Microsoft PowerPoint Online presentations and digital storytelling, optimised for the web and accessibly any time, any where.

 

🔍 What does it do?

PowerPoint Online is the web-based version of Microsoft’s presentation software. It allows you to create, edit, and share slideshows directly in your browser. While it is simpler than the desktop app, it is built for the modern classroom offering real-time collaboration, automatic cloud saving to OneDrive, and unique web-only features like “Presenter Coach.”

 

🎓 Why is it useful?

• Collaborative Creativity: Multiple pupils can work on a single deck at once, making it ideal for group projects or a “Whole Class Book” where every child gets one slide to showcase their work.

• Auto-Design: The built-in Designer tool under the ‘Design’ tab on iPad uses smart technology to suggest professional layouts, icons, and themes based on your text.

• Rehearse with Coach: Use Rehearse with Coach under the ‘Slide Show’ tab to practice your presentation and get instant feedback.

• Always Saved: “AutoSave” is always on. If a device loses power or a browser tab is closed, the work is safe in the cloud.

 

⚙️ How does it work?

1. Launch: Access via the PowerPoint tile on your Glow Launchpad, through your OneDrive or via the iPad app or directly at powerpoint.office.com using your Glow credentials.

2. Choose a Theme: Start with a template or a blank slate.

3. Insert Content: Use the Insert tab to add images, videos, or “Online Pictures” which are automatically filtered for Creative Commons (copyright-safe) use. On iPad you can also draw directly onto slides using the ‘Draw’ tab. Don’t forget ‘Animations’ and ‘Transitions’!

4. Collaborate: Click the Share button (top right) to invite others using their Glow username. You can see their cursor moving and see exactly what they are adding in real-time.

5. Present: Click Present to show your work or deliver your lesson (via Apple TV). You can use the pencil icon when presenting to make annotations which can be saved upon exiting the presentation.

 

🚀 Beyond the Basics

• Presenter Coach: This is a game-changer for public speaking. Pupils can tap Rehearse with Coach. The iPad listens to them speak and gives private, real-time feedback on their pace, “filler words” (like um and ah), and even their body language.

• Designer: Instead of searching for clip-art, just type your bullet points. Tap the Designer button, and PowerPoint will suggest high-end, visual layouts that match your topic.

• For Quick Videos: Use the Export feature to turn your slideshow into an MP4 video. This is great for creating simple “Instructional Videos” or digital stories.

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Microsoft Word Online for document creation and real-time collaboration.

🔍 What does it do?

Microsoft Word Online is the browser-based version of the popular word processor. Word Online is optimised for speed, accessibility, and collaboration. It allows multiple people to work on the same report simultaneously, with all changes saved automatically to your OneDrive. Word Online is available anytime, anywhere with online access at home or at school.

🎓 Why is it useful?

• Real-Time Co-authoring: Learners can work together on a single poem, story, or project at the same time, seeing each other’s changes instantly.
• Built-in Accessibility: Every Word Online document includes Immersive Reader, providing instant support for students with dyslexia or EAL needs.
• Zero Risk of Data Loss: “AutoSave” is always on. If a device loses power or a browser tab is closed, the work is safe in the cloud.
• Simple Feedback Loop: Teachers can leave “Comments” to provide guidance directly on the page without needing to print a single sheet.

 

⚙️ How does it work?

1. Access: Access via the Word tile on your Glow Launchpad, through your OneDrive or via the iPad app or directly at word.office.com using your Glow credentials.

2. Create: Start a new blank document or use one of the education templates.

3. Share: Click the Share button (top right) to invite others to edit. You can control who can view vs. edit. Remember, you can also use the Teams assignment function which will allow you to see learner work in real time.

4. Edit vs. View: Easily switch between Editing mode (writing), Reviewing mode (suggesting changes), or Viewing mode (to see the final look).

5. Export: If you need a static copy, go to File > Save As > Download as PDF.

 

🚀 Beyond the Basics

• Dictate: Students who struggle with typing can use the Dictate button to turn their speech into text. It even supports “Auto-punctuation” to help with sentence structure.
• Writing Quality Editor: On PC the Microsoft Editor pane goes beyond simple spellcheck. It provides a “Readability Score” and suggests improvements for clarity, conciseness, and formal tone.
• Immersive Reader: Go to View > Immersive Reader to change background colors, increase line spacing, or have the text read aloud. This is a game-changer for independent learning.
• Comments & Stickers: Instead of red pen, use the Comments feature to leave feedback. You can even insert Emojis to provide quick, visual encouragement that resonates with younger learners.

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Microsoft Teams is a digital hub for your classroom: one place for communication, assignments, and learning insights.

🔍 What does it do?

Microsoft Teams is a digital workspace that brings together everything a class needs. It combines group chat (Posts), file storage, and a powerful assignment system. In Falkirk, it serves as a virtual learning environment which is an extension of the physical classroom pupils log in to see their tasks, complete assignments, and collaborate on shared documents.

🎓 Why is it useful?

• Centralised Learning: No more hunting for files. With the Classwork tab, you can group assignments, links,and OneNote pages into organized modules (e.g., “Week 1: The Victorians”).

• Learning Accelerators: Teams now includes specialised tools like Reading Progress and Search Progress that help pupils build core skills while giving you automated data on their performance.

• Wellbeing Checks: Use the Reflect tool to quickly gauge how your pupils are feeling, helping you support their social and emotional needs alongside their academic learning.

• Paperless Assignments: Set tasks, provide rubrics, and give feedback all within the app. You can even see the “Student View” to ensure your instructions are clear before you click ‘Assign’.

 

⚙️ How does it work?

1. Launch: Find the Teams tile on your Glow Launchpad or log into the app version.

2. Create a Class: Click ‘Join or create a team’ and ensure you select the ‘Class’ type (this gives you the Assignments and Class Notebook features).

3. Organise with Classwork: Use the Classwork tab to create “Modules.” Drag and drop files and assignments into these folders so pupils have a clear path to follow.

4. Set an Assignment: Go to the Assignments tab. You can attach any file (Word, PowerPoint, Whiteboard) and choose to give “Each student their own copy” to work on.

5. Check Insights: Click the Insights tab to see at a glance who has been active, who has turned in work, and even how the class “mood” is trending via Reflect.

🚀 Beyond the Basics

• Reading Progress: Assign a reading passage. Pupils record themselves reading it, and Teams automatically marks their fluency, accuracy, and “mispronunciations,” saving you hours of 1-to-1 assessment time.

• Search Progress: Instead of just asking for a report, use Search Progress. It tracks how pupils search the web, showing you which sources they trusted and why, helping you teach information literacy.

• Reflect: Schedule a weekly “check-in.” Pupils choose a “Feelings Monster” that represents their mood. It’s a private, safe way for them to tell you if they are struggling.

• Channel Moderation: If the ‘Posts’ area gets too busy, you can change the settings so that only you can start new threads, while pupils can only reply. This keeps your announcements from being buried!

• Live Captions: During a virtual meeting or lesson, pupils can turn on Live Captions to see what you are saying as text on the screen—essential for pupils with EAL or hearing impairments.

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🔗 Teacher Quick Links

DigiLearnScot Finding and Using Teams in Glow

Microsoft Teams for Education

Glow Connect – Teams Articles