Microsoft Teams: How do I use Teams?

Tags Teams

What is Teams?

The following resources are curated to help VIU employees understand and maximize the use of Microsoft Teams, our communication and collaboration platform. Teams is compliant with FIPPA, ensuring the security of sensitive information. Whether you're new to Teams or looking for in-depth content, explore the videos, resources, training opportunities, and knowledge base articles below. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact the IT Service Desk.

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Who is Teams available to?

  • Teams is available to VIU faculty, staff, and students

How do I access teams?

  • Using a VIU-issued computer? Teams should already be installed.
  • Can't find it? Teams can be accessed using one of the methods below.
  • Log in using your VIU email address and password.

Download Teams (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)

Use Teams on the Web

Teams Overview Videos

Overview of teams and channels in Microsoft Teams (1m14s)

This video introduces the collaborative tools that Teams has to offer. Watch this one to begin learning how Teams can connect you even better to your Team. 

Test your audio and video before you go online (0m59s)

Want to make sure your online lecture runs smoothly? Let us show you how to reduce distractions by testing your microphone and speakers.

Start chats and make calls in Microsoft Teams (1m35s)

Get started by learning how Teams handles chat. This video also briefly touches on how voice/phone fits into Teams.

How to work in channels in Microsoft Teams (1m45s)

Learn more on the topic of "Channels", expanding on the collaborative capabilities that await within the Teams application.

How to schedule a Microsoft Teams meeting with guests (1m38s)

In this tutorial, you will learn how to schedule an online Microsoft Teams meeting with guests including external participants.

How to use breakout rooms in Microsoft Teams (5m03s)

See how you can break participants of a Microsoft Teams call into separate rooms. You can create up to 50 breakout rooms, automatically or manually assign participants and customize room names.

How to raise your hand in Microsoft Teams! (1m47s)

During a meeting, you can raise a virtual hand to let people know you want to contribute without interrupting the conversation. Meeting presenters will also receive a notification that your hand is raised, and they can lower your hand once you've had a chance to talk.

How to record your meeting in Microsoft Teams (0m59s)

In Microsoft Teams, you can record your remote work meeting so participants can review it later.

Resources from Microsoft

General

Teams and Chats

Meetings

Team Owners

Training Opportunities

Get Comfortable with Microsoft Teams for Teaching 

Internal VIU Training (Provided by CIEL)

Book your place now

LinkedIn Learning: Teams Essential Training

This series from Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is a comprehensive curriculum, teaching you the essentials of using Microsoft Teams. In total, this training takes 2 hours to complete. Note: Linkedin Learning is an online professional development and platform. To watch this training, you will need to sign up for Linkedin Learning (available to VIU employees).

Live Instructor-led Training and on Demand User Training

Find upcoming live training sessions or watch on demand training videos to learn how to use Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps.

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