As part of the series of announcements at the Microsoft Ignite Conference 2017, Microsoft rolled out a single and affordable package to better serve its education customers.
This new package, named Microsoft 365 Education, builds on the existing Office 365 for Education, which is a popular classroom management tool available free of charge. Office 365 currently has 100 million monthly users. Following the introduction of the new Microsoft 365 Education, no changes will be made to this existing free Office 365 offer.
Microsoft 365 Education is designed as a cloud-powered package suited to be used in the classroom. The package combines Office 365, Windows 10, Intune for Education, Microsoft Teams and Minecraft: Education Edition, including the Code Building extension.
According to Anthony Salcito, Vice President of Education at Microsoft, the new bundle creates a combination of Microsoft products into a wholesome, holistic package that improves both the teaching and learning experience in the classroom. The software's intelligent security system also creates a safe working environment that provides excellent identity and data protection, he added. Users, data and all related devices can be easily managed within a single dashboard.
The new Microsoft 365 Education package has a unique appeal, as it includes a variety of modern features such as 3D data visualisation, mixed reality, and a range of immersive apps. These features are incorporated into the software to unlock students' creativity in the classroom. Carefully designed apps including Minecraft: Education Edition are designed to spark creativity in students while promoting independent and efficient learning. Being an all-inclusive solution for the classroom, the Microsoft 365 Education package includes cutting-edge management, communications, collaboration and security features. The simplified and enhanced accessibility means students and educators will now be able to use the Microsoft toolset more efficiently, too. Improved new features are also incorporated into the basic tools such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
As all educators would understand, teamwork should be taught and promoted in the classroom. Via the new Microsoft 365 Education package, teamwork is enhanced by allowing students to work together in a single hub via Microsoft Teams – a collaboration platform that allows real-time communication and co-operation. Team members are able to co-author documents for group projects using Microsoft Office, thus allowing team collaboration to be extended beyond the classroom walls.
Earlier this year, Microsoft found itself ranked last in an exclusive survey in EdWeek Market Brief, based on the criteria of ease of purchasing of products. According to the study, Microsoft fell behind the other major technology companies such as Apple, Amazon, and Google. Microsoft 365 Education is among the few newly launched software bundles designed in response to this customer feedback.
Microsoft has continually proven its dedication to serving a diverse customer base, encompassing businesses of all sizes, while not neglecting the education sector. To find out more about how Microsoft’s product bundles could be applied to support the efficient operation and growth of your organisation, contact WM Reply today for some friendly advice.