New Features in Microsoft Teams for Education - Towards 2024

Let's take a look at the best 10 features, courtesy of Mike Tholfsen!

‍1. Learning Accelerators for Assignments

One of the standout features in the latest update is the addition of a "Learning Accelerators" button within the assignment form. When creating a new assignment, you'll notice this button at the bottom. It offers access to various learning accelerators, including reading progress, search progress, and upcoming additions like math progress and speaker progress. These accelerators provide valuable insights into student progress and engagement, making it easier for educators to tailor their teaching.

2. Educator Quick Actions in Assignment List

Managing assignments has never been easier, thanks to the new educator quick actions in the assignment list. A three-dot menu on the right-hand side of your assignment list offers convenient options like editing, copying links, duplicating assignments, marking as inactive, and deleting assignments. These actions streamline your workflow and save precious time, allowing you to focus on what matters most, teaching.

3. Classwork Module Organization

The introduction of the Classwork feature enables educators to organize course content into modules, making it easy to structure and publish material for students. In your class team, you'll find the Classwork tab on the left-hand side. Within Classwork, you can create modules and organise content seamlessly. It supports various content types, including videos, Word documents, OneNote pages, and external links. Plus, you can drag and drop to reorder content, and there's even an option to pin modules to the top for easy access.

4. Creating New Classwork Modules

Creating a new module in Classwork is a breeze. You can give it a name, add a description, format the text, and include links. These rich descriptions help students understand the module's objectives and content. You can also add resources like files, videos, assignments, and links directly into your modules, providing students with a clear path for learning.

5. Reusing Modules for Efficiency

Coming in the near future is the ability for educators to reuse modules. This feature, expected soon, will allow you to replicate module structures from one lesson to the next. This time-saving functionality ensures a consistent and efficient teaching experience.

6. Pinning Modules for Student Focus

Educators can now pin modules to the top of the list for easy student access. This feature ensures that essential modules or current topics remain visible and prioritized for students, enhancing the learning experience.

7. Student View for Assignments

The student view feature allows educators to preview assignments exactly as students will see them. You can ensure instructions, references, and materials appear correctly before assigning tasks. It's a valuable tool for maintaining clarity and consistency in your assignments.

8. Grid View on Mobile Devices

Microsoft Teams has revamped its mobile interface with a grid view, making it easier to navigate class teams and channels. This improved mobile experience ensures that educators and students can access content and collaborate effortlessly on their smartphones and tablets.

9. Enhanced Reflect Check-in Experience

Reflect check-ins now offer a broader range of emotional vocabulary, allowing educators to better understand students' feelings and experiences. The improved user interface provides quick access to names and sharing results, enhancing the reflective learning process.

10. Default View in Together View

The "Together View" in check-ins has been set as the default view, providing educators with an anonymized overview of students' emotions. You can easily gauge your class's overall emotional well-being and adjust your teaching approach accordingly.

Microsoft Teams for Education continues to evolve, empowering educators and students with new features that enhance the online learning experience. With learning accelerators, streamlined assignment management, organised classwork modules, and numerous other improvements, Microsoft Teams is committed to making education more accessible and efficient. Stay tuned for these updates, and make the most of these features in your teaching journey in the new academic year. Enjoy!

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