Microsoft Teams

Chelsea Brock

What is it?

Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that’s part of Microsoft 365. It brings together chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integration—all in one workspace—to help teams stay connected and work more efficiently.

A snapshot of the apps linked within teams

Activities in Microsoft Teams:

Chat
Insert emoji's, GIFs, Videos to chats and channels
Video meetings with recording ability
Multiple backgrounds for video chat/meetings
File sharing and editing
Integrates microsoft apps such as OneDrive, Planner, Loop, OneNote, Forms, Lists, etc
Use the Notes feature during meetings to quickly capture key points and ensure instant accessibility for all participants
Assign and track tasks to members
Ability to invite external participants

My Top 5 Favorite Activities:

Taking meeting notes directly within the app, making them instantly accessible to all participants without needing to send a separate document later.
Assigning tasks during meetings to specific team members, complete with due dates, to keep everyone accountable and organized.
Using OneDrive integration to easily share, access, and organize files within the team environment.
Recording meetings automatically, with recordings immediately available to the team; settings can also be updated to share recordings with external participants if needed.
Creating group channels to streamline communication, collaborate more efficiently, and centralize file sharing for specific projects or topics.

Chat vs Group Channels

Microsoft Teams offers flexible communication options through private chats and team channels. The chat feature allows you to have quick, private conversations with individuals or small groups. These chats are not visible to others and are ideal for fast, focused communication. In contrast, Teams channels are designed for larger groups or projects. Channels are generally open and searchable by all team members, promoting transparency and collaboration. However, channels can also be set to private, requiring an invitation to join. Within channels, multiple people can collaborate, share files, and maintain a searchable record of discussions, making them ideal for organized, ongoing teamwork.

Teams Channel

This is a great way to manage projects and provide communication avenue among groups- whether it is for a specific department, committee, team, etc. Examples of ways I have used this feature are: communication of calling code blue at sites that do not have overhead paging, management of our nurse clinical ladder program, nurse leads channel, immunization committee. See video (video to come).

Picture of how files can be stored and shared within teams

File Sharing for Large Groups

Using Teams channels enables seamless file sharing among teams, project groups, committees, and more. Keep your files organized and easily accessible to enhance collaboration and productivity.

Take Notes

Overview of Teams

Let me know if you have questions or want a demo!

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