Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a free online communication platform from Microsoft including a workspace chat and videoconferencing, file storage, and application integration. The tool is part of the Microsoft 365.
Where is the tool used?
Microsoft Teams can be used in daily classroom life as a tool to organize both meetings and simple chats between students. In addition to this, in the case of distance learning Microsoft Teams can be a useful tool to store data and files and to communicate in a general way between teams, for example, classes or courses. This makes communication much easier, and it can also substitute channels such as WhatsApp which are less effective when it comes to storing data.
How to use the tool?
It is needed a valid Microsoft account. The account can be created for free on the website of Microsoft.
The account can be created for free on the website of Microsoft. In addition to that, you need a valid Microsoft 365 license. With Microsoft 365 you have access to all tools offered by Microsoft and formerly promoted under the name Office (this means Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, etc.).
For educational use and members of educational organizations such as schools, Vet providers, but also universities access to Microsoft 365 is often free.
Specifics for SEL contexts
Microsoft Teams can be a useful tool to store data and files and to communicate in a general way between teams, for example, classes or courses.
Microsoft Teams in the SEL context could support:
- Easier connection with other people online.
- Communication in real-time.
- Meeting from everywhere.
- Collaborate seamlessly by sending links to documents, uploading files, or sharing photos with up to 5GB of cloud storage.
- Get things done together: create communities with like-minded people to connect on ideas and make plans.
Learning activities
The tool was widely used during the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns for distance learning and it is suitable to organise online classes. Microsoft Teams allows for creating groups for classes or for other educators. It lets you chat, post messages and files, and video chat from any device.
- Improve the level of communication
With Microsoft Teams it is possible to improve communication between team or class. The available functions are helpful for this.
It has an integrated calendar which allows for scheduling meetings.
Different types of documents can be shared with learners – as well as a class notebook which allows for additional content sharing.
- Additionally handouts, quizzes, tests, and homework can be assigned and even graded online. The learner’s progress can also be tracked and feed-backed instantly.
Accessibility and technical specifics
Type of tool:
- Free version of Teams is available for anyone to use, including business owners. However, for upgraded options with expanded features, you'll want to start with a business-class solution
Materials needed:
- Internet
- Videocamera
- Microphone
Accessibility:
The application is accessible online, even if you don't have a Teams account, you can still join a Teams meeting on the mobile app. In the meeting invite, select Click here to join the meeting. If you don't already have the Teams mobile app, you'll be taken to your app store to download it.
It is easy-to use and largely in use in educational contexts.
Links to videos and instructions
Microsoft Teams video training
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