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New Microsoft Education Updates Focus on AI and Security

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 03/18/24

At its annual "Reimagine Education" 2024 digital conference, Microsoft Education announced several new features of its artificial intelligence and security tools aimed to assist educators and help prepare students for future careers in which AI will play a prominent part.

Those who missed the live event can watch it on demand, read more specific details, and download accompanying resources on the Reimagine page.

Education product updates include:

  • Copilot audience expansion with commercial data protection and Copilot for Microsoft 365 — Purchase of Copilot as an add-on starting April 1 for students 18+, and a private preview of it for younger students available in the spring;
  • Reading Progress and Microsoft Teams for Education upgrades at no extra cost — rubrics, assignment instructions, personalized reading passages (students can create stories and choose their story progress path), and learning objectives;
  • Math Progress — a new feature entering private review now, with student tool Math Coach, which provides real-time help and math problem solving, soon to follow;
  • AI for Educators Learning Path — a new tool for educators to learn more about AI's potential to increase literacy and engagement;
  • Microsoft AI Education Toolkit — a free resource for leaders developing AI plans for their institutions, which includes examples, case studies, and materials to get started;
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint — a security feature that protects student devices, for Microsoft 365 A5 customers;
  • Minecraft AI Prompt Lab, Module 2 — methods for educators to teach coding lessons in Code Builder, use the Make Code Python editor, and more;
  • Microsoft Copilot for Security — assistance for security and IT professionals to improve their skills to identify problems, respond more quickly, and collaborate with colleagues. See the March 13 "Security for All in the Age of AI" event for more information;
  • Free security trainings — a module for K–12 educators, students, and families to build resilient cybersecurity; and
  • Microsoft's "AI in Education" special report — research insights, resources, and recommendations for tapping into the advantages of using AI.

For more information, visit the Reimagine Education blog page.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

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