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Microsoft Expands Its Educational Commitment with "Elevate for Educators"

Microsoft Corp. has recently announced the launch of the Elevate for Educators program, designed specifically to equip educators and students with the latest AI-driven resources needed for a rapidly evolving educational landscape. This initiative comes at a crucial time as education increasingly integrates artificial intelligence into everyday learning, aiming to enhance teaching methodologies and improve student engagement.

To support educators in harnessing AI effectively, Microsoft is rolling out various innovative features within its Microsoft 365 Copilot app. These tools are crafted to ensure that teachers can build confidence and capabilities while adopting technology in their classrooms. At the helm of this initiative is Justin Spelhaug, President of Microsoft Elevate, who emphasizes the importance of responsible AI use and developing students’ trust in educational technologies.

Key Features of the Elevate for Educators Program

1. Global Community for Educators
The program fosters a thriving community for K-12 educators worldwide. Understanding the challenges that educational institutions face, Microsoft has launched extensive initiatives to help educators strengthen their skills while collaborating on best practices in AI-enhanced instruction.

2. Free Professional Development
Elevate for Educators provides free resources aimed at professional growth, including self-paced courses, live sessions, and AI-enabled simulations. These offerings, available in over 13 languages through the AI Skills Navigator, are designed to keep educators updated with their certifications and learn new skills that enhance classroom learning.

3. Industry-Recognized Qualifications
Teachers can also pursue new certifications developed in partnership with ISTE and ASCD, aligning with the AI Literacy Framework, to foster confidence and expertise in AI integration. A new certification as a "Microsoft Certified Instructional Technologist and Coach" is also in the works for educators.

4. Exclusive Offers for Students
To further enhance the educational toolkit, Microsoft is offering eligible college students a complimentary one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career. This limited-time initiative provides powerful productivity tools to foster skill development and career advancement in today’s AI-driven job market.

Personalized AI Features for Educators and Students

Microsoft continues to reinforce its commitment to education with tailored AI functionalities aimed at creating a more personalized learning environment. The recent rollout of teaching aids within Microsoft 365 is intended to help educators streamline lesson preparation and deliver customized learning experiences efficiently.

New Teaching Features in Microsoft 365:

• - Teach Functionality: Allows educators to create high-quality, standards-aligned lesson plans swiftly, freeing up time to focus on student engagement. Integrated tools enable lesson adaptations to cater to diverse learning needs and provide immediate, actionable feedback for assessments.
• - Microsoft Learning Zone: Launching as a free, AI-supported learning app, this tool is designed for educators to deliver customized and adaptive learning activities.

Moreover, students are provided new AI-assisted tools like the Study and Learn Agent, which offers personalized support to encourage independent learning and critical thinking.

Conclusion

As education transforms in the face of AI advancements, Microsoft’s Elevate for Educators program represents a pivotal step towards equipping educators and students with the necessary resources for future success. The program's commitment to responsible AI integration ensures that learning remains focused on human elements while leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance educational experiences worldwide.

For more information on Microsoft's commitment to education, visit aka.ms/AIforTeachingandLearning.