Colleges and schools based in the United Kingdom have joined Microsoft’s teaching showcase that assists student learning with its latest technology.
Microsoft will support 17 new educational facilities including four colleges and thirteen schools, allowing them access to state-of-the-art software and tools including Office and Surface. The Microsoft teaching programme is designed to advance digital skills as well as enhance accessibility, communication, and collaboration in classrooms.
These new colleges and schools will join over 30 other learning institutions already enrolled in the scheme, entitled the ‘Microsoft Showcase Schools Program’.
Director of Education for Microsoft UK, Chris Rothwell, commented:
“More schools and colleges are unlocking the benefits that come with using technology in the classroom. Programs such as Teams can make learning more accessible and collaborative, as well as give students key skills they will need in the workplace. We are looking forward to supporting more schools and seeing students benefit from the Microsoft Showcase Schools Program.”
Enhanced abilities for Educators
Among the 17 new educational facilities to join is Glasgow Kelvin College, which has already embedded Microsoft’s O365 in its functionality. Vice Principal for the Glasgow-based college, Audrey Miller, has commented that Microsoft tech has been the key element to the newfound success of regular staff conferences. These meetings for educators encourage discussion on a range of topics, including inclusion, accessibility and protecting mental health, as well as building on internal communications.
All the educators now comprehend how to create accessible content with O365 and have a strong understanding of the available accessibility tools in both the Edge browser and Windows 10 operating system.
Along with these new skills, over 200 members of staff have attained the MIE badge from the tech giant making them Microsoft Innovative Educators and recognising their innovation in applying Microsoft technology to classroom use.
Working with Teams
Another new addition to the Microsoft Showcase Schools Program, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College employed the use of Teams, with the ambition to establish a premier digital platform for its students.
Stroud College came across Microsoft Teams while it was hunting for a provider that could deliver a Virtual Learning Environment. They found Teams to be highly reliable both on desktop and mobile devices, and appreciated how it offered the possibility of using other applications inside the platform.
Head of Digital and Professional Development for the Bristol-based college, Simon Kay, said:
“Teams has been very manageable, and we’ve had great support from Microsoft. Most importantly, our training doesn’t stop now we’ve rolled out Teams.”
The college has now made certain all its educators can use teams sufficiently to assist collaboration and even provided Office 365 masterclasses.
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