NEWS  AI  March 7, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Microsoft continues to innovates its offerings by extending its Copilot AI assistant services to higher education institutions and their students. This expansion, announced during the Reimagine Education event, signifies a significant step towards leveraging AI to enhance learning experiences and support educators in addressing the diverse needs of students.

Microsoft's Copilot for Microsoft 365 AI service, previously available for commercial use, will now cater to the unique requirements of higher education settings. Scheduled for release on April 1, this premium service will offer advanced AI capabilities as a paid add-on for schools already utilizing Microsoft 365 or Office 365 A3/A5 licenses. By integrating AI technology into educational workflows, Microsoft aims to empower students and faculty members with personalized support and insights, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and efficient learning environment.

Moreover, Microsoft's commitment to inclusivity is further underscored by the introduction of Copilot with commercial data protection for students under the age of 18. Through a private preview program slated for spring 2024, younger students and their educational institutions will gain access to tailored AI assistance while ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Beyond the Copilot expansion, Microsoft unveiled enhancements to existing tools and introduced new offerings aimed at enriching educational experiences. Updates to Reading Progress and Microsoft Teams for Education, scheduled for release in March, will empower teachers with AI-driven features for content creation and personalized learning interventions. Additionally, the introduction of Math Progress and Math Coach underscores Microsoft's dedication to supporting STEM education by providing students with AI-powered guidance and feedback in mathematical problem-solving.

Furthermore, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit, a free resource designed to assist school leaders in developing comprehensive AI strategies to benefit their students. By offering guidance and resources, Microsoft empowers educators to harness the potential of AI responsibly and effectively, thereby maximizing the impact on student learning outcomes.

In line with its commitment to cybersecurity, Microsoft also announced the upcoming release of Microsoft Defender for endpoint service, tailored to safeguard PCs used by students. Available at a discounted rate for Microsoft 365 A5 subscribers, this service reflects Microsoft's proactive approach to ensuring a secure digital learning environment for students and educators alike.

 MEDIA CREDITS: MICROSOFT