Hello Sheridan faculty! Welcome to this guide on using MS Teams for teaching. Get ready to explore the essentials of MS Teams in the upcoming sections.
Each part will give you a quick summary of the resources covered, so you can easily find what you need whenever you need it. We have included descriptions, visuals, and videos to provide step-by-step guidance on using Teams effectively, so you can choose the modality that best fits your preferences.
Just a reminder: If you need support or help with Teams, we are only an email away!
For any technical questions and support, please email slatehelp@sheridancollege.ca.
Let’s get started and make the most of MS Teams!
Microsoft Teams: Your Hub for Connected Teaching
Microsoft Teams is a powerful platform that brings together everything you need to teach, connect, and collaborate—whether you’re in the lecture hall, online, or somewhere in between. It’s your centralized hub for seamless communication, effortless organization, and meaningful student engagement.
With built-in tools like video conferencing, file sharing, and dedicated class channels, Teams creates a dynamic, interactive learning environment. You can manage your courses more efficiently, support inclusive learning, and keep students engaged—all without juggling multiple apps or platforms.
This resource will guide you on how to use Teams meaningfully to enhance the learner experience.
As a first step, watch how you can use Teams for Education (2:03 mins) to explore the possibilities of MS Teams.
How to Access Teams in the SLATE Environment
We are excited that Teams has now been integrated into the SLATE environment.
To activate Class Teams:
- You can access your class channel through the MS Teams desktop app or the web app.
- Open the class channel and click Activate to make it visible and accessible to your students.
- Please do not change the class team name or code.
Note:
- You and the instructor will own the class channel.
- Students in the channel will be members.
Take Control of Your Online Classroom with Meeting Options
As instructors, it’s important to feel in control of our virtual space. With Microsoft Teams, you decide who can join your meeting, who waits in the lobby, and when participants can speak. Want to give someone the spotlight? You can assign presenter roles with just a few clicks.
You can set all these options before your class even begins. Watch How to Set Meeting Options for Your Online Class (1:27 mins) to understand how simple it is to take charge of your virtual classroom.
Check Sound and Video for Success
Before starting your virtual lecture, or student consultation on Microsoft Teams, take a moment to verify your audio and video settings. This will help you avoid background noise, echo, or blurry video that might disrupt your class.
As you check your audio settings, ensure you’re using the correct microphone and speaker. This is especially important if you switch between devices. Confirm your camera works and is positioned well. Eliminate background noise or poor lighting before they become a problem.
By checking your audio and video in advance, you are setting the tone for a focused, effective session. Watch Test your Audio and Video Before You Go Online (59 secs) to learn more about how you can do this.
Share Media Effectively
When teaching in Microsoft Teams, screen sharing is essential for delivering engaging, effective instruction. It allows you to clearly illustrate key concepts and foster interactive learning.
To help students fully engage with multimedia content, include system audio when sharing your screen, especially when playing videos or other audio-based materials.
Watch How to Include System Audio When Screen Sharing (2:37 mins) to learn how to include system audio during screen sharing.
Make Office Hours Work for You and Your Students
Office hours are a chance to connect, support, and make a real impact on your students’ learning. Whether you’re answering questions, offering guidance, or simply being available, these one-on-one connections matter.
With Microsoft Teams, setting up recurring office hours is simple and flexible. You can create a schedule that works for you and gives students easy access to the support they need.
Watch Creating Office Hours Using Teams (1:43 mins) to see how you can set up meaningful, personalized support in just a few clicks.
Elevate Engagement with Microsoft Teams Whiteboard
We can reimagine the whiteboard experience from our in-person classes in the digital space with Microsoft Teams Whiteboard, a powerful tool designed to enrich your virtual teaching.
By integrating the Whiteboard into your teaching practice, you’re not just delivering content—you’re fostering active learning, critical thinking, and student engagement.
Watch How to Use Whiteboard in MS Teams (4:48 mins) and explore the full range of possibilities it offers for instruction.
Enhance Online Learning with Breakout Rooms
Small group discussions help build the classroom community, promote active learning, and create a more inclusive environment. In the virtual classroom, Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms offer a powerful way to replicate these dynamics.
These rooms work much like the small-group discussions we facilitate in person. As an instructor, you can create breakout rooms, assign participants manually or automatically, and move between rooms to check in, answer questions, or provide feedback.
Watch How to Use Breakout Rooms in Microsoft Teams (5:03 mins) to explore setup options, best practices, and strategies for effective facilitation.
Note: Breakout Rooms are available only through the Teams Desktop App, not the browser.
Use the Chat Feature Effectively
https://youtu.be/rG4tSPadnrQ?si=0D_RYyvgxr34BbvR (4:07 mins)
Cut down on email clutter and keep course communication flowing smoothly. Microsoft Teams’ chat feature is a powerful tool for real-time interaction that can transform how you connect with students and colleagues.
With the Chat function of Teams, you can:
- Reach out directly to students or fellow faculty for quick, private conversations
- Use group chats and channel discussions to encourage course-related dialogue and peer collaboration
- Keep all communication in one organized space.
Check out Microsoft Teams Chat – Tips and Tricks You Need to Know (4:07 mins) to explore the basic features of Teams chat.
Pin Messages to Stay Organized
Whether it’s a critical deadline, an important announcement, or a go-to resource, pinning your messages ensures your most important messages stay visible. It’s a simple way to streamline communication, reduce confusion, and keep your class organized. It’s perfect for highlighting FAQs, weekly checklists, or anything you reference often.
Watch Pin a Message in Microsoft Teams Chat (1:03 mins) and start making your digital classroom more efficient today.
Streamline Attendance Tracking with Teams
Tracking attendance supports student success. Accurate attendance data helps you spot patterns, identify students who may be struggling, and offer timely support when it matters most.
When you teach with Microsoft Teams, you don’t have to manually record attendance—Teams does it automatically!
Watch How to Get a Microsoft Teams Meeting Attendance Report (4:29 mins) to see how it works.
Learn exactly where to find your class attendance reports and how to use them to stay connected with your students.
Master Announcements in MS Teams
One of the most effective ways to keep everyone on the same page is through Microsoft Teams announcements.
Whether you’re sharing important updates, highlighting key deadlines, or just want to make sure your message stands out—announcements help you reach the entire class in a centralized, visible way.
Check out How to Create an Announcement (1:08 mins) for practical tips on using this feature to its fullest potential.
Use @mentions for Direct Communication
Use @mentions in Microsoft Teams to directly reach the right people—whether it’s a single student, a small group, or the entire class. @Mentions send a notification and take recipients straight to your message.
Use @Team for class-wide announcements, or @StudentName for one-on-one nudges.
Watch Microsoft Teams @Mentions (51 secs) and start communicating with precision.
Enhance Course Management with File Sharing
Microsoft Teams makes sharing course materials smooth and efficient with integrated file-sharing capabilities. Faculty can easily share lecture notes, readings, and resources directly in course channels, ensuring students have immediate, consistent access.
Watch All About File Sharing in Microsoft Teams (2:41 mins) and create a more connected academic experience.
Encourage Active Participation with Polls
Polls are a powerful way to encourage participation, gather real-time feedback, and check for understanding in just a few clicks. They help you tailor your content and teaching strategies to better meet student needs.
Watch How to Use One-Click Instant Polls in Microsoft Teams to discover how you can make your digital classroom interactive and responsive.
Provide Spontaneous Student Support with “Meet Now”
The Meet Now feature of Teams makes it easy to connect with students outside scheduled office hours for quick check-ins, impromptu clarifications, or one-on-one conversations.
You can launch an instant video meeting with just a click—no calendar invites, no formal scheduling, and no need to notify the entire class. It’s perfect for offering personalized support, answering a quick question, or simply being available when a student needs you most.
Watch How to Use Meet Now in Microsoft Teams (1:20 mins) and make your digital classroom efficient, informal, and student-centered.
Conclusion
You’ve just explored the basics of MS Teams for teaching—you’re now ready to connect, collaborate, and engage with your students. But this is just the beginning! MS Teams offers powerful features that can take your teaching to the next level.
