Resources Available at Microsoft's Education Web Site

Have you investigated some of the resources available on Microsoft’s web site for education (http://www.microsoft.com/education/atschool.mspx)?

The web site provides resources in five categories:
• Lesson plans for K-12
• How-to articles
• Virtual classroom tours
• Product tutorials
• Computer science curriculum
Geared, of course, for using Microsoft products, many of the resources can be modified to use with Macs as well as with Windows computers.


Lesson Plans for K-12

You can find the lesson plans at http://www.microsoft.com/education/lessonplans.mspx. A typical lesson plan includes a description of the lesson, information about the lesson plan, a teacher guide, resources and web links, student activity, and ways to extend the student activity.

Lesson plans are available (at http://www.microsoft.com/education/lessonplans.mspx) in these areas:
• Geography
• History
• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Science and technology
• Social studies


How-to Articles

At http://www.microsoft.com/education/howto.mspx, you can learn how to use Microsoft software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MovieMaker) in the classroom with these how-to articles.

Excel techniques include creating a timeline, displaying fractions, and making charts and graphs. PowerPoint tips include animating chart elements, creating movie-style crawling credits, developing mini lessons, and showcasing photos. Applying special effects, creating a monthly calendar, designing a bookmark, and using hidden text are among the Word “how-to’s.” Introducing your classroom and an open house movie are listed in the Movie Maker tips.


Microsoft Virtual Classroom Tours

These downloadable PowerPoint presentations (http://www.microsoft.com/education/InTeachersVCT.mspx) are creative and constructivist-based. The tours are interdisciplinary. Content areas available include language arts, mathematics, science and technology, and social studies.


Microsoft Product and Technology Tutorials

Microsoft software tutorials (http://www.microsoft.com/education/tutorials.mspx) include techniques for using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Windows XP, and Windows media. Special guides for educators include using accessible technology and using digital media with Windows XP.