BETT 2026: Microsoft outlines major AI, Copilot, and classroom updates across education stack

At BETT 2026, Microsoft used a series of educator-focused sessions to set out how AI, Copilot, and Minecraft Education are being embedded across teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum planning, with many tools now available at no additional cost for Microsoft 365 education users.

Across multiple sessions at BETT 2026, Microsoft presented a coordinated update to its education platform, spanning Copilot, Microsoft 365, Teams for Education, Learning Accelerators, and Minecraft Education.

Rather than positioning AI as a standalone product, Microsoft focused on how AI is being embedded directly into tools educators and students already use, with a strong emphasis on lesson preparation, differentiation, assessment, feedback, and AI literacy.

Copilot for teaching moves from concept to classroom workflow

One of the central themes across the Bett sessions was the expansion of Copilot into a practical teaching assistant, integrated directly into Microsoft 365 apps.

Microsoft outlined a new Teach module, now available, which brings lesson planning, resource creation, differentiation, and assessment tools into a single interface. Educators can generate lesson plans aligned to standards from more than 35 countries, adjust reading levels, modify tone or difficulty, and add real-world examples without leaving their workflow Whats-new-in-Microsoft-Educatio….

New and expanded features include:

• Lesson plan creation with curriculum and standards alignment

• Rubric generation linked to specific learning objectives

• Quiz creation through Microsoft Forms

• Automatic differentiation of instructions by grade or ability

• Reading level modification while preserving key subject terminology

Microsoft confirmed that Minecraft Education lesson plan creation using Copilot is scheduled to enter preview in February 2026, while unit plan creation will follow later in Spring 2026.

Study and Learn agent targets independent and adaptive learning

For students, Microsoft introduced a Study and Learn agent, designed to support revision, practice, and conceptual understanding through interactive learning activities.

The agent can transform existing content into:

• Flashcards

• Fill-in-the-blank activities

• Matching exercises

• Quizzes and study guides

Unlike generic AI chat tools, Microsoft positioned Study and Learn as being built on learning science principles, with an emphasis on reflection, retrieval practice, and adaptive pacing. The agent is scheduled for preview from January 2026, with expanded study guide functionality arriving later in the year,

AI foundations and literacy through Minecraft Education

A significant portion of Microsoft’s Bett programme focused on AI literacy, with Minecraft Education positioned as a core delivery mechanism for introducing AI concepts in age-appropriate ways.

The AI Foundations certification with Minecraft Education session outlined a structured approach to AI literacy, aligned with external frameworks including UNESCO, OECD, and TeachAI. The programme focuses on helping students:

• Recognize where AI is already present in everyday tools

• Understand how algorithms work and where bias can occur

• Learn when and how AI should be used responsibly

• Develop critical evaluation skills rather than passive consumption

Minecraft Education worlds such as Fantastic Fairgrounds, CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, and Reed Smart: AI Detective were highlighted as classroom-ready environments that allow students to explore ethical dilemmas, data use, and decision-making through gameplay,

Microsoft shared research during the session showing that six in ten teachers report a lack of AI training, while 74 percent of students believe AI will shape their future careers, reinforcing the need for structured AI education rather than ad hoc exposure.

Learning Accelerators and LMS integration expand at scale

Microsoft also used Bett to detail how Learning Accelerators are being expanded beyond Teams, with a new Microsoft 365 LTI bringing Copilot, assignments, feedback tools, and learning activities directly into learning management systems.

Key updates include:

• Full LMS integration for Microsoft 365 apps and Copilot

• AI-assisted assignment and rubric creation without requiring Teams

• Reading Coach access for independent student practice

• Reflect check-ins and progress insights for educators

The company confirmed that Copilot will be embedded within LMS environments in Spring 2026, allowing educators to create content directly inside courses rather than switching platforms.

Governance, responsible AI, and controlled use in assignments

Across multiple sessions, Microsoft repeatedly addressed concerns around AI misuse, academic integrity, and governance.

New assignment-level controls will allow educators to define expected AI use, including:

• Clear guidance on when AI is permitted

• Pre-approved Copilot prompts

• Visibility for students on acceptable support vs prohibited use

This approach was positioned as a way to move beyond blanket bans toward structured, transparent AI use aligned with learning objectives, with previews scheduled from February 2026.

ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 are now open and recognize education technology organizations delivering measurable impact across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning. The awards are open to entries from the UK, the Americas, and internationally, with submissions assessed on evidence of outcomes and real-world application.