Teaching throughout the pandemic was the world’s greatest PD event for educators. But, now that most of us are gearing up to return to in-person learning next year, how can we continue to use some of the technology and tools that we learned about throughout remote learning? How do tools like Microsoft Teams, Word and PowerPoint still fit into every day use in a “normal” classroom setting? It’s something that is on all of our minds entering next year. So, to help, we’ve created a video series dedicated to helping! We’ll share two new tips, tricks and/or templates per week from now until the end of July - just in-time for the new school year. Check everything out below!
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Also, check out our recommended blog posts and tutorials:
How to Convert a Word Document into a PowerPoint
Teaching writing throughout the pandemic was probably one of the hardest subjects for us both. With students both in-person and virtual, we had to rely on Microsoft Word to produce student artifacts that could be transferred digitally (and edited if need be). This trick helped take our students writing and “publish” it into something that they could edit, create and share. The result was something that everyone could be proud of! Learn how it all works below!
Using Dictation in Microsoft Tools
Dictation can now be found in many of Microsoft’s tools. Learn where to find it and how your students can take advantage of this feature below!
Ways to Use Microsoft’s Whiteboard in the Classroom
Microsoft’s Whiteboard is perfect for collaboration and real-time creative thinking. Learn how you can integrate this into your classroom immediately!
Monitoring Social and Emotional Learning with Microsoft EDU
Learn how this Microsoft tool can help you monitor your students’ feelings in just a few clicks! Reflect will help both you and your students returning back to school this fall!
Using Immersive Reader in PowerPoint
Immersive Reader can now be found in PowerPoint! This impressive technology can read out loud any text on the slides and can even translate it into different languages, making your content accessible to all! Learn how it all works in PowerPoint below!
Recommended Blog Posts
and Tutorials:
How to Embed Nearpod Presentations into Microsoft Teams
Organization in any classroom is key and with this tip, you’ll be able to keep your Nearpod presentations embedded right into Microsoft Teams. Check out our blog post and tutorial below for more info!
How to Make a Custom Microsoft Teams Background
Microsoft Teams is constantly providing updates to its platform, but the latest is one that users have been begging for: the ability to upload your own backgrounds. Now, you can create a personalized scene and Teams will virtually place you directly into your image. Learn how it all works and find a free background from our curated list!
6 InterACTIVE Ways to Use Microsoft Forms
There are many hidden gems within Microsoft EDU, and Microsoft Forms is one of them! Here are six interACTIVE ways you can use them!
How to Use Reading Progress
Learn how Microsoft is revolutionizing how educators administer running records and assess their students reading skills. NO MORE RUNNING RECORDS!
Creating a Virtual Classroom with Microsoft Teams
With the help of Microsoft Teams we can expand our classroom walls and bring our students into a different type of interACTIVE learning environment. Learn how to do more with Microsoft Teams!
Number Talks in Microsoft Teams
Are you looking for ways to improve mental math and fact fluency with your students? Then, Number Talks may be the perfect exercise for your class! Pair this activity with Microsoft Teams for full-on engagement!
Check out the entire video series below!
Check back soon for more updates and be sure to follow us on social media or join our mailing list to be the first to know when new content is posted!
-- Stay tuned for more on how to use Microsoft tools in your classroom! Be sure to follow us on social media (@TheMerrillsEDU everywhere) for more! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
