Student Guide: Getting Started with Microsoft Teams for Teaching and Learning

Microsoft Teams is the University’s online collaboration and virtual classroom platform. Instructors may use Teams to deliver live classes, share materials, post announcements, communicate with students, facilitate group work, and record lectures. 

• Before Your First Class: Download the Teams desktop or mobile app and test your internet connection, microphone, speakers, webcam, and Teams settings. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the various meeting controls, such as how to use your microphone, camera, chat, participants list and other controls during a Teams meeting.

• Joining an Online Class: Join through your Teams Calendar or by using a meeting link provided through email, Brightspace/LMS, announcements, or a course Team. 

• During Class: Keep your microphone muted when not speaking, use the raise hand for questions, participate through chat and reactions, and follow classroom etiquette. Occasionally, your instructor my divide the class into breakout rooms, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with them before class.

• Using Teams Channels: Channels may contain announcements, weekly content, files, discussions, and meeting recordings. Check them regularly. 

• Working on Group Projects Use chats, meetings, shared files, and collaborative documents to coordinate with classmates. 

• Staying Organized: Enable notifications and check Teams daily for announcements, messages, files, and upcoming meetings. 

• Online Learning Best Practices: Join classes early, come prepared, participate actively, minimize distractions, and communicate respectfully. 

Learn More About Microsoft Teams 

• Get Started with Microsoft Teams: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/user-training/get-started-with-microsoft-teams/ 

• Meetings, Chats, and Posts in Class Teams: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/teams/education/quick-start/meetings-chats-and-posts-in-class-teams 

• Collaborate in Teams and Channels: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/collaborate-teams-channels-microsoft-teams/ 

• Meetings in Microsoft Teams Training: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/user-training/go-further-together-with-meetings-in-microsoft-teams/ 

• Remote Learning with Microsoft 365 for Students: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/education/remote/remote-learning-with-microsoft-365-for-students 

• Microsoft Teams Help & Learning: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/teams/ 

• Teams for Education student help: Guidance on joining and participating in your online classes, using Teams meetings, and accessing other student features.

Download the Teams for Education Quick Guide: https://aka.ms/TeamsEDUQuickGuide