What are the impacts of making a classroom inclusive?

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. This starts in the classroom, by recognizing the challenges teachers face when students in their classroom have a wide spectrum of abilities and by building tools that can effectively assist students with learning differences.

There is a tremendous burden on educators to ensure all students receive appropriate individual support. There is such an immense need today for tools that can help students with learning differences like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and even for English Language Learners who struggle to keep up and comprehend instruction as quickly as others.

Microsoft believes in an equitable learning environment for students, which is why Inclusivity is built into Microsoft software from day one for no additional cost – because no one should be charged for their differences.

Inclusive learning tools gives all students an equal chance to succeed, leveling the playfield for all students and providing them the opportunity to put their best foot forward in their education.

All parents can talk to their educators to help bring tech into the classroom, and Microsoft has tools to help make the transition easier. Easy setup and management is critical for schools and Microsoft offers teachers and parents workshops to help them teach with technology – visit Microsoft.ca/IncludEd to learn more.

Quick facts:

• Free accessibility tools with Office 365 for Education, like Learning Tools immersive reader in OneNote, have increased students’ reading speed and comprehension.

• Tools like Minecraft: Education Edition allow students to create and explore lessons like never before, and even learn to code – a skill that will continue to be in high demand for years to come.

• Teachers in 146 countries around the world are able to use Office 365 for Education free of charge.

• A total of 15 million student notebooks have been created in OneNote at a rate of approximately 45,000 new student notebooks each day.

Statistics:

• Around 80% of Canadian classrooms surveyed had at least one student formally identified as having a disability, and about 28% of the classes contained five or more students with disabilities.i

• 45% of 25-to-64-year-old survey participants identified as having a disability or impairment before completing post-secondary school said that their disability or impairment influenced their choice of courses or careers.

Watch our video as we discuss all of the above and shed light on how you encourage to have FREE Microsoft Tools in your child’s school.

This post was sponsored by Microsoft Canada. Please keep in mind all thoughts and our ideas are our own. We align with brands that are aligned with us.