What Is Social Media? Social media includes websites and mobile apps that allow people to communicate, share information, post pictures and videos, and connect with others online. Popular social media platforms include Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat. Each platform is different, but they all allow users to create content, follow others, communicate, and participate in online communities. Social media can be entertaining, educational, and helpful. However, it can also create concerns related to privacy, safety, misinformation, cyberbullying, excessive screen time, and inappropriate content. Instagram Instagram is mainly used for sharing photographs and videos. Main Features Photo and video posts Stories that usually disappear after 24 hours Reels, which are short videos Direct messages Livestreaming Notes and group chats Filters and editing tools Public or private accounts Following friends, creators, organizations, and businesses Benefits Instagram can help students: Express creativity through photography and video Stay connected with friends and relatives Follow educational organizations and positive role models Learn about hobbies, careers, cultures, and community events Promote student projects, artwork, businesses, or causes Discover tutorials and educational content Limitations and Concerns Instagram may expose students to: Unrealistic images and lifestyles Pressure to receive likes, comments, or followers Inappropriate or misleading content Cyberbullying and hurtful comments Messages from strangers Scams and fake accounts Excessive advertising Edited or AI-generated images that appear real Students may compare themselves to carefully selected or edited photographs. It is important to remember that social media usually shows only a small and polished part of someone’s life. Facebook Facebook is a social networking platform used to connect with friends, relatives, groups, schools, organizations, and community members. Main Features Personal profiles Written, photo, and video posts Stories and Reels Groups and community pages Events Marketplace Messenger Livestreaming Fundraisers News and community information Benefits Facebook can help families and students: Stay connected with relatives Learn about school and community events Join educational or interest-based groups Follow organizations and local programs Share important announcements Locate community resources Support causes and fundraising efforts Limitations and Concerns Facebook can contain: False or misleading news Political arguments and harmful comments Fake accounts Scams and fraudulent Marketplace listings Oversharing of personal information Inappropriate groups or content Posts that are shared outside the intended audience Facebook users can adjust who sees their posts, stories, profile information, friend lists, and tags. Privacy settings should be reviewed regularly because a post intended for friends may otherwise reach a wider audience. TikTok TikTok is a video-sharing platform known for short videos, music, trends, challenges, tutorials, and entertainment. Main Features Short-form videos A personalized “For You” feed Music, sounds, filters, and effects Comments and direct messages Livestreaming Duets and Stitches Hashtags and trends Video editing tools Private and public accounts Benefits TikTok can help students: Learn through short educational videos Discover study tips and tutorials Develop video-editing and communication skills Share talents, art, music, or cultural knowledge Find positive communities Learn about careers and hobbies Create entertaining and creative projects Limitations and Concerns TikTok’s personalized feed can encourage users to continue scrolling for long periods. Other concerns include: Inappropriate or mature content Dangerous online challenges Misinformation Cyberbullying Pressure to become popular Contact from strangers Scams and fake giveaways Videos that encourage unhealthy behavior Collection of information about viewing habits and interests TikTok applies different privacy and feature settings based on a user’s age. For example, accounts belonging to users ages 13–15 are set to private by default, although users may be able to adjust certain settings. Some features are not available until a user reaches a specific age. Parents can use TikTok’s Family Pairing tools to help manage selected safety, privacy, screen-time, and content settings. Snapchat Snapchat is a messaging and social media app used to send photographs, videos, and messages called Snaps. Main Features Photo and video messages Chat and group messages Stories Spotlight videos Filters and augmented-reality lenses Bitmoji characters Snap Map Streaks My AI Voice and video calls Many Snapchat messages are designed to disappear after they are viewed. However, disappearing does not mean they are completely private. Someone may take a screenshot, record the screen, use another device to capture the content, or save the message. Benefits Snapchat can help students: Communicate with friends and family Share everyday experiences Create fun photographs and videos Use creative filters and editing tools Participate in group conversations Maintain friendships Communicate through video and voice calls Limitations and Concerns Snapchat may create risks related to: Sharing private photographs Communicating with strangers Location sharing through Snap Map Pressure to maintain Snapstreaks Cyberbullying Inappropriate messages or images A false feeling that messages are temporary Scams, suspicious links, or hacked accounts Inaccurate information from My AI Snapchat’s Family Center allows parents and caregivers to see information such as their teen’s recent contacts and friends without reading the actual messages. It can also help parents limit certain sensitive content, manage access to My AI, review selected privacy settings, report concerning accounts, and request location sharing. Family Center is intended for adults age 18 or older and teens ages 13–17. Benefits of Social Media When used responsibly, social media can: Help students stay connected Support creativity and self-expression Provide access to tutorials and educational information Build awareness of cultures and communities Help students promote positive causes Provide information about events, scholarships, and programs Support networking and career exploration Help small businesses and student projects reach an audience Give young people a voice Create communities for people with shared interests Limitations of Social Media Information Is Not Always Accurate Anyone can post information online. A professional-looking video or post may still contain false, outdated, or misleading information. Students should compare information with trusted sources before believing or sharing it. Posts Can Become Permanent A deleted post, message, or image may still exist as a screenshot, download, screen recording, forwarded message, or saved copy. Students should assume that anything posted online could eventually be seen by: Parents Teachers Coaches College admissions staff Scholarship committees Future employers Community members Social Media Can Affect Mental Health Social media can sometimes cause: Stress Fear of missing out Low self-esteem Loneliness Sleep problems Pressure to look or act a certain way Worry about likes, followers, or comments Taking regular breaks and talking with a trusted adult can help. Social Media Can Be Distracting Notifications, videos, messages, and endless scrolling can interfere with: Homework Sleep Family time Exercise Face-to-face friendships Responsibilities Attention and concentration Privacy Is Limited Even a private account is not completely private. Approved followers can still copy, save, or share content. Apps may also collect information such as: Device information General location Search activity Viewing habits Interests Account interactions What Students Should Be Cautious About Protect Personal Information Do not publicly share: Your home address Phone number Passwords School schedule Daily location Travel plans Financial information Identification numbers Private medical information Photographs of personal documents Be Careful With Location Sharing Location-sharing tools can reveal where a student lives, attends school, spends time, or travels. Only share location with people you know and trust. Review location settings regularly. Do Not Accept Every Friend Request A profile photograph and name do not prove someone’s identity. Fake accounts may pretend to be students, celebrities, businesses, or friends. Students should be cautious when an online contact: Asks personal questions Requests photographs Wants the conversation kept secret Offers money or gifts Pressures them to meet in person Asks them to move to another messaging app Threatens or embarrasses them Tell a trusted adult immediately when an interaction feels uncomfortable, confusing, threatening, or secretive. Avoid Suspicious Links and Giveaways Do not click unfamiliar links or provide passwords in response to messages. Common scams may claim: You won a prize Your account will be deleted Someone reported your account You can receive free money A celebrity wants to contact you A friend needs emergency help Verify the message another way before responding. Think Before Posting Before posting, ask: Is it true? Is it respectful? Is it safe? Is it necessary? Could it hurt someone? Would I be comfortable if a parent, teacher, or employer saw it? Never Share Private or Intimate Images Students should never feel pressured to send personal or intimate photographs. Once an image is sent, control over it may be lost. Anyone who threatens to share an image, demands money, or asks for additional images is engaging in harmful and potentially illegal behavior. The student should stop responding, save evidence, block and report the account, and tell a trusted adult immediately. Be Careful With Online Challenges Some trends may involve unsafe driving, dangerous stunts, substance use, property damage, or bullying. Popularity does not make an activity safe. What Parents Should Be Cautious About Learn How Each App Works Parents do not need to become experts, but they should understand: Who can contact their child Whether the account is public or private How location sharing works How to block and report users What parental tools are available How long the child spends on the app Create Rules Together Families can agree on expectations for: Appropriate apps Screen-time limits Phone use during meals and homework Phone use at bedtime Posting photographs Accepting followers Location sharing Online purchases Responding to strangers Rules are more effective when students understand the reason behind them. Keep Communication Open Students may hide online problems when they fear losing their phone or being punished. Let students know that they can ask for help without immediately being blamed. Focus first on their safety and well-being. Watch for Warning Signs Possible signs of an online problem may include: Sudden fear or anxiety after using a phone Secretive online behavior Unexplained gifts or money Sleep problems Changes in mood Withdrawal from family or friends A sudden decline in school performance Contact with unknown adults Multiple hidden accounts These signs do not always mean something harmful is happening, but they are reasons to begin a calm conversation. Use Parental and Family Tools Parents can explore: Private-account settings Screen-time controls Restricted-content settings Comment and message controls Blocking and reporting tools TikTok Family Pairing Snapchat Family Center Meta parental supervision tools Device-level parental controls No parental-control tool is perfect. Technology should be combined with regular conversations, clear expectations, and trust. Simple Family Safety Rules Keep accounts private when possible. Only connect with people you actually know. Never share passwords. Turn off unnecessary location sharing. Do not post private or intimate images. Pause before posting or commenting. Check information before sharing it. Block and report harmful accounts. Tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong. Make time for sleep, school, exercise, family, and offline friendships. Remember Social media is a tool. It can be used to communicate, learn, create, and build community, but it must be used carefully. Students should protect their privacy, think critically, treat others respectfully, and ask for help when needed. Parents should stay involved, learn about the platforms their children use, establish clear expectations, and maintain open communication. The goal is not simply to restrict technology. The goal is to help students develop the judgment and skills needed to use it safely and responsibly. X, Formerly Called Twitter X is a social media platform used to share short messages, news, opinions, photographs, videos, and links. Many people still refer to the platform by its former name, Twitter, and individual posts were previously called tweets. X is often used for real-time conversations about current events, sports, entertainment, politics, education, and community issues. Main Features Short written posts Photographs, videos, and links Replies and public conversations Reposts and quoted posts Likes and bookmarks Direct messages Trending topics and hashtags Livestreamed audio conversations called Spaces Communities based on shared interests Lists for organizing accounts Community Notes that may add context to some posts Benefits X can help students and families: Follow breaking news and current events Receive updates from schools and community organizations Follow colleges, scholarship programs, and employers Connect with experts, authors, educators, and public leaders Explore different opinions and perspectives Promote student projects, businesses, or community events Participate in conversations about important issues Locate educational resources and professional opportunities Limitations and Concerns Information spreads very quickly on X, but fast information is not always accurate. Students may encounter: False or misleading information Rumors presented as breaking news Fake accounts or people pretending to be someone else Harassment and cyberbullying Arguments and offensive language Graphic, violent, or mature content Political misinformation Scams, suspicious links, and fake giveaways Posts taken out of context AI-generated photographs, videos, or audio Pressure to respond quickly without checking the facts A large number of likes, reposts, or views does not prove that a post is true. Important Safety Information X generally requires users to be at least 13 years old. According to X, known accounts belonging to users ages 13–17 are set to protected posts by default. Protected posts are normally visible only to approved followers, although students should still review their privacy settings carefully. Users can control who follows them, who can respond to posts, and who can send direct messages. However, settings may change, and enabling message requests from everyone may allow unfamiliar people to contact the account. Even protected posts are not completely private. Followers may still copy, screenshot, download, or share content outside the original audience. What Students Should Be Cautious About Students should: Keep their account protected or private when possible. Only approve followers they recognize. Avoid posting their school schedule, home address, phone number, or regular location. Be cautious with direct messages from strangers. Never send private or intimate images. Avoid clicking suspicious links. Check the original source before reposting news. Look beyond headlines before forming an opinion. Block, mute, and report harmful accounts. Pause before joining an angry or hurtful conversation. Students should also remember that public posts may be viewed by teachers, coaches, colleges, scholarship committees, employers, and community members. What Parents Should Be Cautious About Parents should help students review: Whether the account is public or protected Who can follow the account Who can send direct messages Who can reply to posts Whether the account can be found using a phone number or email address Sensitive-content settings Blocked and muted accounts Screen-time habits The types of accounts and topics the student follows Parents should also talk with students about the difference between news, opinion, advertising, satire, and misinformation. A Simple Fact-Checking Strategy Before reposting something, students should ask: Who originally posted it? Is the account authentic? When did the event actually happen? Does the post provide evidence? Are other reliable sources reporting the same information? Could the photograph or video be edited or AI-generated? Is the post trying to create anger, fear, or urgency? Remember X can be helpful for learning about current events, connecting with organizations, and joining important conversations. However, its speed and public nature can also spread misinformation, conflict, and harmful content very quickly. Students should slow down, verify information, protect their privacy, and avoid responding emotionally. Parents should remain involved, review privacy settings, and maintain open conversations about what students see and share online. Videos:

What Is Google Workspace? Google Workspace, sometimes informally called the Google Suite, is a collection of online productivity, communication, and learning tools created by Google. It includes applications such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, Forms, Sites, Classroom, Gemini, and NotebookLM. Schools may use a special version called Google Workspace for Education. The exact tools and features available depend on the user’s account, age, school settings, and subscription level. Google Workspace is mainly cloud-based, which means files are usually stored online and can be accessed from different devices. Students, teachers, and families can use the tools to create assignments, communicate, organize information, attend virtual meetings, and collaborate on projects. Main Google Workspace Tools Google Docs Google Docs is used to create and edit written documents. Students can use Docs for: Essays and reports Research papers Notes and study guides Resumes and letters Group writing assignments Newsletters and simple flyers Multiple users can work on the same document, leave comments, suggest edits, and review previous versions. Google Sheets Google Sheets is a spreadsheet tool used to organize information, perform calculations, and create graphs. It can be used for: Budgets Attendance records Data collection Surveys and research Schedules Grade tracking Charts and graphs Mathematical calculations Basic features are easy to learn, but advanced formulas and data tools may require additional practice. Google Slides Google Slides is used to create visual presentations. Students can use Slides to: Present research Create digital stories Organize information Add pictures, videos, charts, and diagrams Work on group presentations Practice public speaking Slides should support what the student is saying rather than contain every word of the presentation. Gmail Gmail is Google’s email service. Depending on the school’s settings, students and families may use Gmail to: Send and receive messages Communicate with teachers Submit questions Receive school announcements Share documents Organize messages using labels and folders Students should use clear subject lines, respectful language, and appropriate email etiquette. Google Drive Google Drive is a cloud-storage service used to save and organize files online. Users may be able to: Access files from different devices Create folders Share documents Collaborate with others Recover earlier versions Store uploaded files Search for saved work Google Workspace for Education provides pooled storage that is shared across the school or organization. School administrators may set individual storage limits. Google Classroom Google Classroom helps teachers and students organize classwork, assignments, feedback, and communication. Teachers may use Classroom to: Post assignments Share learning materials Make announcements Provide feedback Create rubrics Organize due dates Return graded work Students may use it to view instructions, submit assignments, check teacher comments, and keep track of upcoming work. Google Forms Google Forms allows users to create: Surveys Quizzes Registration forms Polls Permission forms Feedback forms Simple assessments Responses can be collected automatically and organized in Google Sheets. Google Meet Google Meet is a video-conferencing tool. Schools may use Meet for: Virtual classes Parent meetings Tutoring Staff meetings Guest speakers Group projects Remote learning Available meeting features and participant limits may depend on the school’s Google Workspace edition and administrative settings. Google Calendar Google Calendar helps users organize dates, appointments, meetings, and deadlines. Students and families can use it to: Track assignment deadlines Schedule appointments Set reminders Organize school events Accept meeting invitations Create repeating activities Calendar events can also include Google Meet links, locations, documents, and reminders. Google Sites Google Sites allows users to create simple websites without advanced coding skills. It can be used for: Student portfolios Class websites Project presentations Resource pages Club or program information Family information pages Users should still consider privacy before publishing names, photographs, schedules, or personal information. Google Chat Google Chat is a messaging and collaboration tool that may be available through a school or organization. It can be used for: Direct messages Group discussions Project planning File sharing Team communication Schools may limit Chat access based on a student’s age or organizational policies. Google Tasks and Keep Google Tasks helps users create to-do lists and reminders. Google Keep is a note-taking tool that can be used for: Quick notes Checklists Images Reminders Color-coded organization Brainstorming Availability may vary depending on the account and school settings. Google Vids Google Vids is a video-creation and presentation tool available in certain Google Workspace accounts. It may help users create: Instructional videos Project presentations Training materials Video announcements Narrated visual reports Access and advanced features depend on the school’s edition and licensing. Google Gemini Gemini is Google’s artificial-intelligence assistant. Depending on the account, age requirements, school settings, and subscription, Gemini may help users: Brainstorm ideas Explain difficult topics Draft or revise writing Summarize information Develop study questions Organize projects Create lesson materials Analyze information Generate ideas for presentations Google Workspace for Education includes certain Gemini tools, while more advanced features may require Education Plus or an additional paid license. Like all generative AI tools, Gemini can provide incomplete, biased, outdated, or incorrect information. Users should review, revise, and fact-check its responses. NotebookLM NotebookLM is an AI-supported research and study tool. Unlike a general chatbot, NotebookLM is designed to respond based primarily on the documents, websites, notes, and other sources provided by the user. It may help students and educators: Summarize assigned readings Compare documents Create study guides Develop review questions Identify major themes Organize research notes Explore information from selected sources Users should still confirm that summaries accurately represent the original materials. Google includes NotebookLM among its education tools, with higher limits and advanced capabilities available through certain paid options. Benefits of Google Workspace Easy Collaboration Several people can work on the same document, spreadsheet, or presentation at the same time. Group members can: Add information Leave comments Suggest changes Assign tasks Review editing history Work from different locations Automatic Saving Google Workspace files save automatically while the user is connected to the internet. This reduces the chance of losing work because someone forgot to press a save button. Access from Different Devices Users can access many Google Workspace tools through a computer, Chromebook, tablet, phone, or web browser. This allows students to begin an assignment at school and continue working on it from another approved device. Organization Google Drive, Classroom, Gmail, and Calendar can help students organize assignments, communications, files, and deadlines in one connected system. Classroom Management Google Classroom gives teachers one central location to distribute materials, collect assignments, communicate with students, and provide feedback. Academic and Career Skills Learning to use email, shared documents, spreadsheets, presentations, calendars, and video meetings can help prepare students for college, job training, and future employment. Accessibility Features Google tools may provide features such as: Voice typing Screen-reader support Live captions Keyboard navigation Translation Spelling and grammar assistance Magnification Adjustable display settings Available features may vary by application, device, browser, and account. Free Educational Option Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals is available without cost to qualifying educational institutions. Paid editions and add-ons provide additional security, storage, instructional, and AI features. Limitations and Concerns Internet Access Is Often Needed Google Workspace is designed primarily for online use. Some applications offer offline features, but users normally need an internet connection to: Synchronize changes Collaborate in real time Access email Join video meetings Submit assignments Open files that are not available offline Students without dependable internet access may face challenges completing their work. Not Every Feature Is Free Basic Google tools are available at no cost through many personal and school accounts. However, advanced security, AI, storage, meeting, and instructional features may require a paid edition or add-on. Features Differ by Account A personal Google account may not have the same features as a school-managed account. A school administrator may control: Which applications are available Who students can contact File-sharing permissions Access to Gemini Chat and Meet settings Storage limits Access to outside websites and applications Some services may also be restricted for users under age 18. School Accounts May Be Temporary Students may lose access to their school Gmail, Classroom, and Drive files after graduating, transferring, or leaving the school. Before leaving, students should follow school procedures for transferring or downloading personal work they are permitted to keep. Storage Is Limited School storage is shared across the organization. Administrators may set individual limits, and users who reach their storage limit may be unable to create files, upload attachments, record meetings, or submit certain assignments. Sharing Mistakes Can Expose Information Users may accidentally share a file with the wrong person or allow others to edit it. Before sharing, check whether the setting says: Restricted Anyone with the link Viewer Commenter Editor Students should never make a document public unless they understand what information will be visible. Notifications Can Become Distracting Gmail, Classroom, Calendar, Chat, and shared files can create many notifications. Students may need to adjust notification settings and develop a routine for checking important messages without becoming distracted. Compatibility Problems May Occur A Google document may not look exactly the same when downloaded as a Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file. Formatting, fonts, animations, charts, page breaks, and advanced features may change when files move between different programs. Accidental Changes Can Happen Because multiple people can edit the same file, someone may accidentally delete information or change another person’s work. Version history can often help recover earlier content, but students should communicate clearly when working on shared documents. AI Can Be Incorrect Gemini and other AI-supported features may generate information that sounds believable but is inaccurate. Students should not assume that an AI response is correct simply because it is written confidently. Privacy and Security Still Matter Students should not place passwords, home addresses, private medical information, confidential school records, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information in shared files, forms, chats, or AI prompts. Google states that core education services such as Gmail, Calendar, and Classroom do not contain advertising for Education users, but students and families must still follow their school’s privacy, security, and acceptable-use policies. Technology Can Become a Shortcut Google Workspace makes it easy to copy, paste, share, search, and use templates. However, students must still practice independent reading, writing, research, creativity, communication, and problem-solving. The technology should support learning—not replace the student’s effort or thinking. Tips for Students and Families Use clear file names rather than names such as “Untitled Document.” Create folders for each class, subject, or school year. Check Classroom, Gmail, and Calendar regularly. Review sharing permissions before sending a document. Do not share passwords with friends. Use comments respectfully during group projects. Avoid deleting or rewriting another student’s work. Download important personal work before leaving a school account. Fact-check information generated by Gemini. Ask a teacher before using AI on an assignment. Review documents before submitting them. Follow the school’s technology and academic-integrity policies. Remember Google Workspace is a collection of tools that can help students create, communicate, collaborate, organize, and learn. Its greatest strengths are easy access, real-time collaboration, automatic saving, and connections between tools such as Classroom, Drive, Docs, Gmail, and Calendar. However, students and families must also consider internet access, privacy, storage, sharing permissions, distractions, account restrictions, and the accuracy of AI-generated information. Google Workspace works best when it supports responsible learning, good judgment, and independent thinking. Videos:

What Is Microsoft 365? Microsoft 365, formerly commonly called Office 365, is a collection of online tools and applications created by Microsoft. It helps students, families, educators, and organizations create documents, communicate, organize information, store files, and work together. Microsoft 365 includes familiar programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, and OneDrive. Some versions may also include additional security, collaboration, design, and artificial-intelligence tools. The exact features available depend on the user’s subscription and the settings selected by their school or organization. Main Microsoft 365 Tools Microsoft Word Word is used to create and edit written documents. Students can use Word for: Essays and reports Resumes and cover letters Research papers Flyers and newsletters Class notes and assignments Group writing projects Word also includes spelling, grammar, formatting, accessibility, and reviewing tools. Microsoft Excel Excel is a spreadsheet program used to organize information, perform calculations, and create charts. Students and families can use Excel for: Budgets Schedules Attendance records Data collection Mathematical calculations Surveys and graphs Tracking grades, goals, or expenses Excel can be very powerful, but some formulas and advanced features require training and practice. Microsoft PowerPoint PowerPoint is used to create visual presentations. It can help students: Organize information into slides Add pictures, videos, charts, and audio Present research projects Create digital stories Practice public speaking Work on group presentations Students should remember that slides should support a presentation—not replace the presenter. Microsoft Outlook Outlook is an email, calendar, and organization tool. It can be used to: Send and receive email Schedule appointments Organize contacts Create reminders Manage a school or work calendar Invite others to meetings and events Students should use professional language, appropriate subject lines, and safe email practices when using Outlook. Microsoft Teams Teams is a communication and collaboration platform. Depending on how a school or organization uses it, Teams may allow students and families to: Attend virtual meetings Participate in class discussions Send messages Access shared files Work together on projects Receive announcements View assignments and learning resources Teams is most effective when users follow communication expectations and regularly check their notifications. Microsoft OneDrive OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud-storage service. It allows users to save files online instead of keeping them only on one device. With OneDrive, users may be able to: Access files from different devices Share documents with others collaborate on the same file Automatically save changes Recover earlier versions of a document Organize school, personal, or work folders Files saved in a school account may become unavailable after the student leaves the school or loses access to that account. Important personal files should be transferred appropriately before access ends. Microsoft OneNote OneNote is a digital notebook used to collect and organize information. Students can use it for: Class notes Research Checklists Drawings and diagrams Audio notes Project planning Organizing different subjects into sections It can be especially helpful for students who prefer keeping their notes, links, images, and assignments in one place. Microsoft Forms Forms allows users to create: Surveys Quizzes Sign-up forms Feedback forms Polls Event registrations Teachers can use Forms for quick assessments, while students can use it to collect information for projects. Microsoft SharePoint SharePoint is generally used by schools, departments, and organizations to create internal websites and shared workspaces. It can be used to store documents, share announcements, organize resources, and give different groups access to specific information. Microsoft Copilot Microsoft Copilot is an artificial-intelligence assistant that may be available within Microsoft 365. Depending on the account and subscription, Copilot may help users: Brainstorm ideas Draft or revise writing Summarize documents Create presentations Organize information Analyze spreadsheet data Draft emails Catch up on meetings or messages Ask questions about approved files and work information Copilot features are not included equally in every Microsoft 365 account. Some tools require an additional license, may have age restrictions, or may be disabled by a school or organization. Like other AI tools, Copilot can make mistakes. Its responses should be reviewed, edited, and fact-checked before they are submitted or shared. Benefits of Microsoft 365 Access from Different Devices Many Microsoft 365 tools can be accessed through a computer, tablet, phone, or web browser. This allows students to continue working from school, home, or another approved location. Real-Time Collaboration Several people can work on the same Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint presentation at the same time. This can make group projects easier because team members can: Add information Leave comments Suggest corrections View changes Divide responsibilities Automatic Saving Documents saved in OneDrive can save automatically. This reduces the risk of losing work because of a computer problem or forgotten save. Organization Microsoft 365 connects email, calendars, documents, meetings, notes, and files. This can help students and families keep assignments, deadlines, and communications organized. Academic and Career Skills Learning Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams can prepare students for college, vocational training, internships, and future employment. Microsoft identifies proficiency with these productivity tools as a foundation for students’ future success. Accessibility Tools Microsoft applications may include tools such as: Dictation Read Aloud Captions Translation Immersive Reader Accessibility Checker Voice features Spelling and grammar support These tools can support different learning styles and needs. Available features may vary by application, device, language, and account. Limitations and Concerns Some Features Require Payment Microsoft offers free web-based versions of several applications, but advanced tools, desktop applications, additional storage, security features, and Copilot features may require a paid or school-provided license. Features Differ by Account A student’s Microsoft 365 experience may be different from a parent’s personal account or an employee’s work account. The school or organization may control: Which applications are available File-sharing permissions Storage limits Meeting features Email access Copilot access Security settings Internet Access May Be Needed Many Microsoft 365 tools work best with an internet connection. Some desktop applications can be used offline, but online collaboration, syncing, email, and cloud-storage features require internet access. School Accounts Do Not Last Forever Students may lose access to their school email, OneDrive files, and Microsoft applications after graduating, transferring, or leaving the school. Microsoft explains that when an education plan expires, online services associated with the school account may stop working, and some applications may enter a reduced-functionality mode. Sharing Settings Can Cause Problems A document may be shared with the wrong person or given broader access than intended. Before sharing a file, users should check: Who can open it Whether viewers can edit it Whether the link can be forwarded Whether private information is included Notifications Can Become Overwhelming Teams, Outlook, calendars, and shared documents may produce frequent notifications. Users may need to adjust their settings and develop a routine for checking important messages. Technology Does Not Replace Learning Microsoft 365 can support learning, but students must still practice: Writing Reading Mathematics Research Communication Creativity Problem-solving Time management Templates, formulas, spelling tools, and AI assistants should support the student’s work—not complete all of the thinking for them. Privacy and Safety Still Matter Students should not place passwords, Social Security numbers, private medical information, confidential student records, or other sensitive information in shared documents, chats, forms, or AI prompts. Users should follow their school’s technology-use, privacy, and artificial-intelligence policies. Tips for Students and Families Use clear file names such as Science_Project_Final instead of Document1. Organize files into folders by class, subject, or school year. Check Outlook and Teams regularly for announcements. Review sharing permissions before sending a file. Save important personal documents outside a temporary school account. Use comments and tracked changes respectfully during group work. Fact-check information created with Copilot or other AI tools. Ask a teacher or staff member before using AI on an assignment. Keep passwords private and use multifactor authentication when available. Remember that Microsoft 365 is a learning and productivity tool—not a replacement for independent thinking. Remember Microsoft 365 is most useful when students understand both the technology and the responsibility that comes with it. These tools can help students create, communicate, organize, collaborate, and prepare for future academic and career opportunities. However, users must protect their information, verify their work, follow school expectations, and use the technology in a safe and responsible way. Videos:

What Is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence or AI assistant that can understand questions and generate responses using patterns learned from a large amount of information. It can help students and families brainstorm ideas, explain difficult topics, organize information, improve writing, and support learning. The quality of its response depends greatly on the instructions, questions, or prompts provided by the user. ChatGPT does not automatically search the internet every time it answers a question. When its web-search feature is available and used, it can look for current information and provide sources. Even then, users should review the information carefully and verify important facts. Important Limitations It is not always accurate. ChatGPT can misunderstand a question, provide outdated information, or confidently present incorrect information. Students should fact-check important claims using reliable sources, such as textbooks, trusted educational websites, original documents, and guidance from teachers or other knowledgeable adults. It may reflect bias. AI systems learn from information created by people. Because this information may contain stereotypes, cultural bias, incomplete perspectives, or misinformation, those problems may sometimes appear in AI-generated responses or images. Users should ask whose voices are represented, whose perspectives may be missing, and whether the response is fair and respectful. It has an environmental impact. AI systems operate through large data centers that require electricity and cooling. Depending on the location and technology used, these systems may also require significant amounts of water. Researchers and technology companies are exploring more energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy, and cooling systems that use less water. It can become a shortcut instead of a learning tool. Overusing ChatGPT may prevent students from practicing important skills such as problem-solving, reading, writing, creativity, and independent thinking. ChatGPT should support a student’s thinking—not replace it. Personal information should remain private. Students should not enter passwords, addresses, phone numbers, medical information, confidential school records, or other private information into ChatGPT. They should also follow their school’s rules for using AI. Benefits of Using ChatGPT Responsibly ChatGPT can: Provide information and explanations quickly. Explain a topic in simpler language. Support studying, tutoring, and academic practice. Help break large assignments into smaller steps. Assist with brainstorming and generating ideas. Provide feedback on writing and organization. Create practice questions, study guides, and examples. Help users examine a topic from different perspectives. Tips for Students, Parents, and Educators Start with a clear prompt. Explain what you need, who the response is for, and how you want the information presented. Example:“Explain photosynthesis to a sixth-grade student using simple language and a real-life example.” Ask follow-up questions. The first response may not be the best response. Ask ChatGPT to clarify, provide examples, show its steps, simplify the explanation, or consider another perspective. Slow down and verify. Although ChatGPT responds quickly, learning should not be rushed. Pause to review the response, check important information, and compare it with reliable sources. Practice critical thinking. Ask questions such as: How do we know this information is accurate? What evidence supports this response? What sources should I check? Is another perspective missing? Could this response contain bias or stereotypes? Use prompting strategies. Students can use prompt structures such as A.R.T.S.: A — Act as: What role should ChatGPT take? R — Role: What role are you in or audience? T — Task: What is the task you want to accomplish? S — Specifications: What details, format, tone, or limits should it follow? Example: “Act as a science tutor. Explain the water cycle to a fifth-grade student. Use four short sections, simple vocabulary, and one everyday example.” Make AI use collaborative. Instead of using ChatGPT alone, students can: Compare AI responses in small groups. Identify errors or missing information. Improve a prompt together. Debate whether an answer is fair and accurate. Rewrite an AI-generated response in their own words. Compare the response with books, articles, and primary sources. Remember ChatGPT is a tool—not a teacher, expert, or replacement for human thinking. The goal is not simply to receive a fast answer. The goal is to use the response as a starting point for questioning, researching, discussing, creating, and learning. Video: Sabrina Ramonov Video: MaverickGPT Video: Austin Armstrong Video: Think Tutorial Video: Simon Sez IT