step, and apply new concepts in a way that makes sense. It helps me bridge the gap between ideas and execution. It’s not just about helping me build something—it’s about expanding what I believe is possible.”

When the school rolled out Copilot Chat as our official AI tool for students, I thought it was really forward thinking.

Jason Gonzalez, student, Johns Creek High School, Fulton County Schools

When students have access to AI-powered tools like Copilot Chat, they’re not just getting help with tasks—they can gain confidence to take on bigger challenges, think more critically, and begin developing skills that can support their future careers. When students are encouraged to go beyond the assignment and explore their potential, educators have an opportunity to do more than teach content—they can help students prepare for what’s ahead.

Helping students go further with Copilot Chat in the classroom

Using AI responsibly is essential in education, helping students develop critical thinking and digital literacy while maintaining data security and fairness. FCS’s integration of Copilot Chat demonstrates this approach by providing students with a disciplined environment to explore AI while learning about responsible usage.

AI is evolving rapidly, and learning how to use it responsibly now will give me a huge advantage.

Pragya Modgil, student, Johns Creek High School, Fulton County Schools

FCS students are using Copilot Chat to conduct research, create multimedia projects, such as podcasts on historical events, help with coding challenges, 3D modeling, design ideation, time management, academic planning, and accessible technology.

“We use Copilot Chat as a brainstorming partner to ideate, but not to actually do our work for us,” explains Pragya Modgil, a junior at Johns Creek High School. “It helps us collaborate and expand our creativity to think of more ambitious ideas.”

FCS offers an example of how AI can enhance—not replace—instruction. With thoughtful integration and clear guardrails, tools like Copilot Chat have the potential to support deeper learning and spark curiosity. It also has the potential to help students strengthen critical thinking and digital literacy skills that can be valuable in their future careers. By guiding students in how to use AI responsibly, educators can help prepare them not only for future jobs, but also for navigating a digital world with confidence.

Preparing students for the future with Copilot Chat

Students aged 13 and older are able to access Copilot Chat—with enterprise data protection and IT controls. When introduced responsibly and in partnership with educators, we believe that AI has the potential to enrich learning experiences by supporting established teaching practices.

A study from Microsoft Research showed that students often approach AI with strong curiosity, using it to ask deeper, more complex questions that enhance their understanding. Additionally, a LinkedIn report from April 2025 highlights the urgent need to prepare students for a workforce where AI skills—paired with uniquely human abilities—are in growing demand.

As a thought partner, using Copilot Chat in the classroom can help students tackle complex problems, turn big ideas into action, and build real-world AI skills they can apply to jobs and internships. Get your students ready for their futures—Copilot Chat is now available for students aged 13 and older, offering a more curious, creative, and empowered learning environment where AI enhances human potential. Try it today and see how Copilot can enhance teaching and learning in your classroom.

The post How Fulton County Schools use Copilot Chat to empower student innovation appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

With these advances in AI, institutions now have a powerful new opportunity: to use agents that can automate routine tasks, assist faculty and staff, and provide real-time, contextual insights to support teaching and learning. As more institutions begin their journey to this next frontier, AI agents will support individuals and teams by automating tasks and delivering instant, contextual insights.

This means that with data-focused AI tools from Microsoft, your institution can:

• Develop scalable, intelligent agents using Azure AI Foundry, trusted by enterprises and customized for higher education compliance and innovation.
• Turn data insights into action with AI-powered analytics, addressing challenges in student success, research productivity, and operational agility.

Accelerate agentic AI with Azure AI Foundry

Azure AI Foundry Agent Service empowers institutions to securely design, deploy, and scale agents with ease. Enhance your team’s efficiency with agents that simplify academic and operational workflows with robust security and trust features built in. This provides key tools and resources to help you:

• Create domain-specific agents to automate complex tasks.
• Use enterprise-grade identity for agents and built-in trustworthy AI.
• Deploy and scale agents quickly with managed infrastructure.

Create and scale domain-specific agents

With Azure AI Foundry Agent Service, your team can create domain-specific agents tailored to your unique needs. It helps you design, deploy, and scale agents that are ready for real-world use. This fully managed service handles infrastructure and orchestration. It includes ready-to-use templates, actions, and connectors for more than 1,400 enterprise data sources, including SharePoint, Microsoft Fabric, and third-party systems. For instance, you can design and deploy agents to help onboard new students with personalized guidance and support administrative teams with instant responses to common questions.

Institutions like Stanford Medicine are already using the healthcare agent orchestrator in Azure AI Foundry alongside Microsoft Copilot Studio. This integration enhances the efficiency of tumor board meetings through customized clinical workflows.

Secure and manage your agents

Creating agents is just the beginning—managing them responsibly plays a critical role in their effective use. With Microsoft Entra Agent ID, you can:

• Gain complete visibility and control over agents’ actions.
• Assign unique identities for each agent.
• Share identity management with your team members.
• Define access controls and permissions for each agent.

Trustworthy AI is a foundational commitment for Microsoft and for our customers. We’ve introduced new capabilities to help institutions discover, protect, and govern AI systems from the start.

On the security side, Azure AI Foundry integrates with Microsoft Defender for Cloud to provide real-time alerts and insights when threats arise. For compliance, out-of-the box integration with governance tools like Credo AI, Saidot, and Microsoft Purview, helps institutions monitor model performance, assess fairness, and track regulatory requirements.

By using Azure AI Foundry’s built-in tools for safety, security, and governance, institutions can design and deploy AI systems with greater reliability from the start.

Powering the next AI frontier with Microsoft Fabric

Strong data is foundational to effective AI. Microsoft Fabric helps unify your data to power analytics and agents—without the burden of managing complex infrastructure. As a SaaS solution, Fabric offers seamless integration of data tools and can reduce the need for manual service connections.

At its core is Microsoft OneLake, an open and unified data lake that supports any format, from any cloud. This flexibility allows developers to access and analyze all types of data efficiently.

Fabric also transforms how you manage and interact with data. With natural language capabilities, you can explore insights that drive student success, enhance research, and boost operational agility—empowering everyone to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Find the right data when you need it

Education leaders need tools that turn insights into action. That’s why we’re focused on making data more accessible through conversational experiences. With Copilot in Power BI, users can now ask questions in natural language and receive instant insights—no technical training needed to get started. Whether it’s enrollment trends, retention risks, or alumni giving, faculty and staff can explore data directly within Microsoft Teams to streamline their workflow.

Empower everyone to interact with their data

With enhanced interaction capabilities in Power BI and Copilot Studio, transforming data into actionable insights can now be faster and more intuitive. You can explore data through natural, conversational experiences, removing complexity, and making analysis more accessible. This shift empowers you and your teams to break down data silos and uncover valuable insights with ease. Power BI chat simplifies the exploration of complex datasets, offering quicker, more confident decision-making.

Uncover deeper insights with data agents

Finally, connecting Fabric data agents to Copilot Studio can help uncover deeper insights. These agents expertly analyze complex datasets, uncovering valuable insights from OneLake and driving informed action. By automating tasks like email sending and workflow triggering, they streamline your interactions with enterprise data, enabling confident decision-making.

Embrace the future of data-driven higher education with Microsoft Azure and Azure AI Foundry. Discover how innovative data agents and AI-powered insights can enhance your approach to learning and operations. Start your journey today and uncover the limitless possibilities that await you.

The post Discover the potential of agentic AI in higher education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

We’re inspired by innovative teaching, leading, and learning and excited to share new insights, features for educators and students, and resources to help you get started. Join us in-person at ISTELive 25 and ASCD Annual 25, June 29 – July 2, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas to explore the latest from Microsoft Education with solutions that spark joyful learning and equip educators with AI skills.

Insights from the 2025 AI in Education Report

In times of change and innovation, the need for insights and examples of impact becomes increasingly important. That’s why we’re sharing the 2025 AI in Education Report which highlights key findings across AI usage, concerns, and opportunities alongside learnings and progress from global institutions.

According to the report, AI in education is advancing daily with over 80% of surveyed educators using AI this year, up 21 points from last year as its role expands from just an assistant to a thought partner and force multiplier. At the same time, approximately one in three surveyed United States K-12 educators still lack confidence in using AI effectively and responsibly and more than half of surveyed students report that they have not received AI training.¹

It’s critical to engage with students, educators, and all community stakeholders to address challenges, learn together, and co-develop the path forward. Further, we need to collectively prepare for an AI-powered future and support students in building relevant AI skills as every industry and discipline evolves. Read the report for an overview and explore the detailed survey data for even more insights.

Teachers are saying, ‘I need training, it needs to be high quality, relevant, and job-embedded…’ In reality, people require guidance and that means teachers and administrators going through professional development.

Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer of Code.org and Lead of TeachAI

Enhancing instruction with Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Learning Zone

Microsoft 365 Copilot delivers the latest AI innovations whether through reasoning agents like Researcher and Analyst, or advanced functionality like Copilot Tuning. Institutions such as Brisbane Catholic Education and Miami Dade College are saving time to reinvest into meaningful work and beginning to explore new capabilities like agents. We’re also collaborating with Learning Management System (LMS) providers like Canvas and Moodle to take the power of agents a step further by supporting integration with Copilot through open-source, customizable samples.

We told our staff: you have permission to try, and permission to fail. That opened the door for teachers to test Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat without fear of judgment or wasted time. And guess what? Most of the time, those experiments don’t fail—they spark new ways of thinking.

Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal Curriculum, St. Peter Claver College, Brisbane Catholic Education

We recently introduced the updated Microsoft 365 Copilot app, your hub for the latest functionality and later this year in preview, for AI-powered features for educators. In one place, educators will be able to easily create lesson plans, draft materials like quizzes and rubrics, and quickly make modifications like translation, adjusted reading levels, length, difficulty, alignment to relevant standards, and more.

We’re announcing Microsoft Learning Zone, a free, AI-powered learning app and the first Copilot+ PC experience purpose built for educators to create personalized, adaptive learning activities.² Formerly known as the code name Project Spark, the experience will launch in public preview later this summer on Copilot+ PCs, including Microsoft Surface, and across the Windows ecosystem. It’s powered by new AI innovation, learning science, educator input, and features like lesson creation, customizable tools to meet learning goals, and data-driven insights.

Microsoft Learning Zone is built on collaborations with organizations such as NASA, The Economist Educational Foundation, PBS NewsHour, Figma, and Minecraft Education to bring real-world relevance into the classroom. It also includes integration with Kahoot! to generate interactive games and OpenStax for content from vetted open educational resources.

Using Microsoft Learning Zone in the classroom has been an exciting opportunity to explore innovative ways to engage students. I was impressed by the app’s intuitive layout and how easily I could edit and share content with my class. While still in its early stages, Learning Zone shows great potential for helping teachers create AI-driven educational resources.

Terry Borko, Teacher of Social Studies and Media, Red Deer Lake School

Preparing students for academic and career success

Students at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and University of South Carolina are already seeing academic and career preparedness gains with Microsoft 365 Copilot. Copilot Notebooks are now included, and we’re looking forward to bringing even more value with a study guide experience, in preview later this year. Study guide creation is designed to help students, or educators, turn scattered materials into an organized study space with engaging learning activities and content like podcasts instantly. It will include flashcards, fill in the blanks, matching exercises, quizzes, and the ability to review progress.

In some job interviews recently, I’ve actually been asked about my experience with AI and if I know how to use it efficiently to help manage workflows. Copilot will really help students stay at the forefront of today’s changing world and make them more marketable.

Emma Ernst, Public Relations Student, University of South Carolina

In May 2025, we announced that teen student availability for Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot would be coming this summer. We’re now sharing that general availability is expected in late July 2025. To prepare, administrators should review guidance to enable Copilot Chat for students and help ensure appropriate access.

Copilot Chat is included with Microsoft 365 at no additional cost and offers secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o with the ability to maintain IT control through enterprise data protection and management. It also includes features like file upload, image generation, Copilot Pages, and agents. We’re optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to help students increase their agency and build skills to prepare for future success. Read more about use cases, reflections, and advice from our global private preview educators and students in the announcement blog and from Johns Creek High School in the following video.

We’re looking forward to continuing to add education value to Microsoft 365 Copilot and you can review the details, learn about additional updates like the Microsoft 365 Education Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI®), and join our preview communities through the Education Tech Community blog.

As AI usage and innovation increases, so does the need for training resources that empower educators and students alike. We’re continuing to provide opportunities to build essential skills—from immersive activities in Minecraft Education AI Foundations, to equipping preservice educators with ISTE+ASCD, providing hands-on cybersecurity experience for students, and offering GitHub Certifications on Microsoft Learn and Pearson VUE.

We’ll also continue highlighting new evidence of impact such as the recent World Bank study in Nigeria, where a pilot program deployed Copilot, which stated that a “cost-effectiveness analysis revealed substantial learning gains, equating to 1.5 to years of ‘business as usual’ schooling, situating the intervention among some of the most cost-effective programs to improve learning outcomes.”

Additional resources

• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Designed to guide school leaders through the process of planning for and integrating AI across the institution.
• 2025 AI in Education Report – Learn more about the latest insights on AI in Education from Microsoft.
• AI strategies from the frontlines of higher education – Read the recent IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft and explore perspectives from academic and IT leaders.
• AI Classroom Toolkit – Try this creative resource to introduce AI to teen students that blends engaging narrative stories with instructional information for an immersive and informative learning experience.
• Copilot Chat Adoption Kit – Review the collection of resources for IT, educators, and parents and caregivers to get started with Copilot Chat.
• Minecraft Education AI Foundations – Build AI literacy with Agent and Chicken! AI Foundations offers accessible on-ramps with lessons, immersive content, parent resources, and fun animated videos. Stay tuned for new content coming later this year and join the training cohort to learn more.

Learning from others

• Wichita Public Schools’ AI adoption: How it started, how it’s going
• From skepticism to success: How AI is helping teachers transform classrooms in Peru
• From Chalkboards to Chatbots : Evaluating the Impact of Generative AI on Learning Outcomes in Nigeria
• Crafting skills that matter with Minecraft Education
• Brisbane Catholic Education boosts agency and efficiency with Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Miami Dade College boosts student pass rates by 15% with Microsoft 365 Copilot
• How universities are tapping students and AI to fight the growing threat of cybercrime
• Safeguarding research and innovation: Singapore Management University’s cybersecurity transformation with Microsoft Security solutions
• More Education stories – Discover more examples of how institutions are achieving more with Microsoft Education.

¹ Survey Data – 2025 AI in Education Report

² Microsoft Learning Zone is available with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft Education license (A1, A3, A5). Initial availability will be English only.

The post Empowering educators with AI innovation and insights appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

A blueprint for AI-ready campuses

IDC identified six common foundational characteristics of advanced AI strategies in Higher Education:

Differentiators – Rather than only focusing on AI-powered automation for efficiency and cost savings, institutions are identifying unique areas where AI can help differentiate and innovate. According to Michael Barker, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and CIO at UNC, “Our goal is to use AI to enhance our research capabilities and make groundbreaking discoveries that highlight our strengths and differentiate us.”

Guardrails – Institutions are initially focusing on creating guidelines for responsible use and moving toward governance in parallel. Jill Albin-Hill, Deputy CIO of Auburn University, notes, “Our guidelines allow for flexibility and innovation while ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.”

Collaborative Communities – Fostering collaboration, a culture of experimentation, and knowledge sharing helps drive AI initiatives forward. Ruben Mancha, Associate Professor of Information Systems at Babson College, states, “At Babson College, our AI Generator group is a key driver of innovation, providing a platform for our community to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new AI applications.”

Vendor Partnerships – Partnering with a diverse set of technology vendors with advanced AI capabilities and offerings helps institutions access cutting-edge AI tools and expertise. For example, the white paper cites, “Georgia Tech’s AI strategy is deeply intertwined with its partnerships, particularly with major industry players such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and NVIDIA.”

Change Management and Training – Providing comprehensive, ongoing training programs to ensure that all stakeholders, at all levels of the institution, are comfortable and proficient with AI tools is essential. Dr. Asim Ali, Executive Director at Auburn University, remarks, “Our goal is to provide the best environment on campus for students, professional staff, and faculty to learn about different resources, tools, and ideas and to think critically about their impact on society.”

Leadership – Effective AI leadership requires both top-down and bottom-up, grassroots innovation. Christopher Clemens, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at UNC, says, “We want to set the example of what we want AI to do for our institution and give them the tools, skills, and encouragement they need to bring that vision to life.”

Recommendations for advancing AI strategy

The white paper also outlines critical strategic, organizational, process, and technological recommendations to shape and advance AI strategy in higher education. A few highlights include:

• Align AI investments with the institution’s broader strategic vision – Patty Patria, CIO of Babson College, noted, “We have intense interest and demand coming from all areas of the institution. So, we take care to work very closely with everyone to gather feedback, understand what their needs are, and build tools and solutions for them. AI is a strategic capability in our broader toolset to achieve our larger goals.”
• Invest in AI for all – democratize access to diverse AI tools by ensuring all have access to AI resources and innovation.
• Create a flexible and adaptive strategy – adopt an iterative approach, allowing for quick pivots and adjustments based on what works and what doesn’t.
• Measure impact and success – establish clear metrics to ensure alignment to institutional goals and delivery of desired outcomes.
• Foster inclusive decision-making and stakeholder engagement – encourage collaboration across departments, including those who may be skeptical of AI, and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.
• Allow time and space for AI adoption – Pascal Van Hentenryck at Georgia Tech shared, “We need to balance the urgency of adopting AI with the need to provide a supportive environment where everyone can learn and experiment at their own pace.”
• Ensure AI-ready data – establishing a robust data management strategy is essential for effective AI implementation. As Leo Howell said, “Building strong data engineering teams is crucial for ensuring that our AI models are trained on high-quality, reliable data.”
• Prioritize privacy and security – implement data protection measures, ensure compliance, design AI systems that safeguard sensitive data from the outset.

Explore more insights from leading institutions

Enhancing learning, research, and operations with Microsoft 365 Copilot

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is exploring AI to advance business education, career services, and academic research. In an initial study, professors found that students using Microsoft 365 Copilot saw performance improve by 10% and time to complete the task at hand was reduced by 40%.² Students felt that Copilot helped build confidence and prepare for their future careers. Career coaches agreed and have used Copilot Chat to provide more tailored guidance and spend more time engaging students on a one-to-one basis.

At Miami Dade College, leaders implemented AI-powered assistants through Microsoft Copilot Studio, which led to a 15% increase in pass rates and a 12% decrease in dropout rates. They’re also exploring opportunities at every level of the institution and finding benefits for staff in removing administrative burdens, improving work quality, and increasing productivity. Read the Miami Dade College story.

Leaders at the University of South Carolina knew that AI was going to be life changing, but knew they needed to better understand the opportunities first and began working with their first cohort. They received an eight out of ten satisfaction score on surveys, expedited literature reviews, provided more support for students, and prioritized data protection. Watch the University of South Carolina video.

Since our initial story on the University of South Florida, they’ve continued to improve services and efficiencies with AI. Watch their latest video on how they’re using AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio to spend more time on solving important challenges, reducing the number of help desk tickets, ensuring immediate support, and making their information AI-ready.

Unlocking new opportunities for AI innovation

Institutions like Oregon State University, Auburn University, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville are employing Microsoft Security Copilot and their students in their security operations centers (SOCs) to combat cybercrime. This approach offers students valuable hands-on experience while helping universities address cybersecurity workforce shortages and the need to build deeper expertise. These initiatives are part of their ongoing journeys as AI-ready campuses.

At Singapore Management University (SMU), Microsoft Security Copilot has led to a significant increase in efficiency, decrease in response times, and greater automation in containment efforts. It eases the workload for SMU’s security teams through AI-powered log correlation, automated playbooks, and real-time threat detection. Edward Panangian Pasaribu, Head of Cybersecurity at SMU, also noted that the “interface is intuitive, which makes everything easier for our security analysts when interacting with the system.” Learn more about their approach to Zero Trust and safeguarding research.

Microsoft Research is pioneering the integration of AI into research processes, driving innovation and efficiency. By using, infusing, and diffusing AI, they are transforming traditional workflows, accelerating scientific discovery, and enhancing AI-human interactions. Their initiatives, such as the Accelerating Foundation Models Research program, aim to democratize AI research, ultimately benefiting both academic researchers and society.

Northern Arizona University is using Willow’s digital twin technology to increase facility efficiencies, manage consumption of resources, and move their sustainability goals forward. They’re now able to bring data together from thousands of sensors to see what’s going on at any given moment and optimize traffic, facilities, and energy with measurable traction.

Building advanced solutions with Azure AI Foundry

Macquarie University developed Virtual Peer, an AI-powered chatbot, to provide students with real-time, around-the-clock academic and administrative support. They conducted a pilot study with 1,400 students and found that 80% of messages were sent outside of standard university operating hours, with a dramatic spike in usage before the final exam. Results also showed students’ exam scores went up by nearly 10% and 72% of survey respondents stated they would be very disappointed if they lost access to Virtual Peer.

The University of Waterloo introduced JADA, short for Job Aggregator Digital Assistant, to streamline the job search process for co-op students. JADA helps consolidate job boards and provides real-time support to enhance student access to job opportunities and ease the application process. It also uses AI to determine strong matches with their skills and knowledge, and tools like JADA are paired with training programs to help students build the skills they’ll need in the future of work.

Leading universities—including UCLA Anderson School of Management, London Business School, California State University Fullerton, the University of Maryland, and Case Western Reserve University—have already adopted Cloudforce’s nebulaONE® platform, deployed securely on Microsoft Azure, to anchor their campus-wide AI strategies. By wrapping Azure OpenAI Service in a private, institution-controlled environment, nebulaONE lets each school spin up custom-branded chatbots, research assistants, and administrative agents while satisfying stringent Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

Cloudforce backs the technology with workshop-driven design services, guiding institutions to launch “AI for everyone” environments or zoom in on high-value pilots. Their flexible architecture also lets stakeholders toggle among leading foundation models—from OpenAI’s GPT-4o to Meta’s Llama 3—so faculty, staff, and students can select the ideal engine for nearly every academic or operational use case.

Get started with Microsoft Education

• AI in Education – Learn more about AI in Education including relevant products, stories, resources, FAQs, and more.
• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Designed to guide school leaders through the process of planning for and integrating AI across the institution.
• Cloud AI Adoption e-book – Structured guidance that prepares organizations to adopt AI at scale, beginning with key operational processes for creation of a holistic AI strategy. 
• More Education stories – Read additional examples of how institutions are achieving more with Microsoft Education.

¹ IDC White Paper, sponsored by Microsoft, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Campuses: Strategies from the Frontlines of Higher Education, #US53344625, May 2025

² Dennis, A., Kim, A., & Yan, G. (2024, November 20). Copilot in Education: Impact on the Student Learning Experience. Kelley School of Business, Indiana University.

The post AI strategies from the frontlines of higher education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Enhance classroom instruction and student engagement

Copilot availability for students 13 and older

Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot availability for students aged 13 and older is coming this summer with enterprise data protection and IT controls. A study from Microsoft Research found that most students demonstrated remarkable curiosity when using AI, asking sophisticated questions that extended beyond their task at hand and led to deeper understanding.

Feedback from schools in our preview emphasized the value of training, clear guidelines, and space for students and educators to learn together. As we move forward, we’re focused on providing tools and support that help schools use AI in ways that work best for their communities. We’re optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to help students advance their learning and build skills to prepare for success in their future.

Empowering everyone with agents in Copilot Chat

Specialized AI assistants, known as agents, expand the capabilities of generative AI by allowing customization and the ability to work for you or alongside you. Agents can be tailored to support you with expertise in instructional design, unique student preferences, institutional data analysis, and many other tasks. You can build an agent using natural language and additional configuration in Copilot Chat or get started with an agent template.

With Copilot Chat, agents can be accessed and managed directly in the chat and enterprise data protection helps keep your experience safe and secure. Whether you’re building a custom agent or taking advantage of agent templates, there are numerous ways that agents in Copilot Chat can make a positive impact on your day-to-day activities. Get started and discover how agents in Copilot Chat can enhance the way you learn and teach.

New educator features in Reading Coach

Reading Coach, a Microsoft Learning Accelerator, now includes features designed to support educators in guiding and monitoring student reading practice. Educators can create and share custom reading practice, set time-based reading goals, and select passages from the built-in ReadWorks library or allow students to choose from AI-generated stories.

Here’s what’s new:

• Create and share reading experiences – Share your own passages or choose from the robust ReadWorks library to bring high-quality content designed to improve effectiveness and student achievement to your students. They’ll also have the option to explore AI-generated stories that match their interests.
• Encourage independent practice – Encourage students to increase their reading endurance by setting personalized, time-based goals.
• Simplify access – Students can join practice sessions using a link or code, depending on what works best for your classroom.
• Stay connected to progress – Teacher mode offers visibility into how students are engaging with each practice and how their reading is developing over time.
• Use data to guide support – Track time spent reading, passage completion, correct words per minute, and reading accuracy to help inform instruction.

These features are available to educators and students using school-issued Microsoft credentials. Explore the new features and get started today.

Professional learning opportunities

A collection of AI literacy resources

Educators across the world are using AI to streamline lesson planning, personalize instruction, and enhance accessibility. There’s a strong opportunity to boost understanding and use AI more intentionally through professional learning and thoughtful practices. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your AI capabilities, we have free training and resources to help you build AI skills and integrate AI in meaningful and responsible ways.

These resources will help you build confidence in using AI and discover innovative ways to support student learning and save time. Continue growing your expertise by experimenting with AI tools and collaborating with peers to share best practices. Explore our collection of AI skilling resources for you and your students.

Equipping learners with essential AI skills

Over the past few years, companies around the world have seen a paradigm shift in how individuals consume content and attain new skills—changes that will only continue to accelerate and evolve. This shift highlights the need for continuous adaptation to emerging technologies and collaborative efforts to bridge the AI skills gap. Microsoft and Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, announced a strategic collaboration to help organizations realize the full value of AI through reskilling.

The partnership extends the efforts of both Microsoft and Pearson to provide AI skilling to people across the globe. Whether you, your team, or your students are just getting started or looking to refine your capabilities, discover learning opportunities to support your journey.

Possibilities for innovation

Become an MIE Expert or Showcase School

The opportunity of AI is here, empowering educators and institutions to drive innovation and redefine possibilities in education. We recognize and support leading educators and schools through the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and Showcase Schools programs. If you’re leading education innovation for your students, this is your opportunity!

Nominations for the 2025-2026 academic year are open until July 31, 2025. Learn how you can empower your entire community—students, educators, and staff—to achieve better outcomes today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Defend against cyberthreats with student SOCs

The Microsoft Student SOC (Security Operations Center) initiative aims to bridge the significant skills gap in the cybersecurity sector and education. This initiative includes the Microsoft Student SOC Toolkit and implementation guide as free resources, along with training and certification to assist leaders at high schools and universities in addressing the cybersecurity challenges faced in education.

Student SOCs are becoming increasingly popular across the US, largely because of the need for an extra set of hands on security teams. With a student SOC, educational institutions can strengthen their cybersecurity defenses while also offering students invaluable hands-on training that equips them with the skills to step confidently into the workforce.

Optimizing AI strategy in higher education

As generative AI is increasingly embraced in higher education, school leaders are rethinking how they teach, conduct research, and support students and staff—driving innovation that’s reshaping the future of higher education. Define your institutional strategy and innovate with confidence by using the Cloud AI Adoption for Higher Education e-book. It offers structured guidance that helps prepare organizations to adopt AI at scale.

To fully harness AI’s potential, it’s important to develop cohesive strategies that align AI adoption with the core mission of your institution, ensuring long-term impact and responsible evolution. Get started with the Cloud AI Adoption for Higher Education e-book to develop an AI strategy and implementation plan.

These are just a few of the latest updates and features available—and we’re not stopping there. Microsoft Education supports educators with tools, features, and resources designed to simplify workflows, enhance student engagement and professional learning, and foster innovation. Explore these tools and updates today—and check back often for more ways to reimagine education with Microsoft.

The post Extend your teaching toolkit with the latest updates from Microsoft Education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

We’re optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to help students advance their learning and build skills to prepare for success in their future. We’ll share impact and insights from our private preview for students aged 13 and older, product details, and resources to help you get started.

Increasing student agency with Copilot Chat

Throughout our preview, we heard feedback from K-12 institutions that reinforced the importance of providing training and support for educators and students, setting appropriate guidelines, and granting permission to experiment and learn together. They also demonstrated what’s possible when these needs are met. Read on for testimonials from Fulton County Schools and Brisbane Catholic Education, with more insights from our preview and resources later in the blog.

Fulton County Schools first set a foundation with an AI task force, evaluation of over 200 use cases, and alignment on critical goals such as preparing students for their future and giving every student the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them. After initial training, educators introduced Copilot Chat as a thought partner, provided coaching on topics like prompting, and quickly saw student confidence and curiosity increase. Students used it to ideate, receive immediate feedback without judgment, design multimedia projects, identify and fix code errors, adjust content based on their preferences or pace, and manage their time. Educators are also now able to challenge them more than ever, and students are using Copilot Chat as a force multiplier to bring their ideas and passions to life in ways they couldn’t previously imagine or access.

Hear Johns Creek High School educators and students share their experience with Copilot Chat in their own words in the following video and read the full story.

For Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), the journey began with a plan to use AI to support their mission to teach, challenge, and transform in a time where there are increasing needs for reduction of administrative workload and evolution of learning models for digital-native students. Educators in an early trial reported saving an average of 9.3 hours per week which contributed to BCE’s interest and confidence to expand access more broadly. Copilot Chat increased student agency, enabled more project-based work, and accelerated a shift they’ve been trying to make for years to help students truly become learners, not just receivers of knowledge. Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal, noted, “The real promise of Copilot Chat isn’t efficiency—it’s cognition. It’s helping us push students beyond knowledge recall into evaluation, synthesis, and justification.”

BCE’s success was built on strong leadership buy-in, aligning AI with broader strategic goals, ongoing measurement, and transparent engagement with opportunities for co-design. It sparked new ways of thinking, a culture of sharing, and thoughtful reflection on the future of education. Learn more about how BCE boosts agency and efficiency with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

My role has shifted from lesson planner to facilitator and mentor. One of the most powerful moments was watching a student ask Copilot Chat to reformat their assignment for dyslexia accessibility. That’s agency. That’s personalization. And it happened without pulling the teacher away from the rest of the class.

Michael Parker, Student Academic Performance and Growth Leader, Trinity College

Get started with Copilot Chat, learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot

Copilot Chat offers free, secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o and the ability to maintain IT control with enterprise data protection and management and is included with Microsoft 365. It also includes features like file upload, image generation, Copilot Pages, and agents. Learn more by reviewing our Copilot Chat documentation. Copilot Chat will be generally available for students aged 13 and older this summer and administrators will need to take additional steps to grant access based on their institution’s plans and preferences. We recommend administrators review the details on managing Copilot Chat access for students and begin taking the next steps to prepare today.

When you add a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat becomes more powerful by drawing on the Microsoft Graph for access and understanding of your institutional data, working directly in productivity apps like Outlook, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel, and using advanced measurement and management tools. Microsoft 365 Copilot will be eligible to purchase as an add-on for students aged 13 and older with a Microsoft 365 subscription later in May 2025. Higher education institutions like Indiana University and Miami Dade College are already seeing the impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance career readiness and increase student engagement.

Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot offer enterprise data protection, the same enterprise terms available in our Microsoft 365 offerings. This means we secure your data, your data is private, your existing Microsoft 365 access controls and policies apply, you’re guarded against AI security and copyright risks, and your data isn’t used to train foundation models. Keeping your institutional data protected is important, and Copilot Chat has built-in safeguards to help ensure it stays that way. Additionally, IT administrators and security professionals can further secure, manage, and analyze the use of Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and agents across their institution with the Copilot Control System.

We look forward to hearing how Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot bring new opportunities to life for your students and institutions. A National 4-H Council survey with young people found that many kids (72%) are seeking support from adults in learning how to use these tools correctly and with confidence. The importance of helping students, educators, and staff adapt to an evolving future will increase and we’ll continue to provide access to the latest technology and relevant resources.

Explore Microsoft Copilot for personal use

Many students are not only starting to use AI tools in the classroom, but also at home and for purposes outside of schoolwork. Microsoft Copilot for individuals is designed to inform, entertain, and inspire and can be accessed for free with a Microsoft personal account. Learn more about default settings and policies to protect those aged 13 and older using Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft 365 Personal or Family is also available for use of productivity apps and credits for new AI features. Eligible students can receive a 50% discount on Microsoft 365 Personal and starting today—students in the United States can sign up for a free three-month trial.

Additional insights from our preview

We want to thank the inspiring educators, students, and institutional leaders who have shared their insights with us and agreed to share them more broadly with you. Participants emphasized the importance of professional development, guidelines, prompting practice, and creating space for transparency and sharing of successes and failures. Educators noticed Copilot Chat helped keep students engaged, immediately receive and act on feedback, improve their research and analysis process, explore counterarguments, and build AI skills that they’ve already begun using to their advantage in the hiring process and even teaching to their employers in part-time jobs. Students also appreciated time savings, providing relief from the stress of deadlines, through the ability to easily brainstorm, troubleshoot issues, ask unlimited questions, and learn at their own pace.

Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal Curriculum at St. Peter Claver College says, “If you’re on the fence about AI, it comes down to this: Your students will surprise you. Given the chance, they’ll use AI ethically and meaningfully. The key is to guide them—not restrict them. Show them what good use looks like.”

Students in Onslow County enjoyed interacting with Copilot Chat to learn more about historical figures, create questions geared towards their specific needs, and receive assistance while away from school. One educator reflected, “Using AI was an eye-opening experience, all I had ever heard or thought about were the negatives, but actually using it allowed me to see many of the wonderful benefits it can bring to our students’ educational experience.”

Jorge Ledezma, Director of Educational Technology, Santa Margarita Catholic High School advises, “It’s crucial to provide AI literacy courses and resources so that students can learn how to use AI responsibly. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of privacy and security when using AI tools is vital. This not only helps students understand the ethical implications but also ensures they are well-prepared to navigate the digital world safely.”

In Saga Prefecture, ⁠instructors helped students use Copilot Chat to learn how to prompt AI tools, program 3D games in Python, resolve issues on their own, and take initiative to further explore their interests. They used Copilot Chat side by side with Microsoft MakeCode for easy access to troubleshooting support and the ability to ask deeper questions about the task at hand. Educators and leaders emphasized the importance of data protection when providing AI tools to their students.

Dr. Faisal Al Busaidi, Director General of Information Technology, Ministry of Education Oman urges, “Successful adoption of Copilot Chat hinges on the preparedness of educators. I strongly encourage institutions to invest in structured training programs that empower teachers to guide students in using AI tools effectively and thoughtfully.”

Educators at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby noted that Copilot Chat fostered further independence and critical thinking for their students as they reflected on how to use AI effectively and responsibly in and outside of school. They also expressed the importance of providing training for students and staff, and that like any new technology in education—the experience will only be as good as the guidelines and learning sequence that accompany it.

Lisvette Flores Quiñones, Department of Education, Puerto Rico shared “Copilot Chat’s use in education and document management has been incredibly beneficial in all teaching and learning processes, I look forward to continuing learning and exploring the potential of AI. I encourage my students to start with Copilot Chat, adjust information to their learning style, and to be specific in their prompts to achieve great results.”

Resources to begin your AI journey

Educators in our preview program consistently highlighted the need for training in AI rollout and we have several resources and tools to help you and your students get started:

• AI Classroom Toolkit – Try this creative resource to introduce AI to teen students that blends engaging narrative stories with instructional information for an immersive and informative learning experience.
• Copilot Chat Adoption Kit – Review the collection of resources for IT, educators, and guardians to get started with Copilot Chat.
• Family Safety Toolkit – Learn more about online safety guidance for all ages, tools and tips, and resources we have developed over time through engagement with young people and digital safety partnerships.
• Minecraft Education AI Foundations – Discover a set of accessible, interactive materials for building AI literacy such as curriculum, short videos, Minecraft lessons, and more.
• Additional free AI tools – Explore the AI-enhanced Learning Accelerators to help students build foundational skills, GitHub Copilot to empower the next generation of developers, and Khan Academy Writing Coach.
• FarmBeats for Students program expansion – Access a free, comprehensive course providing training on precision agriculture, data science, and AI designed for classrooms of all kinds.

Discover even more resources for educators, leaders, and administrators:

• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Designed to guide school leaders through the process of planning for and integrating AI across the institution.
• AI for Educators – Start the learning path to explore the potential of AI in education, enhance teaching and learning with Copilot Chat.
• Agent Success Kit – Use our kit to prepare your tenant for AI agents and to enable creation and usage of agents.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Scenario Library – Get inspired with guidance by department such as IT, HR, legal, communications, operations, and more.
• AI in Education Report – Learn more about the latest insights on AI in Education from Microsoft and stay tuned for updates in June 2025.
• WorkLab – Explore essential insights on AI and the Future of Work.
• AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit from TeachAI – Designed to help education authorities, school leaders, and teachers create thoughtful guidance. A draft AI literacy framework will also be available later in late May 2025.

The post Empowering teen students to achieve more with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Join us in celebrating these everyday heroes who inspire, guide, and uplift learners everywhere. We invite you to watch this special video as our way of saying thank you and to shine a light on educators who make a difference each day. Let’s take a moment to honor and share our gratitude to all educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Recognizing everyday moments

Education is more than just instruction—it’s the thousands of small, meaningful interactions that shape a student’s journey. From a reassuring word to a well-timed nudge of encouragement, these everyday moments, often overlooked, are where learning truly takes root.

Teaching is also about fostering curiosity, nurturing confidence, and creating an environment where students can thrive. Every role within a school community—from educators and librarians to school counselors and special education paraprofessionals—plays an essential part in shaping the educational experience. For Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, we celebrate and thank all of you by enshrining the everyday moments that make a difference.

Academic moments that inspire growth and discovery

As educators, you bring knowledge to life in ways that engage and inspire students. Whether it’s through hands-on science experiments, interactive storytelling, or creative arts, moments like these foster a lifelong love of learning.

• Encouraging exploration: Classroom educators, you ignite curiosity through creative and engaging activities, making abstract concepts come to life for students.
• Igniting a love for reading: Literacy champions and multilingual educators, you help students discover the power of words and language, opening doors to new worlds and perspectives.
• Overcoming challenges: Special education professionals and interventionists, you empower students to harness their unique strengths and succeed in learning.
• Fostering creativity: Music, art, and theater educators, you encourage self-expression and confidence, helping students develop their creative voices.
• Inspiring innovation: Technology and STEM educators, you spark problem-solving skills and creativity, preparing students to think critically and innovate in a digital world.

As you continue to foster growth and discovery, we’re here to support your mission. Discover how technology can amplify your classroom experience with training, tools, and resources from Microsoft Education.

Lessons that last a lifetime

The impact you have extends far beyond academics. Educators, school leaders, and staff create environments like these where students feel safe, valued, and prepared for life’s challenges, often in moments that are unexpected but lasting.

• Teaching altruism: School counselors and social workers, you guide students through moments of compassion, helping them understand that caring for others, especially in times of need, creates lifelong bonds and empathy.
• Instilling perseverance: Career and technical education (CTE) instructors, you help students face setbacks and turn failures into valuable life lessons, teaching them that success is built from resilience, preparation, and gaining skills for the future.
• Encouraging curiosity: Librarians and media specialists, you help students navigate unexpected journeys of discovery. Whether it’s a book they stumble upon or a question they didn’t know they had, you show them that learning can be spontaneous, joyful, and lifelong.
• Supporting health and well-being: School nurses and nutrition staff, you offer comfort and care, from easing a scraped knee to providing nourishment, teaching students that well-being is integral to their growth. You remind students that being cared for is just as important as learning.
• Building teamwork and resilience: Physical education educators, you teach far more than sports. Through teamwork, effort, and fair play, students learn how to bounce back from loss, celebrate others, and show up for themselves and their peers.
• Empowering digital learning: IT and tech professionals, you ensure that technology runs efficiently and securely, enabling students and educators to use digital tools for learning and growth. Your expertise fosters innovation and helps prepare students for the future.
• Leading with vision and heart: Principals, department heads, and superintendents, you shape the culture and direction of the entire school community. Your leadership helps create environments where academic excellence and personal growth thrive.
• Ensuring a clean and welcoming environment: Custodians and maintenance technicians, your dedication to maintaining the physical space allows students and educators to focus on learning. You teach us the importance of care, attention to detail, and pride in our surroundings.

A big thank you to all the educators and school staff who go above and beyond, creating moments that last a lifetime. You’re shaping futures in ways big and small, and we’re honored to support you in your mission. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week—you’re making the world a better place, one moment at a time!

Every day, you lay the foundation for lifelong learning. We’re committed to providing ongoing support to help you nurture students in all aspects of their development. Explore our curated collection of resources—quick start guides, infographics, and research studies—designed to empower the education community.

To every educator, regardless of role: Your passion, patience, and unwavering dedication enshrine the everyday moments that make a lasting difference in the lives of your students and the future of our communities. Your efforts may not always be seen, but they’re often felt. During Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, and throughout the year, we celebrate and honor you.

From all of us at Microsoft Education—thank you for all that you do.

The post Enshrine the everyday: Appreciating the lasting impact of educators appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.