Microsoft has released new features in Teams and OneNote. These new features promise to support social-emotional learning (SEL) approaches. According to the Committee for Children, social-emotional learning plays a very important role in almost every part of our lives be it school or work.
Microsoft empowers Social-emotional learning
In fact, SEL approaches also help people develop self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. This is why Microsoft has decided to give importance to social-emotional learning in Teams and OneNote.
“This year, the first day of school looked very different for the tens of millions of students returning to class. But through unprecedented change and the stress that’s come with it, educators and students have led with resilience, reminding us that learning starts with connection, community, and well-being,” said Mark Sparvell, Director of Microsoft Education.
Aiming to recognize moments of SEL growth, Microsoft has announced the addition of new Praise Badges in Teams.
A majority of teachers and students around the world have transitioned to distance-leaning in the wake of the pandemic. Many of them use Teams for learning, engagement, and collaboration. In fact, Teams has certain built-in tools for Education customers.
According to Microsoft, more than 230,000 education institutions rely on Teams for remote and hybrid learning these days. In addition to the existing tools, Microsoft has made SEL-specific Praise Badges available to Teams users.
Microsoft wants teachers to use these Praise Badges to recognize the social skills of students. What’s more, they will also help teachers grow emotional vocabulary among students. Microsoft Teams will be able to use Praise Badges in chats and class team channels.
Praise Badges are based on the Big Five model:
- Openness
- Conscientiousness
- Extroversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
In addition to new Praise Badges in Teams, Microsoft has introduced a new SEL sticker pack for OneNote. The new SEL sticker pack in OneNote recognizes the same skills in the SEL Praise Badges.
Last but not least, Microsoft Teams update also marks the addition of a new Reflect tool to make emotional check-ins a daily routine.
