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Byron Community School District #226

Microsoft

Microsoft in Education classroom graphic
Which Microsoft solutions does the district have?
All laptops and desktop computers in the district run on Windows operating systems. As of 2018, most teacher laptops run on Windows 10. Those still operating on Windows 8 are encouraged to reach out to their building computer aide to have their device updated.
 
Other than the operating system, staff and students with laptops (not Chromebook users) also have Microsoft Office 2016 installed. The following programs are included in Office 2016.
 
Everyone in the district also have a Office 365 license. More information on this can be found below.
What is Office 365 and how do I get to it?
Office 365 refers to subscription plans that include access to Office applications (listed above) plus other productivity services that are enabled over the Internet (cloud services). Basically, your Office 365 license gives you access to Office 2016 products online, on any device with an internet connection. 
 
The URL for the login page is https://login.microsoftonline.com/. There is a link under the Staff tab of the district web site homepage but it might be easier to bookmark/favorite.
 
An added service as part of the Byron district subscription is that everyone in the district is able to install Microsoft Office 2016 (locally installed) on up to five devices. On the device onto which you want Office 2016 installed, log into your Office 365 account. Look for the Install Office Apps button button and follow the prompts. You will be asked to register the install with a Microsoft account. Use your byron226 account information. 
What is my Microsoft account login?
When prompted to log in with a Microsoft account, use your [email protected] (NOT your email address).  The "userid" is the same login ID that you use to log into any district computer.  If prompted to select between Work or School Account vs. Personal Account, select Work or School. When using a Windows based district device on campus, no password is needed. If a networked device is taken off campus or you are trying to use your Microsoft account on a non-networked device (e.g. smartphone, Chromebook, iPad) you will be required to enter the same "[email protected]" as you did above and your current network password (the same password you would use to log into a district owned Windows based computer).
 
Choosing a Microsoft account                                  Prompt for Microsoft network login
Work vs. Personal Microsoft Account login           Microsoft network login prompt
 
How do I get Microsoft certification?
There are many options when it comes to learning about using and incorporating Microsoft products into a classroom? Teachers have the option to become Microsoft Certified Educators (MCE) which involves taking online coursework and sitting for an exam. This is optional and at the expense of the teacher. If you aren't interested in becoming a MCE but would like to learn more about using Microsoft tools or how to integrate technology into instruction, there are free online courses that range from 1-3 hours in duration. They use a badge and points award system and there is no culminating exam.  Information on all Microsoft training can be found on the Microsoft in Education web site.
**Note: users may find the Microsoft training experience is better when accessing coursework in the Edge browser.**
Digital Resources:
 
Printable Documents: