At the 2026 Microsoft Digital Sovereignty Summit in Brussels, leaders from policy, IT, and industry gathered to discuss how to balance sovereignty and innovation. A clear theme emerged: digital sovereignty has become a continuous risk management discipline, one that strengthens resilience, security, and innovation.

Five key insights surfaced, outlining what digital sovereignty looks like in practice for education institutions.

1. Digital sovereignty is about operating confidently in uncertainty

Leaders at the summit grounded digital sovereignty in practical terms, reframing it as a risk management discipline rather than an abstract policy concept. For education leaders navigating data privacy compliance, research data requirements, and enabling cross-institution collaboration, this means the goal is to understand risk clearly and apply the right level of control.

A key insight was that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every workload, whether a student information system, a research platform, or an administrative application, carries a unique risk profile and compliance obligation. Sovereignty decisions must be made deliberately, workload-by-workload, enabling institutions to make clearer, more confident decisions in changing conditions. Education leaders should assess risk across student systems, research platforms, and administrative solutions individually rather than applying a single institutional policy to all workloads.

2. Sovereignty and innovation should reinforce each other

A clear consensus emerged at the summit: Institutions do not need to choose between innovation and sovereignty. When grounded in strong security and governance, sovereignty creates the conditions for innovation to thrive. With that foundation in place, education leaders can pursue AI-driven capabilities like adaptive learning, personalized student support, and accelerated research while safeguarding sensitive data in a secure, compliant environment. That requires bringing AI strategy, cloud strategy, and governance into one planning process so institutions can drive innovation while maintaining full control over their data and infrastructure.

Sovereignty is not a single architecture decision. It’s about applying the right controls to each workload without compromising continuity, flexibility, and innovation. Across cloud and hybrid environments, the right controls help institutions protect sensitive data, meet compliance requirements, and improve resilience. Microsoft Sovereign Cloud supports this approach by combining sovereignty capabilities with integrated security to help institutions maintain control while continuing to innovate.

3. Modern cybersecurity requires collaboration, scale, and trust

Sovereignty without cybersecurity is a non-starter, and speakers addressed that reality directly. For education leaders managing sensitive student records, research data, and critical administrative systems, cyber threats continue to evolve, making visibility and coordination essential. Cybersecurity is now a continuous operational priority, not a periodic compliance exercise.

Importantly, discussions challenged a common misconception: that isolation alone equals security. Disconnecting systems or building digital walls can create blind spots by limiting access to global threat intelligence, coordinated response, and real-time threat detection. Strong cybersecurity safeguards do more than reduce risk; they are the foundation for sovereignty and digital transformation. Education leaders should evaluate not just whether systems meet requirements under normal conditions, but whether they deliver the continuous visibility, resilience, and threat defense needed to maintain real control over their environments.

4. Digital sovereignty in the era of AI goes beyond data residency

Summit discussions also reinforced that AI operating under sovereign requirements must be built on responsible data processing and transparent control. This goes beyond where data is stored, requiring clear boundaries around how data is processed, how AI models are trained and operated, and full visibility into how these systems behave across their lifecycle. Leaders emphasized that institutions need AI systems that not only meet today’s regulatory and security obligations but remain trustworthy, auditable, and resilient as requirements evolve. In practice, that means asking not just where data is stored, but where prompts and responses are processed, who can access them, and how controls are applied.

For institutions, sovereignty must be designed end-to-end, including infrastructure, platforms, security, data governance, and AI workloads. To support this, Microsoft is building new capabilities across the stack to support sovereign requirements at scale. For education leaders, these capabilities provide verifiable control over how data is processed and how AI is deployed across learning, research, and operations.

5. Making digital sovereignty work requires collaboration

The final takeaway reinforced a theme that ran through every discussion: digital sovereignty succeeds through collaboration, not isolation. It depends on institutions, governments, and technology providers working together to translate policy into operational reality. Rather than isolating systems, institutions that combine local expertise with trusted cloud and AI infrastructure can maintain control, meet regulatory requirements, and drive innovation simultaneously.

For education institutions, that shared approach makes sovereignty more scalable and practical across teaching, research, and operations. Just as importantly, collaboration helps institutions meet local requirements and maintain the interoperability needed to connect systems, services, and teams. In practice, that means applying the right level of control where sensitivity requires it, not isolating systems in ways that increase risk or operational burden.

A practical approach to digital sovereignty

A strong sovereignty posture gives institutions choice, visibility, and control across diverse environments. The goal is to align capabilities with institutional responsibilities, regulatory requirements, and the sensitivity of each workload, applying the right controls to each rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. For education leaders, that means strong encryption, transparency, and clear access controls in public cloud, with hybrid and sovereign solutions available where greater control is required.  

A risk management discipline that strengthens innovation

Microsoft’s expanded sovereign cloud continuum enables critical workloads to run across diverse environments while still benefiting from innovation, advanced security, operational transparency, and features like the EU Data Boundary and long-standing encryption and access safeguards.

Digital sovereignty is now an institution-wide discipline rooted in risk management. With trusted digital systems, institutions can make deliberate, workload-specific decisions across learning, research, and operations while balancing security, compliance, resilience, and innovation.

Learn more about Microsoft’s approach to sovereignty, security, and innovation

• Microsoft Sovereign Cloud in Europe: Read the whitepaper to learn how Microsoft is approaching sovereignty, security, compliance, and resilience in Europe.
  
• The Future of Learning Starts with Trust: Download this e-book to see how K-12 leaders can adopt trustworthy AI with confidence.
  

The post 5 insights for education leaders from the 2026 Microsoft Digital Sovereignty Summit appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

This year’s theme—AI Aware: Safe, Smart, In Control—recognizes how deeply AI now influences students’ daily digital lives. From learning platforms, creative tools, and online interactions, AI is embedded across the digital ecosystem. With these opportunities come new expectations for digital literacy and critical thinking.

Being AI‑aware means helping learners:

• Assess content shaped by AI
• Recognize manipulative interactions or misinformation
• Protect personal data and digital identities
• Navigate online spaces with confidence, curiosity, and discernment

Safer Internet Day encourages institutions to integrate these competencies into digital citizenship instruction so students can engage with emerging AI technologies safely and responsibly.

The toolkit includes:

• Education aligned security frameworks based on Zero Trust principles
• AI‑powered tools and implementation guidance for small and large teams
• Data governance guidance for AI, learning analytics, and research environments
• Resources for student‑run Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and cybersecurity skilling
• Real campus case studies that demonstrate the impact security tools have made at institutions globally

The toolkit reframes campus cybersecurity—not as a barrier to innovation, but as a sustainable foundation that enables safe AI adoption, global collaboration, and resilient digital learning ecosystems.

Why AI safety and cybersecurity matter in education

Cybersecurity and digital safety are no longer “technical concerns”—they are essential to the mission of teaching and learning. Schools manage a wide range of sensitive information, including:

• Student records
• Learning analytics and accessibility data
• Financial aid information
• Digital credentials
• Federally funded research outputs
• Intellectual property

Campuses are intentionally open environments designed for collaboration, inquiry, and innovation. Devices change hands, systems span cloud and on-premises infrastructure, and users move fluidly across networks. That openness fuels learning—but also increases risk.

A single cybersecurity incident can disrupt instruction, halt essential services, delay research, and erode trust among students, families, faculty, and partners.

Strong security does not restrict innovation; it enables it. A secure foundation allows institutions to adopt AI, expand access, and accelerate digital transformation with confidence.

Building digital citizenship with Minecraft Education’s CyberSafe series

Digital citizenship begins long before college or career. Young learners need accessible ways to practice and internalize online safety skills without fear. Minecraft Education offers a K–12 curriculum program to help educators introduce online safety, digital awareness, and cybersecurity through immersive, age-appropriate learning experiences. The content was developed with experts across Microsoft, including Minecraft Player Safety, Xbox Trust and Safety, and the Microsoft Digital Safety Unit, and aligns to Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) and Cyber.org standards.

In the CyberSafe series for ages 8 to 14, students build critical thinking skills and learn positive online behavior as they explore digital risks in a safe, supported environment. The newest addition to the CyberSafe series, Bad Connection?, offers a trusted way to support digital citizenship and AI-aware learning through play for students ages 11 to 14. By introducing concepts in engaging game scenarios inspired by real life—such as manipulative interactions, suspicious messages, and peer pressure—students have a safe rehearsal space to practice:

• Evaluating risks
• Identifying red flags
• Consider actions and consequences
• Seeking help and report concerns

The goal is to equip students with language, strategies, and confidence to safely navigate online spaces and use digital technologies responsibly. By turning safety concepts into interactive experiences, CyberSafe helps reduce stigma, normalize conversations about unsafe interactions, and strengthen protective online behaviors. Minecraft Education offers free resources for educators, families, and school leaders as well as online training for educators. Explore Minecraft Education’s CyberSafe and digital citizenship resources for more information.

Supporting Safer Internet Day in schools and communities

This Safer Internet Day, we’re highlighting how everyone—students, educators, and families—plays an important role in creating safer, more confident online experiences. By opening conversations about digital safety, we can help learners build strong, healthy habits that support their well‑being wherever they connect and collaborate.

A great place to start is by opening conversations about online safety across your entire school community—students, educators, staff, and families—supported by practical, ready‑to‑use resources from Microsoft Education.

• K–12 Cybersecurity Conversation Guide—offers simple, actionable tips and prompts to help students understand safe online behavior, strengthen digital habits, and build cyber hygiene together as a school community.
• K–12 Cybersecurity Infographic—uses real examples of phishing attempts, scam ads, and suspicious links to help students and caregivers quickly learn how to spot online threats and stay vigilant.

No matter your role, here’s what you can do next:

For educators and school leaders: Use these resources to guide classroom discussions, staff professional development (PD) sessions, and schoolwide digital‑citizenship initiatives.

For IT and safety teams: Share these materials during cybersecurity awareness campaigns, family‑engagement nights, or incident‑prevention training to strengthen your institution’s safety posture.

For families and caregivers: Incorporate these tools at home to help students build safer online habits and stay informed about emerging digital risks.

Safer Internet Day 2026 invites us all—students, educators, families, and institutions—to build a safer, more informed digital world. By strengthening AI literacy, practicing responsible online behavior, and adopting robust security practices across education, we can help ensure every learner navigates AI‑powered digital spaces with curiosity, confidence, and control.

The post Safer Internet Day 2026: Helping students become AI‑aware, safe, and smart online appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Microsoft is committed to ensuring that as AI innovation transforms our world, we’re equipping people with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI. That’s why we partnered with CSforALL and a coalition of organizations including Code.org to bring educators, students, and communities around the world a new kind of learning experience: Hour of AI. Building on the momentum of Hour of Code and Computer Science (CS) Education Week, Hour of AI is designed to spark curiosity, build foundational skills, and empower 25 million learners of all ages to take their first step into understanding and creating with AI.¹ 

What is Hour of AI? 

Hour of AI is a global initiative designed to make AI literacy accessible, inclusive, and fun. With just one class and no prior experience, educators can engage learners of all ages with interactive activities and guided exploration to understand how AI works and how it’s shaping the world around us. 

With age-appropriate activities for learners at all levels, Hour of AI helps meet educators and students where they are on their own AI learning journeys. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, leading a school district, running an education nonprofit, or simply a parent or caregiver at home who wants to help your student engage with AI, there are ways for you to participate in Hour of AI.  

Explore three new Hour of AI activities from Microsoft 

From surviving the night with the help of an AI agent in Minecraft to coding and competing in Microsoft MakeCode, students can explore AI through familiar games and apps. Download free resources to help facilitate an Hour of AI in your classroom, school, or community and unlock AI education for all your students.

Minecraft Hour of AI: The First Night 

The new activity from Minecraft Education, Hour of AI: The First Night, challenges students to survive their first night in Minecraft, but with an AI twist! They’ll gather resources and build shelter before sunset with the help of AI agents, discovering how algorithms work and tackling problem-solving challenges through guided prompts that connect gameplay to real AI concepts. The First Night activity is available as a free demo in 29 languages, with classroom-ready lesson plans and educator materials.  

Access step-by-step facilitator training to plan and deliver a Minecraft Hour of AI lesson and connect to AI literacy and computer science standards.

Bug Arena from MakeCode 

Bug Arena from MakeCode is a free, game-based tutorial that introduces foundational AI concepts through coding and competition, where students design algorithms for their own Bug and send it into battle against other AI-powered bugs. They’ll write simple code to control movement and strategy, discovering how AI works through hands-on problem-solving, and experimenting to improve their Bug’s performance in real time. Bug Arena is a free, web-based activity, easy to run in any classroom for grades 3–8. 

Slither Slam from Visual Studio Code for Education 

Slither Slam from Visual Studio (VS) Code for Education is a free, game-based lesson designed for high school learners (grades 9–12). The activity gets students coding with AI prompts by using natural language to generate code for a classic Snake game and then competing against other AI snakes in the arena. This hands-on, engaging format helps students learn AI-assisted code generation, experiment with prompts to see how AI interprets instructions, and build confidence in both coding and understanding AI’s role in development.

Download and get setup with the Slither Slam resources available for educators.

Sharpen your AI skills year-round 

Supporting Hour of AI is just one way Microsoft is working to expand access to AI skills for students and educators worldwide. Through Microsoft Elevate, we offer year-round programs and resources designed to help teachers in every country and classroom confidently bring AI into their teaching—empowering educators to focus on what matters most: student success. Learn more about programs for educators and schools and get started with these resources:

• Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) Program: Join a global community of educators leading innovation with Microsoft tools and AI integration.
• Microsoft Showcase Schools Program: Collaborate with pioneering schools worldwide to transform learning.
• AI Skills for Educators: Access free resources and training to build AI literacy and integrate AI responsibly into your teaching.

Let’s make AI learning accessible, exciting, and empowering—one hour at a time. Join us for Hour of AI and CS Education Week 2025 and help shape the future of learning.

¹ CSforALL: What’s the goal of the Hour of AI?

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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.

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.

Microsoft is proud to welcome more than 43,000 Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and 900 Microsoft Showcase Schools into our global education empowerment community for the 2025–2026 academic year. The MIE Experts 2025-2026 cohort and this year’s Showcase Schools distinguish themselves through their visionary leadership, embracing AI transformation and fostering AI literacy to reimagine learning.

Across education institutions, educators, and students, AI use is surging. MIE Experts and Showcase Schools play a crucial role in their communities by integrating Microsoft technologies and championing learning. With 70% of skills used in most jobs expected to change by 2030, these educators and schools are at the forefront of preparing students for the future.¹ We’re excited to work alongside these changemakers, and we anticipate a year filled with meaningful connections, shared learning experiences, and transformative impact.

Championed by Microsoft Elevate

The MIE Expert and Showcase School programs are set to benefit from a deeper commitment to people-centered AI innovation through Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft’s initiative to empower educators, nonprofit organizations, and workforce partners with advanced AI capabilities. By connecting the MIE Expert and Showcase School programs to Microsoft Elevate, we are renewing our focus on educators to ensure that individuals remain at the center of progress, while fostering community engagement and driving meaningful impact across global learning communities.

During the launch of Microsoft Elevate, MIE Expert Eleanor Jenkins expressed her enthusiasm about the transformative potential of AI in education:

The future of what students are going to be working in, the careers they’re going to have, don’t exist at the moment…we have to define the way the world works and the way the world is going to change.

Eleanor Jenkins, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert

The benefits of joining these communities are substantial. Educators gain access to exclusive resources, leadership opportunities, and recognition for their impact. Through Microsoft Elevate, participants also receive support in using AI to enhance teaching and learning. Whether through coaching, presenting at conferences, or collaborating across the world, these educators are empowered to lead change, inspire others, and shape the future of education. Together, they form a vibrant community committed to equity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

MIE Experts 2025-2026

MIE Experts are visionary educators who utilize Microsoft tools to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participation begins with completing professional learning paths which equip educators with future-ready skills and tools to personalize learning. They engage actively in Microsoft technology integration, build connections through both global and local networks, and inspire innovation within their schools and communities. We honor their passion for growth and proudly welcome the 2025–2026 MIE Experts!

MIE Fellows 2025-2026

MIE Fellows are distinguished leaders within the MIE Expert and Showcase School community, personally nominated by Microsoft team members. They have demonstrated excellence in the MIE Expert or Showcase School program—or both—through coaching, mentoring, sharing their knowledge broadly at conferences, and providing rich professional learning to other educators. As part of this program, MIE Fellows take on leadership roles within their region and work closely with the Microsoft Elevate team to offer support and growth within the MIE Expert community.

Microsoft Showcase Schools 2025-2026

Microsoft Showcase Schools serve as trailblazers in educational transformation, leading the way in the integration of AI and future-ready skills. These schools use Microsoft technology and AI solutions to boost student engagement, foster collaboration, and prepare learners for the evolving demands of the modern world. As models of innovation and leadership, they demonstrate how purposeful use of technology can empower students to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

How to join: Become an MIE Expert

If you’re interested in joining this vibrant community, get started today:

• Learn more about the MIE Expert community.
• Complete the AI for Educators learning path through Microsoft Learn.
• Complete the Reading Coach learning module through Microsoft Learn.

How to join: Microsoft Showcase School Program

If you’re a school leader ready to lead transformation, here’s how to get started:

• Learn more about the Microsoft Showcase School program.
• Review the Microsoft Showcase School criteria.
• View the Microsoft Showcase School rubric.

All schools begin on the Incubator path and can apply to become a Showcase School once they meet the criteria.

Elevate education together

As we welcome the 2025–2026 cohort of MIE Experts, MIE Fellows, and Showcase Schools, we celebrate a shared vision: to elevate education through innovation, collaboration, and purpose. These educators and institutions are not just adopting technology—they’re leading transformation, empowering students, and redefining what’s possible in learning. Together, we’re building a global community that uplifts every learner and educator, driving forward a future where education is inclusive, impactful, and inspired.

Stay connected with us

• Join the Microsoft Learn Educator Center.
• Follow Microsoft AI Skills on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Follow Microsoft Education on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest, and YouTube.
• Bookmark the Microsoft Education Blog and visit frequently for news that inspires and resources that support learning.

¹ AI and the Global Economy: Unlocking Growth and Reshaping Work, LinkedIn, 2025

The post Celebrating the 2025–2026 MIE Experts and Showcase Schools appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Back-to-school season is more than a calendar milestone—it’s a moment of anticipation, reflection, and opportunity. For educators, administrators, and staff, it’s a time to reconnect with purpose, reimagine what’s possible, and prepare to meet the evolving needs of students. But it’s also a time of complexity. Rising demands, limited time, and rapid technological change are reshaping education in real time.

At Microsoft Education, we believe AI in education is more than a technological shift—it’s a human opportunity. It’s a chance to empower inclusive, student-centered learning and help educators reclaim time for what matters most: creating impactful learning experiences for all.

Getting started with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, and AI-powered tools can be easy—and we’re here to support your journey with ideas, resources, and real-world examples to help you build confidence along the way.

1. Streamline your day with Copilot Chat

Educators and education leaders have a wide range of responsibilities—from instructional planning to strategic communications. Copilot Chat is designed to help you simplify those tasks with secure, AI-powered chat.

Not sure where to start? Here are ways to use Copilot Chat to assist you with everyday tasks:

• Create and differentiate lesson plans based on grade level, learning preferences, language needs, or curriculum goals.
• Design rubrics and formative assessments aligned to educational standards.
• Translate Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodation justifications into plain language to help parents and caregivers understand complex concepts.
• Brainstorm ideas and build assets like agendas, communication strategies, and social media flyers for school events.
• Draft professional communications in multiple formats to keep faculty, staff, families, and school communities informed.
• Build onboarding guides and professional learning agendas to support staff transitions and skill-building goals.
• Write grant proposals and board presentations using clear, structured language for diverse audiences.

Whether you’re personalizing instruction, communicating with stakeholders, or rolling out new technology, Copilot Chat offers ways to reclaim your time and integrate AI into your daily workflow.

2. Empower teen students with Copilot Chat

Copilot Chat is available for students aged 13 and older, opening new opportunities for learning, creativity, and support in and beyond the classroom. With thoughtful implementation, you can empower students to explore ideas, ask questions, and build confidence using AI as a thought partner.

With clear guardrails and intentional integration, Copilot Chat can also support critical thinking, digital literacy, and curiosity—skills that are increasingly valuable in both academic and professional settings. By guiding students in responsible AI use, you can help prepare them to navigate a digital world with confidence.

3. Personalize learning with AI-powered Learning Accelerators

Every student learns differently. Microsoft Learning Accelerators bring AI-powered support into the classroom, helping you deliver more personalized learning experiences. These tools are designed to strengthen foundational skills—such as reading fluency and math proficiency—and promote future-ready skills. They also help simplify lesson planning and offer real-time coaching and feedback to support both teaching and learning.

Reading Progress, Reading Coach, Math Progress, Speaker Coach, and more are seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams for Education, helping you and your students get started quickly. Learning Accelerators offer insights and data visualizations to track progress at both the student and class level—helping to make it easier for you to tailor your instruction to individual needs.

4. Build AI confidence with educator resources

With the right guidance, you can try new tools, build confidence, and use AI in ways that benefit you and your students. Use these free resources designed to support your growth and foster successful outcomes for everyone:

• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Get practical guidance on responsible AI use, implementation strategies, and professional learning. The AI Toolkit is designed to help K-20 educators, IT leaders, and decision-makers build confidence and clarity around AI use in education.
• Microsoft Education Resource Center – Explore a curated collection of flexible, easy-to-use technology quick start guides, how-tos, and expert tips to support your next steps with AI. Whether you’re building AI literacy, getting started with AI-powered tools, or scaling adoption, these resources can help turn momentum into meaningful progress.
• Microsoft Learn Educator Center – As part of Microsoft Elevate, we’re putting people first—equipping educators with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI through professional development and training that prepares them to lead in a changing world.

5. Learn from schools innovating with AI

Across the world, schools and institutions are using Microsoft AI tools to reimagine learning, teaching, and operations. These real-world examples show how AI can support transformative change—helping education professionals individualize instruction, reclaim time, and operate more efficiently:

• Fulton County Schools, Georgia, in the United States, uses Copilot Chat to empower teen students, streamline lesson planning, and enhance collaboration.
• Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School (EdUJCPS), in Hong Kong, developed chatbots and AI assistants that personalize educational materials.
• Tecnológico de Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, created TECgpt, an AI-powered ecosystem built on Azure OpenAI Service, to transform learning experiences.
• Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, in the United States, uses Microsoft 365 Copilot to prepare students with career readiness skills.

What’s next: Enhancing instruction with AI innovation

Microsoft Learning Zone is now available in public preview—a free, AI-powered learning app built for educators to create personalized, adaptive learning experiences.¹ Launching on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Surface, and across the Windows ecosystem, this hub combines AI innovation, learning science, and educator feedback to support professional growth.

Microsoft Learning Zone offers tools for lesson creation, customizable learning goals, and data-driven insights to help boost student engagement. Learn more about Microsoft Learning Zone and explore updates to other Microsoft Education tools on the Tech Community blog.

Here to help you thrive with AI

A new academic year marks a fresh chapter—an opportunity to refocus, explore new possibilities, and prepare to meet the changing needs of students. Educators lead this journey with dedication and impact, and we’re committed to supporting your work through innovative tools that help make learning more engaging and outcomes more meaningful. Together, we can elevate education and empower every student to participate in the opportunity of AI.

¹ Microsoft Learning Zone is available with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft Education license (A1, A3, A5). Initial availability will be English only.

The post 5 ways to use Copilot and AI tools to spark curiosity this school year 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.

From creating personalized practice problems to identifying learning gaps, Math Progress offers insights designed to complement your instruction while keeping students engaged. Whether you’re reinforcing key concepts or identifying areas for growth, Math Progress helps make it easier to support the needs of every student.

Educator benefits:

• Saves time by streamlining assignment creation while providing powerful performance insights to help accelerate learning.
• Tracks student progress and performance at both the student and class level to make informed instructional decisions.

Student benefits:

• Improve math skills with targeted, personalized practice.
• Share feedback on question difficulty so that educators know how to adapt instruction.

How to use Math Progress and generate math problems

Math Progress helps build math skills through educator-led assignments, activities, and insights. You can use the problem generator to create sets of math problems based on a specific topic or design your own. Available in a number of languages, Math Progress is a flexible and inclusive Learning Accelerator for developing math proficiency.

Get started with Math Progress:

1. Launch Microsoft Teams for Education and sign in with your school-issued credentials.
2. Choose a class and select Assignments.
3. Create a new assignment.
4. Select Learning Accelerators and choose Math Progress.
5. Select the Generate tab.
6. Choose a category and topic from the dropdown menus.
7. Select the Generate button.

Use Math Progress to create problems in four categories: numbers and operations, fractions, expressions and equations, and algebra. Each category includes specific topics so that you can target concepts that need more focus.

Tip: Want a different set of questions? Simply select the Generate button again for a new set of questions.

Selecting questions to include

Math Progress can help you save time by making it easier to build assignments tailored to your students’ needs.

After generating questions, select the types of questions and number of problems that best suit your students—challenging them without overwhelming them. The questions you pick appear in the sidebar beneath Selected questions. To remove one, select the “X” next to the problem to remove it from the list.

Tip: Choose a few questions, then select the Generate button again. Math Progress keeps your selected items and provides a fresh set, making it easy to build the ideal assessment.

Creating your own math questions

Need a custom word problem or exit ticket? Write your own questions with Math Progress and mix and match them with the generated items for more personalized, flexible assignments. This option can be used in a variety of ways—whether you’re reinforcing key concepts, differentiating for student needs, or aligning with classroom events. For example, you might tie assignments to themes like Pi Day.

To write your own items for a Math Progress assignment:

1. Select the Create your own tab.
2. Select the Add question button.
3. Choose an option from the Category and Topic dropdown menus.
4. Choose Multiple Choice or Short Answer.
5. Type a question.
6. Add a point value.
7. Type the equation or select the blue icon to open a Basic calculator or Formulas.
8. Select Save to add the problem to the Selected questions list.

Tip: For multiple choice questions, Math Progress automatically creates answer options from your equation—saving you time and letting you focus on supporting your students.

Customizing math assignments and sharing with students

Math Progress gives you control over how assignments are presented and the types of student feedback you collect. After you’ve generated or written questions and selected Next, you’ll see three customization options in the sidebar:

• Show your work – Ask students to upload a photo showing how they solved a problem. Images can be uploaded from Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, or their own device by taking screenshots or using their device’s camera.
• Student rating – Encourage students to rate each question from easy to hard, giving you insights about the challenge level.
• Shuffle question order – Randomize questions for students while keeping the original order in place for your review.

When you’re finished customizing your questions, select Done to open the Microsoft Teams assignment screen. There, you can add a title, description, due date, and additional options before sharing it with students.

Tip: From the Customize settings window, you can also edit questions and response options. This is helpful for spotting and refining assignment details before publishing.

Tracking student progress and performance

Math Progress gives you rich insights to support each student’s growth in math. After students submit their assignments, you’ll see automatically reviewed results to help you address student misconceptions and adjust your instruction. Pinpoint areas of opportunity by analyzing trends at both the individual student and class level.

To review assignment submissions:

1. Go to Assignments and select Ready to grade.
2. Choose the Math Progress assignment.
3. Select a student in your class to review their work.

Each submission includes the student’s assignment grade, point total, and question rating for at-a-glance review. Compare to class provides a convenient way to link examining an individual’s performance in relation to the class and over time. Student misconceptions are also listed, helping you identify areas for growth and target your instruction more efficiently.

When you review student math assignment submissions, you’ll find color-coded correct and incorrect answers along with a drop-down menu where you can change the grade to correct, incorrect, or incomplete. You can even select a thumbnail of each student’s work to better understand their problem-solving process.

When you’re ready, add written feedback and choose how you want to return the assignment. Returned work includes a breakdown of the student’s grade, point total, question ratings, misconceptions, and feedback along with automatically generated steps for solving incorrect problems. This means students can learn from their mistakes and keep improving—while helping you save time on providing individualized feedback.

Tip: Select the paperclip icon in the feedback box to attach a tutorial video, help guide, or a Word file with extra problems, making it easy for students to revise and reinforce skills.

Get started with Math Progress

Engage your students in deliberate practice with real-time coaching on math concepts. Use Math Progress to free up your time with tools that streamline assignment creation, review, and analysis. Gain insights to personalize math instruction, strengthen foundational skills, and boost student confidence—one problem at a time. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your impact, this guide to Math Progress is designed to help you make the most of every learning moment.

The post An educator’s guide to Math Progress 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.

These new features in Reading Coach help make it easier for educators to build reading skills to support each student’s needs with:

• Guided practice features – Suggest reading practices tailored to individual students.
• Time goals – Set specific time goals for students, fostering disciplined practice.
• Progress tracking – Monitor student achievements and adjust learning strategies based on individual needs.

Take the next step in improving student reading skills with guided practice in Reading Coach. Start exploring today and see the difference it can make in your classroom.

Guided practice features in Reading Coach

As an educator, you know that every minute counts. Whether you’re supporting a student who needs extra practice or attempting to differentiate reading levels across your class, introducing tools that adapt to your needs is essential. With Reading Coach, educators can create reading practice sessions for students to join using a unique code—making it easy to launch targeted, independent reading practice sessions.

Used by half a million learners in over 190 countries worldwide, Reading Coach can help make reading more fun, engaging, and accessible with built-in tools like Immersive Reader to provide an opportunity for students to boost their potential and confidence. If you’re new to Reading Coach, check out the educator’s guide to Reading Coach to learn how to get started.

Toggle between teacher and student modes

One of the first things you’ll notice when you sign into Reading Coach with a school account is a toggle that lets you switch between Teacher and Student modes. This small but powerful feature gives you the ability to preview exactly what your students will encounter—before they ever log in.

For example, if you’re assigning a custom passage for independent practice, you can toggle into Student mode to experience Reading Coach firsthand. This helps you catch any confusing instructions or formatting issues ahead of time. It’s also a great way to model the student experience during whole-class instruction or small group demonstrations.

For a deeper dive into Reading Coach capabilities and features, take the Reading Coach learning module on Microsoft Learn.

Create practice session and share with students

With Reading Coach, you can deliver guided reading support quickly—without increasing your preparation time. For example, imagine you’re preparing a small group intervention for students who need extra support with multisyllabic words. In just a few steps, you can paste in a custom passage from your curriculum, set a 10-minute goal, and send out a join code. Students can complete the practice independently while you work one-on-one with other students—no additional setup required.

You can set a time goal for independent, student-led reading, share a custom passage, or select an existing one from the built-in ReadWorks library. The experience is flexible and inclusive, helping each student build confidence with targeted support. Students join with a simple link or code, making it easy to get started.

Get started by creating a custom practice assignment:

1. Select the Teacher role and then New.
2. Add a Title and a Due date.
3. Choose a Practice type—either Open reading, where any reading in Reading Coach counts, or Single passage, where you attach or select a passage from ReadWorks.
4. Share with students using a join code or link.

Track student progress with Reading Coach

Reading Coach lets you monitor progress toward a time goal or the completion status of a shared passage—offering you real-time visibility into your students’ reading fluency development. This level of insight is especially helpful during parent-teacher conferences or individualized education program (IEP) meetings. In just a few steps, you can pull up a student’s reading trends and show how their fluency has improved over time—with real data, not just observations.

You’ll see at-a-glance data such as:

• Progress toward a time goal in open reading
• Percentage completed in single passage reading
• Average correct words per minute (WPM)
• Average reading accuracy

Follow these simple steps to start exploring student reading fluency progress:

1. Select a practice on the Teacher home page to open Practice view.
2. Choose a student’s profile to access Learner view.
3. Review their historical data across all practices you’ve shared with that student.

This data helps you identify patterns, celebrate growth, and pinpoint where personalized support may be needed. And because all reading activities—whether guided or self-directed practice—count toward the “My progress” tab, you get a holistic view of each student’s journey.

Reading Coach is designed to make reading personal, inclusive, and fun—helping students build confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Start your journey with Reading Coach today and empower your students to achieve their reading goals.

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