Blog

  • Increase productivity with Microsoft Edge

    Edge, Microsoft’s web browser, is a cutting-edge browser that includes fast speeds, accessibility tools, productivity features, and all the standard trimmings of a modern web browser.

    Microsoft Edge is available on all major platforms—not just in Windows. Microsoft Edge can be installed on macOS, iOS, and Android devices. When logged into Microsoft Edge, user profiles and settings automatically sync across all these platforms.

    One of the great things about Microsoft Edge is the Read Aloud feature. This tool adds audio support to almost any website by reading the content aloud with options for reading voice and speed. The Read Aloud icon is a Capital A with a picture of sound waves and is accessed several different ways:

    • Go to the ellipsis (…) menu in the top right corner of the Microsoft Edge window and select Read Aloud.
    • Select text on a webpage, then choose the vertical three dots that appear. Select more options, then select Read Aloud (in Chrome and macOS, use two-finger select).
    • Use keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + U.
  • Simplify tasks within Windows 11

    Windows 11 is the most advanced version of Windows to date. After four decades of knowledge and experience, Microsoft has polished its operating system into a clean, simple, and beautifully designed user experience.

    Navigating the Windows operating system is straightforward. First, the desktop is the entire screen that is shown on start-up. The taskbar is the bar across the bottom of the screen. It’s always visible except when a video or app is in full-screen mode. Located in the center of the taskbar is a set of pinned apps. Most of the pinned apps are customizable using right-click or Settings.

    Similar to the way ChromeOS, Mac, iOS, and other systems allow users to snap application windows to certain areas of the screen, Windows 11 has taken ease and access to a whole new level.

    Educators and learners can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly snap windows by pressing the Windows key and the right or left arrow key.

  • Sharing made simple inside of Microsoft 365

    Sharing files with OneDrive makes an educator’s life so much simpler.

    There are two ways to share a file:

    • Through a specific application (like Word or PowerPoint)
    • Through OneDrive

    In Word, select the Share button.

    Or, in OneDrive, select the file and then the Share button beside the file’s name.

    Screenshot of the Share button in Microsoft 365.

    The sharing method might depend on what specifically needs to be done with that particular file. Depending on the recipient, an educator might want to make the document editable by the recipient or view-only.

    Sharing as view-only allows an educator to block downloads. If Can view is selected, the recipient won’t be allowed to download or print the file.

  • One-stop file access with OneDrive

    OneDrive is a one-stop shop for sharing, saving, and creating files. It’s similar to other file storage applications and might feel familiar to other services like Google Drive or iCloud.

    An educator’s absolute nightmare is to lose all the files they’ve spent countless hours creating. The Microsoft 365 for Education subscription includes 1 Terabyte (TB) of file storage space in OneDrive. This storage space allows educators to breathe a sigh of relief and not have to worry about losing a flash drive, external hard drive, or spilling coffee on their computer. OneDrive is file storage in the cloud, meaning that OneDrive files are accessible anywhere with internet access.

    Access important files in the blink of an eye by signing into office.com and selecting OneDrive. Creating and sharing files are just as easy.

    For computer users, the OneDrive app is a major time saver. Select the Start Menu, then scroll to (or search for) the OneDrive app.

    When prompted, sign in with a school username and password. A prompt will appear to set up a backup of Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Selecting this option is highly recommended since most files stored on a computer are stored in these three folders. This feature creates a constant backup and allows instant access to all files from any device with an internet connection.

    Once the OneDrive app setup is complete, documents and files will automatically be synced to OneDrive, viewable on the web, and appear in File Explorer (the yellow folder in the Windows 11 Taskbar).

  • Examine how Microsoft is committed to responsible AI

    Microsoft integrates AI into its operations with a strong emphasis on ethics and responsibility. The guiding principles of this approach are:

    Diagram showing Microsoft's six principles of responsible A I.
    • Fairness. Microsoft aims to eliminate biases, ensuring equal treatment for all users.
    • Reliability & Safety. Rigorous testing ensures Microsoft’s AI performs consistently and safely.
    • Privacy & Security. Your data is protected. Both in training and post-deployment phases, Microsoft places a premium on safeguarding user details.
    • Inclusiveness. AI tools are crafted to be accessible and beneficial for everyone, regardless of physical ability, gender, or ethnicity.
    • Transparency. Microsoft believes in keeping users informed about how its AI systems work and their intended purposes.
    • Accountability. Ethical and legal standards are at the forefront, with AI developers and designers held accountable for their creations.
  • What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?

    Microsoft 365 Copilot represents a new paradigm in work, where employees collaborate with AI for increased productivity. Copilot addresses the modern challenge where the pace of work is overtaking our ability to keep up. Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed to transform how we work in the digital age. Powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) and utilizing your business data from Microsoft Graph, Copilot aims to spark creativity, boost productivity, and foster new skills. This innovative tool integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 suite, including popular applications like Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and more to elevate productivity and creativity in the workplace.

    Examples of Microsoft 365 Copilot in action may include:

    • Outlook. Summarize the content of a large email thread.
    • PowerPoint. Create a PowerPoint slide presentation based on a report.
    • Word. Rewrite a paragraph in a different tone or style.
    • Teams. Summarize meetings and chat threads.

    Microsoft 365 Copilot can help change the way that we work, transforming our everyday tasks into opportunities for growth and innovation.

  • The role of Microsoft Graph

    Microsoft Graph is the gateway to rich, people-centered data and intelligence in Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 learns from users and collects insights through the Microsoft Graph by analyzing the data and activities of users across different Microsoft products and services. Through this, Microsoft 365 delivers enhanced experiences that continually improve over time and keep users protected.

    Microsoft Graph plays a vital role in Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered productivity tool that you can leverage in Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 Copilot is powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) and utilizes your data from the Microsoft Graph and integrates with Microsoft 365 apps and services. These components empower Microsoft 365 Copilot to provide real-time intelligent assistance and recommendations, enabling users to enhance their creativity, productivity, and skills.

  • Seamless work across devices

    Microsoft 365 makes it easy to stay connected to your work, no matter what device you’re using. When you sign in with your work account and save your files to the cloud, your recent documents and links are easy to find and continue working on, whether you’re on your computer, phone, or tablet. This seamless experience is made possible by Microsoft Graph.

  • Microsoft 365 for business and enterprise

    For business and enterprise users, Microsoft 365 operates as a shared responsibility service. This means while Microsoft manages the infrastructure, your organization controls how services are configured and used.

    Core services include:

    • Office Apps available in web and mobile versions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
    • Email and calendaring (Outlook, Exchange Online)
    • File storage and sharing (OneDrive, SharePoint)
    • Teamwork and communication (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Viva)
    • Secure AI chat assistance powered by GPT-4o (Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot)
    • Security, compliance, and identity management (Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Defender XDR, Purview)
    • Device management (Microsoft Intune)
  • What is Microsoft 365?

    Microsoft 365 is a cloud-powered productivity platform that combines the familiar Office apps, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, with intelligent security, device management, and powerful online services. Designed for modern work, Microsoft 365 supports secure collaboration and communication across desktop, web, and mobile devices, helping users stay productive wherever they are.

    Microsoft 365 is built for scalability and flexibility, meeting the evolving needs of all individuals and organizations. Microsoft offers a variety of plans tailored for small businesses, large enterprises, educational institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations. Personal and family plans are also available. Each plan is designed to support digital transformation while delivering a trusted, secure, and modern experience.