NEWS  Software  January 19, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Microsoft is unveiling the Reading Coach app as a standalone tool, enriching its suite of resources for educators within Microsoft Teams.

This innovative application, a key component of the Reading Progress suite, harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to offer tailored guidance for students aiming to enhance their literacy skills both in the classroom and at home. The tool not only assesses reading scores but also provides specific suggestions for improvements, including pronunciation.

The Reading Coach app goes beyond traditional literacy tools by employing AI to flag words that students frequently mispronounce or misunderstand during reading sessions. The interactive nature of the program keeps students engaged through prompts that allow them to influence the storyline as they progress, turning the learning experience into an immersive journey. 

 MICROSOFT READING COACH 

This groundbreaking tool is not just a futuristic concept; Microsoft is making it accessible to a wide audience by offering it for free to any users with a Microsoft account. It aligns with the company's vision of democratizing education and ensuring that impactful tools are available to students and educators worldwide.

Educators can look forward to integrating the Reading Coach app into their classrooms through various learning platforms starting in the Spring. However, a preview of the tool is available this month, allowing teachers to explore its features and benefits. The Reflect tool within the program empowers teachers to gauge student sentiment about assignments, enabling a nuanced understanding of what resonates with students and what may need improvement.

 ASSIGNMENTS TOOL 

In addition to enhancing the Reading Coach app, Microsoft is introducing new features to its Teams for Education suite. These features aim to facilitate the creation of tailored content for digital learning platforms, addressing the evolving needs of educators in the modern educational landscape.

The Classwork tool, powered by AI, emphasizes specific messages in assignment instructions based on educators' goals for each lesson. This ensures that students focus on crucial aspects, enhancing the efficiency of the learning process. Meanwhile, the Assignments tool streamlines the rubric generation process using AI, allowing teachers to customize outlines based on grade level, evaluation scale, and other relevant factors.

 CLASSWORK TOOL 

As Microsoft continues to innovate and invest in educational technology, these new tools stand out as powerful resources for educators, promising to transform the way literacy is taught and learned. The Reading Coach app, in particular, marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of reading and improving literacy outcomes for students around the globe. For more information visit Microsoft website.

 MEDIA CREDITS: MICROSOFT