Microsoft Learning Activities is an AI‑powered feature within Microsoft 365 that helps educators transform existing teaching materials into interactive practice experiences.
Using content such as syllabi, lesson notes, chapter summaries, word lists, transcripts, etc., educators can instantly generate flashcards that encourage active learning rather than passive reading. For SAU19 educators, this means less time creating study materials and more time focusing on instruction, while giving students engaging ways to review and retain information.
Why It’s a Game Changer
- Instant Interactivity
- Turn existing content, like a lesson outline or reading summary into a practice deck in seconds. No manual rewriting required.
- Seamless Copilot Integration
- Built directly into Microsoft 365, Learning Activities appears in the Apps list, eliminating the need to switch between platforms or tools.
- Improved Retention Through Active Learning
- Provides real-time insights
- Research consistently shows that retrieval practice (actively recalling information) is one of the most effective learning strategies. Microsoft Learning Activities makes this evidence-based approach easy to use in daily instruction.
Please follow these instructions to utilize Microsoft Learning Activities:
1. Go to https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps and log into your account, if it is not already logged in.
2. Click on All apps listed on the right of the Apps section.
3. Click on Learning Activities. Please note that you may only see Learning... but if you hover over it, it will display the full name.
On the main landing page, you will be able to navigate to Recent (access any flashcards you recently created), My activities (access all flashcards that you have created), and Bookmarks (quickly access any flashcards that you have bookmarked). On the right-hand side you can click on + New flashcards to begin creating flashcards or # Join to view flashcards that were created.
4. To begin creating flashcards, click + New flashcards.
5. You can copy and paste content to use for your flashcards into the text box, or you can click Add content, select Cloud files or Upload file and select the files you want to use. You can upload files such as syllabi, lesson notes, chapter summaries, word lists, transcripts, etc.
6. The language will default to English automatically. If you want the flashcards to be in another language, then click the Language drop-down menu and select the language you want to use.
7. Click the checkbox next to the Flashcard type to select the type(s) of flashcards you wish to create. You can select more than one option.
8. Check the Generate hint for each card checkbox if you want to include a hint with each flashcard. Uncheck this if you do not want it included.
9. Click Generate.
This will generate a list of information that will be included on the flashcards. It will take a few minutes to complete the generation process.
10. On the right of the list is an AI enhancement tool. Use this to help change information you want to adjust on the flashcards and then click Regenerate all.
11. Click the Edit (pencil) icon next to the title to change the name of your flashcards. After you type the new name, click Save.
12. Click the Play (triangle) icon to preview the flashcards.
It will inform you that you are in Preview mode.
As you interact with the flashcards, you can click the lightbulb icon to see a hint (if this option was turned on), see what number flashcard you are on, and see how many flashcards you have gotten correct or incorrect.
To answer a flashcard, you can interact with it by clicking on the answer you believe is correct. It will show you the answer you selected. To confirm your selection, click the green checkmark. To choose another selection, click on the red X, then select your new choice. If will let you know if your choice was correct or incorrect by flashing, I know this! or Still learning! on the screen and marking it on the right-hand side of the flashcards. Some flashcards will have a word on the front and the definition on the back. Click the flashcard to see the definition. You can click the checkmark or X to self-report if you knew it or not.
To exit Preview mode, click Exit preview mode in the upper right-hand corner.
13. Click Save activity to save your flashcards.
You will now be able to access this set of flashcards at any time within the app. You will also be able to see data on usage of the flashcards such as how many students have started using them, how many have completed them, the average score they received on them, and which cards were most challenging (which will inform you which information may need to be revisited).
14. To share the flashcards with students, click the Share button and then click Copy link. This will create a direct link to the activity for students. Paste this link into your Schoology Course for students to access.
Please Note: After students click on the link, they will be prompted to log into their Microsoft 365 accounts to access the flashcards (if they are not already logged in). Logging in will allow teachers to see the insights related to the flashcards.
Students will receive data on how they did once they complete their practice, as well as receive opportunities for continued practice.