Highlights

• Expanded Copilot for Microsoft 365 now accessible to a wider education audience.
• Microsoft Loop integration into Microsoft 365 A3 and A5 plans.
• Introduction of Reading Coach, an AI-powered learning accelerator.
• Copilot Pro enhances productivity with advanced AI capabilities.

Microsoft Education has recently announced a series of innovative AI-driven updates aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students and educators.

These updates include an expansion of Copilot for Microsoft 365, integration of Microsoft Loop, and the launch of a novel AI tool, Reading Coach.

Expanded Access to Copilot in Microsoft 365

Microsoft’s Copilot, known for its advanced data protection features, is now accessible to a broader audience, including faculty and higher education students over 18.

This expansion is particularly notable as it includes users of the free offers.

Prestigious universities like The University of Hong Kong and The University of Manchester are already leveraging Copilot.

Microsoft has also removed the 300-seat minimum purchase requirement, making it more affordable for smaller businesses and educational institutions.

Microsoft Loop: Enhancing Collaboration in Education

Set to be included in Microsoft 365 A3 and A5 plans from March 2024, Microsoft Loop is an AI-powered app designed to streamline collaborative work, planning, and content creation.

This integration will also be part of the Student Use Benefit, facilitating interactive learning environments.

Users with Office 365 A1 plans will have the ability to create workspaces and pages until June 30, 2024.

Reading Coach is a generative AI-powered Learning Accelerator aimed at boosting students’ reading practices.

It allows students to engage actively in storytelling, enhancing their reading experience through personalized narratives, progress tracking, badges, and incentives.

This tool is tailored to create a more interactive and personalized reading journey.

AI-Powered Enhancements in Microsoft Teams and Reflect

New features in Microsoft Teams for Education and Microsoft Reflect are set to simplify educational workflows.

These AI-driven tools provide assistance in generating reading passages, comprehension questions, rubrics, and more, all at no additional cost.

The Classwork module in Teams now offers a more streamlined curriculum management system, while AI aids in creating assignments aligned with educational goals.

Microsoft Reflect, which supports students in expressing their emotions, now includes enhanced features that allow educators to gain deeper insights into students’ well-being by understanding the reasons behind their emotions.

Copilot Pro: Elevating Productivity in Microsoft 365

In a move to further enhance productivity, Microsoft has recently introduced Copilot Pro, an add-on service priced at $20 per user per month.

Extending advanced AI capabilities to Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, Copilot Pro is available on PC, Mac, and iPad for users with an existing Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan.

Copilot Pro, while an additional service and not part of the Microsoft 365 subscription, also boosts capabilities in Designer, Microsoft’s AI-powered image creation tool.

Subscribers benefit from 100 daily “boosts” for quicker image generation, improved quality, and more formatting options.

Additionally, they get priority access to the latest GenAI models, like OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, ensuring optimal performance even during peak times.

FAQs

What is the new Copilot expansion in Microsoft 365?

Microsoft’s Copilot has been expanded to include faculty and higher education students, removing the 300-seat minimum purchase.

This expansion aims to make the tool more accessible and affordable for educational institutions of all sizes.

How does Microsoft Loop enhance the educational experience?

Microsoft Loop, an AI-powered collaboration app, is being integrated into Microsoft 365 A3 and A5 plans from March 2024.

It facilitates interactive learning by enabling collaborative work, planning, and content creation within the educational sphere.

What features does the new Reading Coach tool offer?

The Reading Coach tool in Microsoft Education, powered by generative AI, is designed to improve students’ reading skills.

It offers an interactive and personalized experience, encouraging active participation in story shaping and providing incentives like badges and progress reports.

What are the new features added to Microsoft Teams for Education?

Microsoft Teams for Education introduces new AI-powered features for reading passages, comprehension questions, and curriculum management.

These tools aim to simplify the educational process for both students and teachers.

What is Copilot Pro and how does it integrate with Microsoft 365?

Copilot Pro is a premium AI-powered add-on for Microsoft 365, priced at $20 per user per month.

It integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, offering advanced AI functionalities such as text generation, data visualization, and email drafting.

Who can access Copilot Pro and what are the subscription requirements?

Copilot Pro is accessible to users with an existing Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan.

It is an additional service on top of the Microsoft 365 subscription, bringing the total cost for the lowest-tier subscription to $27 per month.

What are the unique features of Copilot Pro compared to the enterprise version?

Copilot Pro offers enhanced image creation capabilities in Designer with 100 daily boosts, and priority access to the latest GenAI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo.

It differs from the enterprise version, which includes Copilot in Teams and enterprise-grade data protection.

What future enhancements are planned for Copilot Pro subscribers?

Future updates for Copilot Pro include the ability to switch between different AI models and access to Copilot GPT Builder for creating tailored AI assistants for specific topics or needs.

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