Microsoft takes classrooms on virtual field trips for Canada 150

 

In celebration of Canada's 150 anniversary of Confederation, Microsoft has launched a campaign that gives Canadian students the opportunity to explore their country without having to leave their classroom. Students across the country now have access to visit and learn about Canada's landscape and history from coast-to-coast. Explore. Teach. Build. is an education program that teachers can work into their curriculum and connect one-on-one with researchers, scientists, curators and others who will guide them in real-time at no cost through the power of Skpe. 

The campaign was launched last week at the Toronto Zoo with students virtually in attendance from British Columbia who met with the Zoo's Curator of Fishes to learn about the Great Lakes. In addition to the virtual tours, classes can be involved with the challenge of creating a Canadian moment or favourite part of the virtual trip using Minecraft: Education Edition and share them online using Office 365 Sway or Mix presentations. 

The overall program is designed for K-12 classrooms.  Microsoft will also be providing a variety of free resources to help educators particpate inlcuding Teacher Ambassadors who will be on hand to offer free professional development workshops focused on how to use Minecraft: Education Edition. Virtual Field Trips will be available at all Microsoft Store locations across Canada for students to explore. Educators can also request a set of Windows 10 HP devices with Minecraft: Eduation Edition installed.