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Collaboration Brings OpenStax Course Materials to Microsoft Learning Zone

Open education resources provider OpenStax has partnered with Microsoft to integrate its digital library of 80 openly licensed titles into Microsoft Learning Zone, an on-device AI tool for generating interactive lessons and learning activities.

Introduced earlier this year on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Learning Zone offers educators access to a library of pre-built, ready-to-use lessons, as well as the ability to create lessons utilizing their own uploaded materials or the OpenStax library. Users receive source citations for all content outputs, and can update or fine-tune any aspect of lessons or activities before sharing them with students. Students interacting with the lessons receive immediate feedback on their work; for example, the tool can present material in a different format if a question is answered incorrectly.

"At Microsoft, we're committed to empowering educators with technology that saves time and enhances learning," said Deirdre Quarnstrom, vice president of Microsoft Education, in a statement. "Through our partnership with OpenStax, we're combining the power of on-device AI in Copilot+ PCs with OpenStax's trusted and diverse peer-reviewed content to help educators quickly create high-quality, personalized, engaging lessons. We're excited about how this collaboration will empower classrooms globally."

"At OpenStax, our mission is to make an amazing education accessible to all," commented Richard G. Baraniuk, founder and director of OpenStax. "That's why we're excited to integrate our trustworthy, peer-reviewed content with Microsoft's AI technology through the Microsoft Learning Zone. Together, we aim to help more instructors and their students access engaging, effective learning experiences in new and dynamic ways. We also share a strong commitment to the thoughtful and responsible application of AI to better ensure all learners can succeed."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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