As a teacher working in the digital age, it’s probably no surprise that if you’re not using online platforms to enhance the learning experience, you run the risk of falling behind the times.
Implementing digital learning methodologies (and the associated technology) is not just about being on-trend, however, online learning has ample benefits, and many believe it’s far more beneficial than traditional means of teaching.
Digital online technologies allow students to learn efficiently and effectively, on-the-go (anywhere, at any time) and ensures a fuller learning experience (due to the fact that technology offers multiple layers of learning mediums from videos and simulations to online assessments and games) but it's hugely beneficial for teachers too; as a teacher, you can better leverage lesson time, use multiple teaching techniques (gauge which are the most effective) and put together, not only exceptional lesson plans, but curricula.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg because using digital technology in the classroom is still very much in its infancy. The challenge is knowing where to start with the plethora of information and technology currently available. That’s why we’re going to fill you in on some information about using Office 365 for education, what exactly it is, what students get from it and how it can make the learning process more efficient:
Let’s start at the top: What is Office 365 for education?
Simply put, Office 365 for education is Office 365 specifically tailored for the education sector. It has the basics of the former; a Microsoft Office software bundle, the capacity for online video conferencing, and email and document sharing, but it goes a step further. It includes:
- Exchange-based email
- Scheduling and contacts management
- SharePoint for collaboration via the intranet
- Instant messaging through Microsoft Skype for Business
- Online versions of Microsoft Office (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, where documents can be created, edited and shared online).
And the best part? You can use all these exceptional features to be more efficient in the classroom, and create, and facilitate unbelievable lessons. The software centres on collaboration, communication, support and ultimate efficiency for both you and your students.
What’s in it for the students?
Office 365 for education allows your tech-savvy students to have a streamlined learning experience. Office 365 education for students means free access to the software, which can be installed on five different devices. And what’s more is that they can work on the Office applications (such as Word, Excel, etc.) both online and offline. Additionally, each Microsoft Office student will have 1 TB of file storage in the Office 365 Cloud, an integrated mail and calendar system, and have the convenience of sharing and collaborating on online versions of tools they are probably already familiar with.
If you are interested in finding out more about Office 365 for education, then check out our webinar: An Introduction to Office 365. Skooler can provide you with an exciting extension of specific tools which plug into Office 365, maximising its potential in the classroom. Additionally, we can help you through the entire Office 365 journey, from Office 365 training to an implementation plan that is perfectly tailored to your school.
