Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) is a collaboration platform, that makes collaboration and group work more accessible and more efficient.

As well as the chat-based communications, MS Teams' integration with other Microsoft services allows users access to shared files and calendars, collaborative editing, and easy switching between voice, video and text chat.

For subject specific uses, academic staff will advise how they will be using this software.

Microsoft Teams - Channels (video tutorial)

Cameron from Information Services walks you through the basics of getting started with Microsoft Teams.

How do I access Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft has download links for all Computers and Phones, click the relevant option from the downloads page and follow the install prompts on your desired device.

There also is a web-based version of Teams, however, it's recommended to install from the above links for best experience and performance.

How do I turn on the new meeting experience?

Turn on the new experience (together mode)

You can tun on together mode via a checkbox in Teams settings. Here’s how:

  1. Click your profile picture at the top of the Teams app.
  2. Click Settings -> General. (General should be what’s showing when you open Settings, so you probably won’t have to select it.)
  3. Select Turn on new meeting experience.
  4. Restart Teams by doing the following:
    1. Right-click or Cmd-click the Teams icon in the Windows task bar or Mac System Tray.
    2. Select Quit.
    3. Start Teams again like you normally would.

Switch between Together mode and Gallery view

  1. In the meeting controls, click More options (...)
  2. Select Gallery, Large gallery or Together mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to some of the most common questions regarding the Microsoft Teams rollout.

Online Etiquette

Just because we’re online doesn’t mean it is ok to show up late, interrupt people, or ignore others. In fact, as we’ve moved to an increasingly online model for communication and socialising, it’s never been more important to be kind to one another! Below we’d like to share with you some easy ways you can ensure that you’re respectful to others in online spaces.

Top 8 Tips for Online Etiquette

1. Introduce yourself and turn on your video

When you start an audio or video call first turn on your video and introduce yourself so everyone

knows who’s speaking and can address you by name. When you’re done, turn off the sounds (i.e.

mute) so everyone can hear each other clearly without background noise, but don’t turn off your

video.

2. Mindful of your speaking voice

It can be frustrating if someone is speaking too softly or speaking too loudly. Try to speak as you

normally would if you were speaking to someone in front of you and ask others if they can hear your

properly.

3. Avoid interrupting other speakers

Online calls can be challenging because we have less body cues to let everyone know when someone

else wants to speak. Try to be mindful of people’s facial expressions and let everyone finish speaking.

If you want to say something but can’t find the right moment raise your hand or type in the chat that

you’d like to share something.

4. Maintain eye contact

Just because you are on an online call does not mean you play on your phone or appear distracted to

others. Keep your focus on the camera and let others know you are respectfully listening.

5. Check your group chats regularly

There is nothing worse than asking someone a question and waiting for a long period of time to hear

back. So please avoid this behaviour by regularly checking the chat and activity function and actively

engaging in the conversation.

6. Avoid unnecessary noise

If you are not speaking, it’s always a good idea to mute yourself so there’s no background noise.

When you are speaking also try to minimise background noise in your surroundings, such as kitchen

equipment, noisy jewellery, or chatty housemates!

7. Be on time

You wouldn’t be late to an in-person meeting or class (hopefully!) so don’t be late to an online one

either. Even better, try to log in a few minutes before and check your video and audio are working.

8. Maintain professional etiquette

You should think of Microsoft Teams as an extension of your Learning Managing Systems (LMS).

Please be mindful of the language you use and treat others with respect.

Support

If you are experiencing difficulties, Student IT Support can assist further.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Platform System and hardware requirements
Windows Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.7 or higher
Supported Browsers

Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Safari 5+
Internet Explorer 7 or later