Hello Sheridan students! Ready to dive into MS Teams? This guide will help you get started with Sheridan College’s official communication and collaboration tool.
You can access Teams in three ways. Here’s how:
- Desktop App: For the best experience, we recommend downloading the MS Teams app on your computer. Once installed, sign in with your Sheridan account. This app keeps you logged in and sends reminders for classes, so you’ll never miss a thing!
- Mobile App: Stay connected on the go by using the MS Teams mobile app. Whether you’re on your phone or tablet, this app lets you sign in with your Sheridan credentials and receive notifications, ensuring you’re always up to date with your classes.
- Web Browser: You can access MS Teams directly through your web browser without downloading anything. Just log in to teams.microsoft.com with your Sheridan account, and you’re good to go! However, keep in mind that you won’t receive notifications unless you’re actively using the web app, which means you might miss classes.
Note: Breakout Rooms are available only through the Teams Desktop App and not through the browser.
Wherever possible, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for using MS Teams on all these platforms—browser, desktop, and mobile so you can choose the one that works best for you. For any technical questions and support, contact IT Services and Tech Support. IT Support Specialists are available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST through the following methods:
- 905-845-9430 X 2150
Get ready to explore the basics 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.
Just a heads-up: Some options might look a bit different because Sheridan College uses an educational license. No worries, though—these differences won’t affect your experience.
We have included descriptions, visuals, and videos to provide step-by-step guidance on how to use Teams effectively, so you can choose your learning based on your preferences.
Let’s get started and make the most of MS Teams!
Downloading the Teams App
No matter what device you are using, Microsoft Teams makes it easy to connect and collaborate. Whether you’re on a Windows PC, an iPhone, an Android device, or even just using a web browser, Teams is with you.
How to Get Started:
- Download the App: Available on Windows, iOS, and Android.
- Use the Browser: Simply go to teams.microsoft.com.
Sign In and Connect:
- Use your Sheridan username and password.
- Start chatting, sharing, and collaborating with your instructor and peers in no time!
With Teams, your classroom is always just a click away!
Watch How to Access Teams (1.03 mins) to get you started with Teams:
Navigating the MS Teams Space:
In this section, we will look at how we can navigate Teams: The We Space and the Me Space. They haven’t been officially labelled as such, so don’t worry if you can’t find those names.
The We Space is your hub for connection and collaboration!
- In the Posts tab of each channel, you can connect with your instructor and peers to share ideas.
- The Files tab is your go-to spot for sharing and accessing important documents effortlessly.
The Me Space is all about personal controls, recent activity, private chats and more…
Watch Navigate the Teams Space (2.27 mins) to learn more about how you can navigate the Teams space:
Joining a Meeting
This quick guide ensures you’re ready to connect and collaborate with your instructor and peers.
- Join using the Teams app or the web link your instructor provided.
- Adjust your camera, background and audio settings.
- If there’s a meeting lobby, no worries! You’ll wait there until the host (instructor) lets you in.
Ready to join a Microsoft Teams meeting? This video (1.49 mins) shows you how!
Setting up Audio and Video Settings
Whether you are attending a class or presenting to your peers, you would want to look and sound your best! This video (1.49 mins) will guide you through steps on how to adjust your audio and video settings so that you are ready to make your Teams presence effective:
Using the Chat function
Teams chat is just like texting on your phone, but with so much more! You can send chat reactions, add emojis, GIFs, and expressive memes to make your messages stand out. Plus, you can easily share files and set your status to let everyone know whether you are busy. You can also send @mention messages to address specific people in a group chat.
Watch this video (1.34 mins) to explore all these fun features:
Raising and Lowering Hand
Raising your hand is a great way to get the speaker’s attention or ask a question without interrupting them. When you’re done speaking, or if you no longer need to raise your hand, lower it! This helps keep the class organized and ensures everyone gets a chance to contribute.
Watch this video (1.24 mins) to check out this function of Teams:
Pinning a Message
To make sure you never lose an important update or announcement in a Teams conversation, pin the message. This feature keeps important messages at the top of your chat. Whether it’s a key deadline, necessary information, or an exciting announcement, pinning helps you highlight what matters most.
Watch this video (1.03 mins) to learn more about how you can pin and unpin messages:
Sharing Files and Locating Shared Files
Now let’s look at how to share files effortlessly and quickly locate files shared with you. With these tips, you’ll be able to share files in no time.
Watch this video (2.41 mins) to learn more about how you can share files and collaborate with your peers:
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the essentials of Microsoft Teams. With these skills, you’re ready to collaborate, communicate, and attend your classes with confidence.
Teams is a powerful tool that can keep you connected with your instructor and peers, no matter where you are. Feel free to revisit this guide whenever you need a refresher.
Have a great semester!
