Overview

Software Name & Developer:
Microsoft Teams is developed by Microsoft Corporation.

Purpose:
Microsoft Teams is a user-friendly collaboration platform designed for organizations and schools. It allows users to communicate through chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integration—all within a single digital workspace.

Educational Use:
Microsoft Teams is ideal for classroom use due to its centralized communication features and robust collaboration tools. It enhances both in-person and virtual learning by allowing teachers and students to engage in real-time discussions, submit assignments, and organize content.
Teachers can also use Teams in the classroom! You can host live or recorded lessons, post assignments and resources, create channels for group work or subjects, and use integrated tools like Microsoft Forms to assess student learning. With features like threaded discussions and file sharing, Teams supports a dynamic and interactive learning environment that works for both synchronous and asynchronous models.

Example:
A science teacher could assign a "Virtual Lab Report" project to the class. Students would work in lab groups using Teams to collaborate on their hypotheses, share results through Microsoft Forms, and submit their final lab report using OneDrive.
Students would:

• Use the chat or video call function to plan and communicate
  
  

• Collaborate in a shared OneNote or Word document
  
  

• Submit work through the Assignments tab and present findings in a class meeting
  This assignment paired with Teams promotes critical thinking, collaboration, digital communication, and presentation skills.
  
  

Software Compatibility:
This tech tool integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Forms. It also supports third-party tools like Flipgrid, Kahoot!, and Nearpod to enrich instruction and engagement.

Recommended Age Group:
This program is best suited for middle school and up. However, with structured guidance and support, younger students can also effectively use Microsoft Teams to participate in digital learning experiences.

Core Communication Features:

• Chat (Instant Messaging):
  Send direct messages or group messages with text, emojis, files, or links. Threaded conversations help organize responses clearly.
  
  

• Video & Audio Calls:
  Schedule or host live virtual meetings with individuals or entire classes. Supports screen sharing, background effects, breakout rooms, and meeting recording.
  
  

• Channels:
  Organize class discussions or group work into dedicated channels for different subjects, projects, or units. Each channel can contain files, notes, and conversations.

Collaboration Tools:

• File Sharing & Storage:
  Upload and share Word docs, PDFs, presentations, spreadsheets, and more. Teams automatically stores files in SharePoint/OneDrive for easy access.
  
  

• Integrated Microsoft 365 Apps:
  Directly access and collaborate on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote documents within Teams—no need to switch tabs or apps.
  
  

• Class Notebooks (OneNote):
  Each class can have a digital notebook for personalized student notes, shared content libraries, and teacher-only planning sections.

Classroom & Instructional Tools:

• Assignments:
  Create, assign, and grade student work. Include rubrics, attach reference materials, and give personalized feedback.
  
  

• Grades:
  Track and manage student progress through a built-in gradebook. Grades can be exported and analyzed easily.
  
  

• Quizzes & Forms Integration:
  Use Microsoft Forms to create quick assessments, surveys, or quizzes, and review results instantly.
  
  

• Reading Progress:
  Built-in tool to assess reading fluency by having students record themselves reading assigned passages. Teachers can track speed, accuracy, and expression.
  
  

Meeting & Engagement Tools:

• Breakout Rooms:
  Split students into smaller groups for focused discussion during live meetings.
  
  

• Whiteboard:
  Interactive digital whiteboard for brainstorming, diagramming, or visual instruction.
  
  

• Raise Hand & Reactions:
  Non-verbal tools for students to engage during lessons without interrupting.
  
  

Organization & Customization:

• Planner/Tasks by To Do:
  Organize group projects or personal tasks with shared to-do lists and due dates.
  
  

• Custom Tabs & App Integrations:
  Add tabs for websites, third-party apps, or tools like Flipgrid, Kahoot!, Pear Deck, and Nearpod.
  
  

• Notifications & Activity Feed:
  Get real-time updates on assignments, mentions, and conversations so nothing gets missed.

Desktop Requirements

Operating Systems:

• Windows:

  • Windows 11

  • Windows 10

  • Windows 8.1

  • Windows Server 2016 or later

• macOS:

  • macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later

Hardware Requirements:

• Processor:

  • Minimum: 1.6 GHz (dual-core)

  • Recommended: Intel Core i5 or higher

• RAM:

  • Minimum: 4 GB

  • Recommended: 8 GB or more

• Hard Disk:

  • At least 3.0 GB of available disk space

• Display:

  • Minimum: 1024 x 768 screen resolution

• Graphics:

  • Hardware acceleration requires DirectX 9 or later, with WDDM 2.0+ on Windows

• Internet Connection:

  • Minimum: 1.2 Mbps for 720p HD video

  • Recommended: 2.5 Mbps or higher for optimal performance

 Mobile Requirements

iOS:

• Devices: iPhone, iPad

• OS: iOS 14.0 or later

• App: Available via the App Store

Android:

• OS: Android 9.0 or later

• App: Available via Google Play Store

 Web Browser Access (Teams Web App)

Supported Browsers:

• Microsoft Edge (latest version)

• Google Chrome (latest version)

• Safari (limited support; no calling or meetings)

• Firefox (limited support; no calling or meetings)

 Audio/Video Requirements

• Microphone and Speakers or Headset: Required for calls and meetings

• Webcam: Required for video conferencing

• Optional Devices: Certified headsets, speakerphones, webcams, and Teams Rooms devices

I truly enjoy using Teams. It is a resource I use everyday for both my personal and professional life as it has several great feautures for anyone to enjoy. For this assignment I used ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts and layout each pillar of information I wanted to cover. Thank you for the time!