What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a centralized, chat-based workspace that allows you to manage files created in Office 365 among your fellow collaborators. Team members can stay up-to-date on the latest project status and even edit or collaborate on documents simultaneously.
- Activity - displays notifications directed towards you (e.g. mentions, replies, likes).
- Chat - allows you to create private chats and group chats.
- Teams - displays teams you are a part of, allows you to chat with team members and share files.
- Meetings - view and schedule meetings with individuals or groups.
- Files - view your recent or downloaded files.
- Search bar - search for key words or commands.
- Account profile - change your online status, access your account settings and preferences.
What can I use Teams for?
Teams allows you to bring it all together: chat with group members, edit and share documents with multiple people at a time, and take meeting notes all within the Teams platform.
Chat
Attachments
Notes*
*Notes can be taken using Microsoft Word. OneNote is not available within Microsoft Teams.
How is Teams different from other tools?
Depending on the needs of your project and groups, Teams may be a more suitable tool than Outlook, Skype, or SharePoint:
*Information from AvePoint’s ‘When to Use & How to Manage Microsoft Teams & Office 365 Groups’ document.
How do I start using Teams?
Microsoft Teams is available for all University of Waterloo employees. To get started:
- Activate your Office 365 account
- Complete the Request a Team form
For more information, or to review related FAQ's, please visit our Microsoft Teams website.
