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New Reading Tools to the Rescue from Google and Microsoft

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Google and Microsoft continue to announce exciting new tools that enhance reading. Let’s take a moment to review their contributions to improving reading skills.

Google’s Addition to Reading Tools

Read Along

You may recall that Google has been experimenting with various reading apps. In the past, you may have read about Read Along by Google: A fun reading app, which is now available as a beta product online. You cannot use it with a Google Workspace for Education account. Instead, use a personal Google account.

Kid Space

Another reading product from Google going through a transition? Google’s Rivet. This product transitioned to Google’s Kid Space. The 3,500 books available in Rivet found their way into Google’s Kid Space. Google is exploring offerings for children, and making the reading experience better.

Google Play Books

Another way Google is working to make the reading experience better? It’s improving the functionality of its Google Play Books app on Android.

Introducing Google’s Reading Practice

A new product has been announced in early June 2023: Reading Practice. It is a new feature added to Google Play Books. Targeted for early readers, it offers these enhancements (source):

  • Highlighted text. Text appears highlighted as they read out loud.
  • Play a word aloud. If a child doesn’t know how to say a word, they can tap the word to hear it.
  • Hear it by syllable. A child can also choose to hear the word syllable by syllable.
  • Listen to a sentence. And more than listening to a word by syllable or word, they can hear it used in a sentence.
  • Explain the meaning. Readers can tap to see or listen to an explanation of what the word means.
  • Mark their spot. Children can mark where they are in the text, then start forward from that point.
  • Review unfamiliar vocabulary. If a child encountered problems with a tough-to-pronounce or unfamiliar word, they can review it. Word reviews appear at the end of every page.

Having seen several different reading products, it’s clear Google wants to improve. Whether it has achieved that goal in its latest offering, you will need to decide. Although their product appears limited to Android and home use, Google is moving in the right direction. Let’s take a look at a school-friendly alternative.

Microsoft’s Reading Progress and Reading Coach

A veteran of making systematic improvements, Microsoft Teams offers two components of interest. These both work in schools. The aim of these is to provide an “inclusive learning experience.” You can hear Mike Tholfsen describe Microsoft’s offerings in the video below:

Reading Progress, says Tholfsen, assists educators in checking student reading fluency. Since teachers can do this with more frequency, he says it can help. Combining Reading Coach with Reading Progress (launched 2021) enables students to:

  • Review unfamiliar words students struggled with the most. It identifies five of those words, then presents them again.
  • Rely on text-to-speech when needed.
  • Break words into syllables.
  • Define unfamiliar words via a picture dictionary (source).

What’s more, teachers control Reading Coach and how it scaffolds students’ reading. You can see it in action via this video:

Reading Coach also appears in Immersive Reader, a popular enhancement to Microsoft 365 apps. Those apps include (or will soon) Word Online, OneNote, Teams, and Forms. Scheduled soon are more app integrations. Reading Progress and Reading Coach enhancements are not new. Yet, the constant improvement is noteworthy.

New Reading Tools to the Rescue

These updated or enhanced reading tools provide much needed support to early readers. Be sure to explore these on your device and in your ecosystem (e.g. Google Android/Web or Microsoft) of choice.

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CommunicationDigital CitizenshipDigital LiteracyEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsMicrosoftReadingSocial-Emotional Learning

What Are Microsoft’s New Learning Accelerators?

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Announcing a host of new tools, Microsoft seeks to accelerate learning and reporting in the classroom. These tools expand on their ongoing effort to reimagine education with technology. Their tools seek to empower teachers and students with coaching and progress tracking.

“We formed our partnership with OpenAI around a shared ambition to responsibly advance cutting-edge AI research and democratize AI as a new technology platform,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “In this next phase of our partnership, developers and organizations across industries will have access to the best AI infrastructure, models, and toolchain with Azure to build and run their applications.”

Source: Microsoft Blog, 01/23/2023

What will resonate with educators in Microsoft’s February announcement? These are AI-powered tools blended into Microsoft 365 products, including Bing, Teams and OneNote. PowerPoint, Word, and Immersive Reader have also been supercharged. These Microsoft 365 integrated tools, a.k.a Learning Accelerators, target critical skills, including:

  1. Reading and Literacy
  2. Information Literacy
  3. Mathematics
  4. Speaking and Presenting
  5. Social-Emotional Learning
Immersive Reader now features Reading Coach.

1. Reading and Literacy

Reading Coach and Reading Progress focus on helping “students practice fluency,” ostensibly through individualized instruction in critical literacy skills. Included in Teams and Immersive Reader, students get guided reading support. They can practice reading with exercises that aid with a variety of skills, such as:

  • Pronunciation
  • Syllabification
  • Reading Speed
  • Vocabulary Recall

Additionally, teachers are able to track students’ reading skills. This allows them to provide timely feedback that is actionable. With Reading Coach, teachers can upload a reading selection of their own or browse a catalog. The catalog allows you to filter by these criteria in search of “the perfect passage:“

  • Grade Level
  • Genre
  • Lexile Level
  • Word Count

These two Learning Accelerators offer a few more features of interest in the classroom.

2. Informational Literacy

Worried about fake news and misinformation finding their way into the classroom? You may need to be. Consider these statistics:

  • 62% of all Internet information can be fake
  • 80% of US adults have consumed fake news
  • 64% of US. adults believe that fabricated information causes much confusion about basic facts (source)

Worse, NPR reports that 80% of students surveyed believe fake news is actual news. Getting to the truth involves teaching critical thinking skills.

We tempted the AI chatbot [ChatGPT] with 100 false narratives from our catalog of Misinformation Fingerprints™. 80% of the time, the AI chatbot delivered eloquent, false and misleading claims about significant topics in the news, including COVID-19, Ukraine and school shootings.

ChatGPT generated false narratives — including detailed news articles, essays, and TV scripts — for 80 of the 100 previously identified false narratives. For anyone unfamiliar with the issues or topics covered by this content, the results could easily come across as legitimate, and even authoritative.

(Source: NewsGuard)

Microsoft’s Search Coach seeks to assist students in distinguishing fact from opinion. Their goals include assisting students with the following:

  • Forming effective search queries
  • Finding trusted sites
  • Thinking critically about search results in ad-free environments

Students can find Search Coach in Microsoft Teams. They can then rely on filters such as domains, date range, operators, and other sites. Search Coach includes NewsGuard results, a search progress component. Search Coach allows teachers to:

track the development of information literacy skills. It creates a window into students’ search activity and behaviors.

3. Mathematics

Math is not far behind reading in Microsoft’s Learning Accelerator Suite. Scheduled for release in the 2023-2024 school year, Math Coach and Math Progress (along with Speaker Progress mentioned below) will become available in Microsoft Teams. You can watch a demo of Math Coach and Math Progress in this @petrijamsen TikTok video:

@petrijamsen

Quick view of the new upcoming Math Coach #teams #microsoft #microsofteducation

♬ alkuperäinen ääni – Petri Jämsen

4: Presenting and Speaking

PowerPoint, Teams, and LinkedIn now feature Speaker Coach and Speaker Progress.

Preparing students to speak can be tough. Microsoft’s Speaker Coach and Speaker Progress offer information and analytics. Teachers and students can now measure speaking performance using criteria such as:

  • Pitch
  • Filler Word Usage
  • Pacing

Find these two Learning Accelerators in PowerPoint, Teams, and LinkedIn.

5: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Recognizing the importance of SEL, Microsoft has another enhancement for its digital classroom. Microsoft Teams, a learning management system, now has a reflection tool for students. Students are able to identify and express how they feel in “safe and fun ways” through emojis, emotional vocabulary, and a “Feelings Monster.”

With Learning Accelerators, Microsoft is making its student learning surveillance efforts more transparent. Data tracked and reported includes students, classrooms, and schools.

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AppleChromebooksGoogle Tips and TricksiOS Tips and TricksMicrosoftMicrosoft Tips and Tricks

10 More Shortcuts You May Not Know

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Back by popular demand, it’s a whole new batch of shortcuts you may not know. These guys can help save you time and improve your daily life. If you missed the first edition, read it here! But now, let’s jump right into a new batch of tech tips and shortcuts.

1. CTRL + Shift + Z (Undo Your Undo)

Okay, so you thought you needed to get rid of that text or image, but it turns out you didn’t after all. Happens all the time! Just tap CTRL + SHIFT + Z, and voila! Undo what you just did.

2. Missing Keys

I have no idea why (I’m sure some of you do), but the Chromebook does not have a delete key. You can use ALT + BACKSPACE to start deleting text to the right of your cursor.

What about the CAPS LOCK key? Chromebook decided to leave this one off the list, too. Now, you could just use the shift key, but sometimes, you need to say a lot loudly. Use ALT + SEARCH to get your shout on via all caps!

3. CTRL + SHIFT + V

Have you ever copied and pasted something from the internet into a document, and the font, text size, etc., didn’t match up? Use CTRL + SHIFT + V. This little trick will save you time as it will only copy the text and not all the other details and formatting that come along with it.

4. Bookmark a Webpage

Like what you’re reading? Save it with ease by using CTRL + D.

5. Gmail Shortcuts

There are a plethora of shortcuts in Gmail. Here are three:

  • Use R to reply to an email.
  • Use CTRL + SHIFT + C to add CC recipients.
  • G + T opens your Sent folder!

6. Rename Files

Need to rename a file? Just select it, and tap the F2 button. No more right-clicking!

7. Browsing Hacks

So you’re surfing the web, and you reach for your mouse. STOP! Just use the spacebar to read along.

8. USB Cables

Are you always having to try, try again when you plug in those USB cables? Next time, just look for the logo or symbol and make sure it’s facing up.

9. Don’t Give Out Your Wi-Fi

Tired of changing your Wi-Fi password after each guest is gone? Here’s a tip that you will love. Qifi.org has made your life a little simpler by generating a QR code that people can scan to access your Wi-Fi without entering a password.

10. Group Text Messages

If you have an iPhone and are in an ever-evolving group chat, chances are someone has checked out. So, if you need to get their attention, tag them by typing @ symbol followed by their name. Then, you just hit the space bar or add a punctuation mark. It will make their person’s name bold, and they’ll receive a notification.

Did you learn something new? Share with me in the comments. Is there a shortcut I need to know? Let’s hear it!

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MicrosoftMicrosoft Tips and Tricks

More Microsoft Word Features You May Not Know

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog about features of Microsoft Word you might not know about. And today I’m sharing even more tips and tricks to make Word more useful for you.

Signature Feature in Word

If you have a document that requires a signature, you are in luck. With Microsoft Word, you can draw a signature and add it to your document. To do this:

  1. Go to the Insert tab.
  2. Click on Shapes.
  3. In the Lines section, click on the icon that looks like a scribble.
  4. Your cursor will now be ready for you to click and drag your mouse to write your signature. Once you are finished, it will be converted into a picture that you can move around or resize.

If you have a touchscreen, it might be easier to use that instead of your mouse.

Screenshot of Microsoft Word's signature feature

Start Typing Anywhere

Don’t think that you must start typing in Word at the top line. You can start in the middle of the page or even at the bottom. To do this:

  1. Move your cursor to wherever you want to type.
  2. Double click on that spot.
  3. Start typing.

Word Shortcuts

Using shortcuts can save you a lot of time. Below are a few to try out:

  • Ctrl + W – Closes Word.
  • Ctrl + Z – Undoes your last action.
  • Ctrl + Backspace – Erases entire words.
  • Ctrl + Click – Selects an entire sentence.
  • Ctrl + Enter – Inserts page break.
  • Ctrl + F – Finds specific text.
  • Ctrl + End – Goes to the end of the document.

Pre-Made Templates

You can use pre-made templates when creating a resume, menu, brochure, or need to complete other projects. These templates are provided by Microsoft and set up the document so you can start working immediately. To find and use a template, do this:

  • Go to File, then New.
  • You’ll see templates appear. You can also use the search bar to search for templates.
  • Click on the template you want to use.

There is no use in recreating the wheel if a template already exists!

Screenshot of Microsoft Word's templates

Microsoft Word Translate Feature

You can use Word’s translate feature to read and write in foreign languages. To do this:

  1. Select the text or sentence you want to translate.
  2. Right click on it.
  3. Scroll to Translate. The Translator panel will open showing the text.
  4. Select the language you want to translate it to.

If you want, you can also place the translated text into the document by clicking Insert.

Screenshot of Microsoft Word's translate feature

Try a few of these tips and tricks to boost your Microsoft Word experience! For more tips and tricks when using Microsoft Word, check out this blog post. And feel free to add your own tips in the comments.

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Google Tips and TricksMicrosoft Tips and TricksWeb 2.0 Tool

More Ed Tech Tools (You Know You Want Them!)

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

Do you have enough educational technology tools in your toolbox? Can you ever have too many? While I know that it’s not about the tool but is instead about teaching and learning, it’s still helpful and convenient to have exactly the right tool in your reserves to address a specific need. So with that in mind, and to save you time in hunting for some new resources, here are a few fun tools that I’ve discovered recently.

1. Collaboration Activity Wheel

I like wheels. And so does everyone else, if the continued high readership numbers of An Online Wheel Spinner for Every Occasion by Peggy Reimer’s hold true. You’re sure to like the Collaboration Activity Wheel. It’s a standard online wheel spinner but has a different focus. Instead of student names, it has exit questions on it. I like the idea of using this with your own exit questions at the end of a lesson or unit for student reflection in pairs or small groups after a collaborative activity.

2. Mouse Skills Choice Board

Teaching kindergarten students to use a mouse or trackpad can be difficult at the beginning of the school year. But John R. Sowash has put together a nice choice board that will do this for you. The first few activities do require some reading, so he recommends that you do them as a whole class activity. After that, the students may pick which activity they want to do. You can make a copy of the choice board here.

3. Copying Web Data into Excel

While this isn’t a tool, it is a tip that really has saved me a lot of time. Let’s say that you want students to do a report on a country. They go to a website and find all of the data they need to begin analyzing. They would then have to painstakingly copy it into Excel. Instead, follow these five steps!

  1. Copy the web address, and go into Excel.
  2. Go to Data.
  3. Select Get Data from Web.
  4. Paste the URL.
  5. Select the data table you need.

Voila! Your content is copied and ready to be studied. What’s really cool is that the data will auto-update when the table is refreshed. You can see a short video of the process created by a Reddit user here.

4. MapPuzzle.xyz

Although basic, this interactive site is a good way to have kids learn where countries and states are located. You can select the type of map you want and then the students can drag pieces into the correct location. The activity is timed and will show mistakes and successes. You can even change the language the activity is offered in.

5. Etch a Sheet in Google Sheets

I must admit that there is not a huge amount of educational value to this tool. But it is so cool! Ben Collins has created an Etch a Sketch game in Sheets using checkboxes to move left, right, up, and down. He gives a complete explanation of how the game works, which is really interesting. For secondary students, you could even challenge them to make a similar game using his work. Make your own copy of the template here. (Ben also has a great checklist template that you can use.)

6. Turing Machine in Google Sheets

While I’m on the topic of Sheets, here’s another great template and explanation from Tyler Robertson. He created a Turing Machine, which is incredibly complex to begin with. He provides a lot of detail on how he did this, as well as the history of the original Turing Machine. This might be good for first year computer science students to study.

7. Sook

Sook is a free Google Chrome or Firefox plug-in that aggregates product listings from stores that sell via Shopify to help you “buy from the boutique next door.” It was designed to help small, local businesses compete with Amazon. The tool serves up a page of nearby products for you to browse. Sook also alerts you with small business suggestions when browsing on big retail sites. Search for a jacket on Amazon, for example, and Sook will alert you of similar products sold by small, local alternatives. (Yes, I know it’s not an educational tool, but it’s still useful!)

8. PALMS Backchannel/Yoteach!

I love using a backchannel tool with students and adults. It’s a powerful way to allow everyone to have a voice in the learning. My old favorite was Today’sMeet, but it’s been discontinued. You can easily replace it, however, with PALMS Backchannel. Like all of the other tools shared in this blog, it’s completely free and doesn’t require registration or login. The teacher creates a virtual room and gives the students a PIN code to enter it. Once in, students can share only with each other and the teacher. If you create a free teacher account, you can add administrative features, text-to-speech, and more. It’s available in different languages and will accept text and images. You can even create a collaborative space for groups to work in.

I hope that at least one of these resources will meet a need that you or your students have. And if you’ve discovered a new tool recently, please share it with all of us in the comments section!

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Microsoft Tips and Tricks

Five Microsoft Word Features You May Not Know

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Are you an avid user of Microsoft Word? Did you know that Microsoft Word has many features beyond just simple editing? I’ve compiled a few tips and tricks that will help you work faster and maximize the capabilities of this program.

1. Convert a PDF to Word

If you need to edit a pdf, then open it in Word, and it will become editable. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to File, Open.
  2. Select your pdf. It will open and convert to Word.
  3. Edit the text.

2. Remove Distractions in Microsoft Word

If you find all things surrounding Word, like the ribbon and the white space, then you can remove them. To do this:

  1. Go to the View tab.
  2. Click on Focus.

You will now see a cleaner version of Word without all the distractions.

3. Alphabetize a List

Any list in Word can be alphabetized in just a few short clicks. To do this:

  1. Select the text in your list.
  2. Click on the Sort icon from the Home tab.
  3. Choose to sort the text in ascending order.

4. Listen to Text Read Aloud

In Word, text can be read aloud to you. Just complete the following steps:

  1. Go to the View tab.
  2. Click on the Immersive Reader Icon. Immersive Reader will launch.
  3. Click Read Aloud. As each word is read aloud, it will be highlighted.

There are also some additional settings you can change from the Settings icon. The Settings icon automatically appears when you click on Read Aloud. You can drag the reading speed control to adjust the reading speed. You can also use the Voice Selection dropdown menu to choose different voices.

alphabetize in microsoft word

5. Transcribe Your Text in Microsoft Word

If you need to take quick notes or transcribe something quickly, it’s possible in Word.

  1. Click on the Dictate icon from the Home tab.
  2. Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening.
  3. Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.

You might need to go back and make minor edits, but you will save a lot of time by allowing Word to type the text for you.  

dictate microsoft word

Try a few of these tips and tricks to boost your Microsoft Word experience! For more tips and tricks when using Microsoft Word, check out this blog post. And feel free to add your own tips in the comments.

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Microsoft’s TCEA Summer Camp

by Victoria Thompson
written by Victoria Thompson
Microsoft Education

Congratulations on completing the school year! As you slide into summer, take time to rest, relax, and consider participating in professional development that can help you prepare for the next school year. There are several opportunities available, but if you’re interested in learning more about Microsoft tools and resources over the summer, we’ve got you covered! In partnership with the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), Microsoft Education is holding a virtual summer camp. All sessions will be held June 21-23 from 1 p.m. CT to 4:30 p.m. CT.

During this virtual summer camp, attendees will learn about how Microsoft tools can help elevate learning and leadership in the classroom, school, and beyond. Crafted with educators in mind, a unique element of this conference is that sessions will be run by our awesome Microsoft Innovative Education Experts (MIEExperts), Showcase School leaders, Microsoft Learning Consultants, and more! You’ll learn from people in education and in industry. Sessions include how to join the Microsoft Innovative Education Expert community, using Immersive Reader in STEM content and classes, using Microsoft Teams for blended learning, and how to use Reading Progress to personalize student literacy—and this just scratches the surface. Platforms covered include Minecraft: Education Edition, OneDrive, OneNote, Office 365, MakeCode, Sway, and more. No worries if you happen to miss a session – you’ll have access to the TCEA Microsoft Virtual Summer Camp series through July 27. 

We look forward to showing you how Microsoft tools can help you grow professionally! As the excitement builds, be sure to check out the event page and TCEA’s social media, and register! We can’t wait to see you there! For more information about the Microsoft Innovative Education Expert and Showcase School programs, you can find more information on our Microsoft Educator Programs website.

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Creating Equitable Opportunities to Develop Strong Literacy Skills

by Microsoft Education Team
written by Microsoft Education Team
microsoft reading tools

Microsoft recently announced the launch of new digital reading tools that will help learners reach their full potential. We are excited to share an expanded literacy portfolio designed to address a diverse set of student needs, help close achievement gaps, and empower teachers as they support their students in achieving their goals.

The new Reading Coach experience in Microsoft Teams is a reading practice tool for students that automatically generates individualized exercises based on each student’s specific needs. It works to increase reading fluency—the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and meaningful expression. It also provides guidance on correct pronunciation and syllabification, shares visuals to help vocabulary recall, and positively reinforces students to help build their confidence as readers. Reading Coach, available this summer, comes built into Immersive Reader, our free reading tool that supports equitable education. 

microsoft new digital reading tools

Microsoft also announced new updates to Reading Progress, the tool that helps educators create individualized reading fluency assignments with powerful insights easily used to inform instruction. Reading progress currently measures and identifies correctly read words per minute, accuracy rates, and challenging words, and the update will now also automatically detect prosody—the patterns of expression and intonation in a language. The updates also empower learners to work at their own pace in an encouraging environment while helping teachers provide just-in-time support. We’ll also be enabling teachers to see which phonics rules students are struggling with, providing more insights to help inform instruction. Guided by this data, educators will have the information they need to help ensure students’ emotional, social, and academic needs are being met.

With these updates, Microsoft is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive learning by providing real literacy solutions for students, teachers, and school administrators. Read more on the Microsoft Education Blog about how Microsoft is helping to accelerate reading fluency and creating accessible, individualized, and data-driven learning experiences.

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Seven Resources and Websites for Free Icons

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

I like icons. I always have. And I like them even more when they are free icons. One can say so much with just a small image! You can use icons on all sorts of resources and materials. For example, you can use them on choice boards, presentations, quizzes, and more. Let’s look at seven great resources and websites to meet all your icon needs. Are you ready for this? Let’s go.

1. Insert Icons (for Docs or Slides)

Insert Icons
Screenshot by author

This resource is free and comes in the form of a Chrome add-on for both Google Docs and Google Slides. This extension offers 1800+ free icons in one color.

Additional tips and information:

  • Use the ColorPick Eyedropper to find the exact color you want for your icon. Enter the hex code in the color box, and you are good to go!
  • You can right-click on the icon and save it to Google Keep.
  • Use a colored shape and stack your icon on top to create an icon with two colors.

2. Google or Microsoft

These platforms have the built-in ability to search for an icon in the document or presentation itself.

In Google, click Insert, Image, and Search the web. Define your search in the search box: tree icon, book icon, ruler icon, etc.

Searching Icons in Google Docs
Screenshot by author

In Microsoft Office, click on the Insert tab in the menu bar and select Icons. Define your search in the search box and select icons to insert.

Icons in Word
Screenshot by author

3. IconArchive

IconArchive
Screenshot by author

Here is another free website for your to enjoy. You can choose from over 600,000 black and white or multi-colored icons. And IconArchive offers icons in PNG and SVG formats. The IconArchive search bar is so easy to use! Once you find the perfect icon, just click on the ICO in the upper right corner, and it downloads the icon in a jiffy.

4. iconmonstr

Iconmonstr
Screenshot by author

This website offers 4,512 black and white icons. The search bar at the top of the page makes it easy to search by collection, award, holiday, school subject, etc. You can download icons as SVG or PNG files or directly embed them. Very easy to use, and no account is required.

5. The Noun Project

The noun project
Screenshot by author

This website is free with a fee option. They offer a 50% discount for educators and students, which is nice. Additionally, there are three million icons to choose from! In the free version, icons are black and white, but with the paid version, you can edit color. This resource also offers icons in PNG and SVG formats. Once you create your account, you are frequently notified of special collections. In March, I received access to the “Redefining Women” icon collection for Women’s History Month. Pretty cool.

6. SlidesCarnival

Slides Carnival
Screenshot by author

This website is free for students and teachers, and you can download Google Slides or PowerPoint Templates. You also have the option to upload some templates to Canva. Each SlidesCarnival template has 80 icons, 60+ diagrams and infographics, and usually, there are extra graphics, which is great.

7. JoyPixels 6.6

Use an Emoji as an icon with this website. There are 3,559 icons, and you can save them as PNG in 32px, 64 px, or 128px. There’s lots of color here! You will need to create an account to access these fantastic emojis

JoyPixels 6.6
Screenshot by author

I hope you find these resources helpful. I know I have. Do you know of other icon resources? Or do you have a favorite resource? If so, please share in the comments below so we can all have fun with icons!

Featured image designed by TCEA Staff

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MicrosoftMicrosoft Tips and TricksProfessional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Join Microsoft at TCEA 2022

by Microsoft Education Team
written by Microsoft Education Team

Today, technology plays a fundamental role in almost every area of our lives – including the ways we teach and learn. Over the past few years, we’ve seen its impact make education more dynamic, accessible, and inclusive for students around the world. 

Join Microsoft at the 2022 TCEA Convention and Exposition, where we will host sessions on a wide variety of topics and tools, including accessible learning, Windows 11, Flipgrid, and more. Plus, we’ll have sessions like Microsoft 365 Tips and Tricks delivered by ed tech influencer Leslie Fisher!

Microsoft 365 Tips and Tricks with Leslie Fisher | Tuesday, February 08 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

Did you know that Microsoft 365 is free for teachers and students? Microsoft 365 has so many features in it, an hour is simply not enough, but we will cover as much as we can including tips and tricks in Microsoft 365 overall, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Forms. This session always surprises people with something they had no idea about or just makes them happy with all the features of Microsoft 365. Everything discussed and demonstrated is free!  

Visit the Microsoft Education Blog for more information and to see our detailed session schedule. We look forward to seeing you in February at TCEA 2022!

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