Sometimes you don’t need all the bells and whistles; you just need to get it done. Sometimes, you need extra features. Sometimes you need to get your work done and an Internet connection is not convenient. Sometimes you just want to use the programs that are familiar and proven to work. Microsoft Office has all of these characteristics and is the lead choice in classrooms. When you’re continuing your education, the focus should be on learning, and Microsoft is a trustworthy choice for educators and students. For the pioneers in educational methods, Microsoft is designing educational games for the Xbox.

Microsoft Office for Educational Uses

Expertise with Microsoft Office is a necessity in almost any professional or academic setting. You need at least a basic understanding of each program, and more advanced knowledge can only be an advantage. An important benefit of Microsoft Office is that the programs are designed to be very compatible, so you can easily transfer work between them instead of duplicating your efforts.

• Word: Microsoft Word is the classic word processor. You can write anything in Word, and basic features include its spell-checker, grammar checker and variety of fonts, styles and options for inserting pictures, shapes and tables. The program lets you create mass mailings, automated references from academic journal databases and brochures, calendars and other documents from templates. Most of your coursework will be done in Word.
• Excel: Years ago, this program started as a simple spreadsheet application. You could enter numbers and run simple operations, such as addition. Now, you can do pretty much anything, from statistical analysis to algebraic functions. Excel’s capacity for making graphs, charts and tables makes any data set look clean and understandable, and you don’t have to be a math wizard.
• Powerpoint: The program helps you make polished, professional-looking slide presentations. You can choose from a range of templates or create your own, and embellish slides with animations and other effects. You can easily create graphs or charts within Powerpoint, or import them from Excel. Most instructors use Powerpoint for their lectures.
• Outlook: When you click on an email link in most browsers, Microsoft Outlook opens by default. There’s a reason why Outlook is so common. It’s easy to use, and it has the qualities you need in an email program. You can sort emails, archive them and create folders and subfolders to customize your email just as you wish.

Xbox for Learning

Microsoft’s Xbox is known for fun games, such as MLB 2K12, Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Harry Potter games. Now, the Xbox is becoming a force in education, with games such as Math Fighter, Math Sniper 3D and I’ll Teach You Some Spanish Words. These games encourage students to study hard, and educational gaming teaches students that learning can be fun.

Whatever your preferences for learning, Microsoft is committed to helping you reach your goals. Microsoft Office retains classic features and easy-to-master innovations in its programs for word processing, spreadsheets, email and slide presentations. Educational Xbox games can help you develop academic skills and the opportunity to communicate remotely with your gaming teammates and competitors.