Learning environments
The prepared learning environment, whether virtual or in-person, provides the setting for students to feel comfortable to grow and work independently and collaboratively. Educators must construct this environment to make it accessible for all students and inclusive to all ways of learning.
Teams is the learning hub for the hybrid classroom. It allows educators to prepare, deliver, and monitor learner growth through media-rich learning experiences without leaving the Teams application. Features such as assignments, announcements, channels (both whole-class and private or small group), a OneNote Class Notebook, Teams Meetings (live video), and adding tabs to connect to other apps and online resources makes Teams ideal for preparing an environment where the learner can thrive.
Activity ideas
- Use the Add+ tabs to add digital textbooks, Exit Tickets made with Microsoft Forms, or a Wakelet (full of curated resources)
- Create channels for small groups to share and work on content through shared files, discuss ideas, and collaborate in the posts tab for their group; meet about novels studies and projects; or to differentiate learning
- Enable OneNote Class Notebook and set up specific sections and pages for learners to create and process their learning through reading (learners can use the Immersive Reader to have the text read to them), writing (learners can dictate or voice-type what they want to write using the Dictate tool), and drawing or inking using the draw ribbon and math tools
- Assign whole-class and student-specific work through the Assignments tab to give learners the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding, which also allows educators to provide feedback through comments, suggestions, and a rubric
- Post class announcements in the general channel to provide learners a schedule of the day, agenda, directions, steps or procedures, a poll or survey, and quick documents or links for them to read
The class Team should be organized in a way to assist the educator in creating a culture for all learners, allowing them to access work, resources, peers, and their educator as they construct their own knowledge throughout the day. Consider creating a recording using Microsoft Stream to make a tour of your Team, explaining to students how to navigate and use it effectively.