Microsoft Education is a comprehensive suite of digital learning tools and services that integrate seamlessly with Learning Management Systems like Blackboard to enhance teaching and learning experiences. The platform includes tools for real-time collaboration, video meetings, and file sharing—all designed to create more engaging, personalized learning experiences without requiring students or faculty to leave their familiar Blackboard environment. Think of it as bringing the best of Microsoft's educational technology directly into your existing course structure.


To begin using most Microsoft Education tools in Blackboard, you must first enable them in your course. Follow the steps below to get started:

  1. Go to your iLearn (Blackboard) Course.
  2. On the Content page of your course, click on a (+) button to add a new item and choose Content Market.
  3. Scroll through the list of available tools to find Microsoft Education. Click on the (+) button in the bottom-right corner to add Microsoft Education to the Content page.
  4. Close the Content Market. 
  5. Then, click on the Microsoft Education link on the Content page.
    Microsoft Education tool on the course content page with the title outlined in red.
  6. If this is the first time you’re using the Microsoft Education tool, you will be shown a welcome page. Click the Continue setup button.
  7. On the Course settings page, disable any apps you do not intend to use. Then click Done.



Tools Available via Microsoft Education


Microsoft Education for Blackboard provides several tools directly within your online course. Below is a list of the tools and some helpful tutorials to get you started.