This week's useful Microsoft posts for teachers #7

With myriad adaptations for use in the classroom, MinecraftEdu brings Common Core–enhanced gaming to students. Minecraft’s worlds and possibilities are truly endless—and increasingly, so are its educational adaptations for school use. Available on multiple platforms (Apple, Windows, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Raspberry Pi, iOS, Android, Windows Phone), the game’s flexibility and collaborative possibilities make it a favorite among devotees of gamification.

We’re excited to announce that Sway is rolling out support for creating interactive charts, setting image Focus Points, distinguishing content with the new Accent feature, and more easily embedding your OneDrive and local documents. An updated version of Sway for iPhone is also available in the App Store.

 'How Are You Connecting Your Students with the World? Skype in the Classroom' http://goo.gl/g7jRT1 Get started by using your own digital networks to reach out to potential collaborators. Blogger Suzie Boss shares how via Skype, two elementary classrooms located in different states engage in a mock presidential election.

'How to Create an Infographic in Under an Hour. Learn how quick and easy it is to create a professional-looking infographic with 10 free PowerPoint templates.

Have you joined the Microsoft Educator Network? http://bit.ly/1KxsC9v There are endless free resources, lesson plans, tutorials and ideas waiting Join the worldwide community of educators who are passionate about ensuring learners are prepared to thrive in the global economy.

'Minecraft Edu and curriculum' http://bit.ly/1Kxs834 Love the way this Grade 7 teacher sets out how she uses Minecraft in her classroom on a Sway.Using Minecraft Edu to support teaching and learning in 

This teacher started a Minecraft Club at school and shows the steps in getting this ready. 'Getting our Minecraft Club ready to go live' http://bit.ly/1SG5sTU

'The embedding of Minecraft Edu into Curriculum' http://bit.ly/1SG4Pd4 In this interesting post Minecraft Edu became a resource that students used to complete their TAS e-Folios

Today, Microsoft has finally announced when it will be rolling out the newest version of Windows: July 29th will be the big day. To prepare for the date, Microsoft is sending out notifications to users of older versions prompting them to reserve their free copy.

One of the newest tools in Microsoft's Office suite is Sway. Sway is a web based tool that helps teachers and students easily create and share an interactive...