Microsoft Education Announces Product Updates Focused on AI and Security

At its annual "Reimagine Education" 2024 digital conference, Microsoft Education announced several new features of its artificial intelligence and security tools aimed to assist teachers and help prepare students for future careers in which AI will play a prominent part.

Those who missed the live event can watch it on demand, read more specific details, and download accompanying resources on the Reimagine page.

Education product updates include:

  • Copilot audience expansion with commercial data protection and Copilot for Microsoft 365 — Purchase of Copilot as an add-on starting April 1 for students 18+, and a private preview of it for younger students available in the spring;
  • Reading Progress and Microsoft Teams for Education upgrades at no extra cost — rubrics, assignment instructions, personalized reading passages (students can create stories and choose their story progress path), and learning objectives;
  • Math Progress — a new feature entering private review now, with student tool Math Coach, which provides real-time help and math problem solving, soon to follow;
  • AI for Educators Learning Path — a new tool for educators to learn more about AI's potential to increase literacy and engagement;
  • Microsoft AI Education Toolkit — a free resource for leaders developing AI plans for their institutions, which includes examples, case studies, and materials to get started;
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint — a security feature that protects student devices, for Microsoft 365 A5 customers;
  • Minecraft AI Prompt Lab, Module 2 — methods for educators to teach coding lessons in Code Builder, use the Make Code Python editor, and more;
  • Microsoft Copilot for Security — assistance for security and IT professionals to improve their skills to identify problems, respond more quickly, and collaborate with colleagues. See the March 13 "Security for All in the Age of AI" event for more information;
  • Free security trainings — a module for K–12 educators, students, and families to build resilient cybersecurity; and
  • Microsoft's "AI in Education" special report — research insights, resources, and recommendations for tapping into the advantages of using AI.

More detailed information is available on the Reimagine Education blog page.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • SXSW EDU

    3 Opportunities to Get Hands-on with AI at SXSW EDU 2025

    This March 3-6 in Austin, TX, the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival celebrates its 15th year of exploring the most critical issues in education and providing a forum for creativity, innovation, and expression.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Adopting AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.

  • depiction of a K-12 classroom with geometric shapes forming students and a teacher, surrounded by multiple holographic learning tools in various subjects

    I've Been in K-12 for Over 15 Years. Here Are Three Things We Need to Do to Integrate AI Now.

    When AI is deployed responsibly and equitably, the potential advantages of empowering more personalized learning, optimizing student engagement, uncovering gaps in education, automating routine tasks, and freeing up more time for effective teacher-student interactions have the power to transform education.

  • stylized human profiles, tablets, and floating icons

    From Feedback to Flexibility: 5 AI Tools Teachers Should Try

    As a fifth-grade teacher and AI School Champion in the St. Vrain Valley School District, I've seen firsthand how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education. Here are five AI-enabled tools I've found especially powerful in my classroom and professional practice.