Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams empowers collaborative work by integrating a host of productivity resources together into one app.

A completely re-imagined Teams — called New Teams — was made available at Baylor in January and was made the default Teams mode on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. As of Feb. 20, when you open Teams, you will be automatically upgraded New Teams. Using the switch in the upper left-hand corner of the Teams interface, you can switch back to Classic Teams. Be aware that some time before March 31, 2024, Microsoft will automatically transition all Teams clients to New Teams without the ability to revert back.

In New Teams you will find a slightly redesigned interface and all of the functionality that you have become used to as a Teams user. When you transition to the New Teams, some of your settings may change. Click the three dots (• • •) in the upper right-hand corner and select "Settings" from the menu. Move through the categories and configure the New Teams to suit your preferences.

Important Note for MacOS-based users: When you upgrade to the New Teams, your camera may not work in Teams meetings. To activate the camera, open System Preferences, enter "camera" into the Search box in the upper left corner of the window, click the link that says, "Allow applications to access the camera," and flip the switch next to Microsoft Teams among the applications listed to allow Teams to access the camera. Restart Teams (if it is launched) and the camera will work properly in Teams videoconferencing sessions.

Teams features a robust video and voice conferencing platform that allows screen sharing, custom backgrounds, chat, file sharing, and even "together" mode that brings meeting participants into a variety of visual environments. Teams also offers a full-feature chat interface for one-to-one or group conversations and a Teams Calls platform complete with voice mail and other standard phone features. Teams integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications and a growing list of third-party platforms.

For information from Microsoft about the New Teams, visit the main Microsoft Teams page, the New Microsoft Teams feature page, and see this infographic touting the features of the New Teams.

Availability

Microsoft Teams is available for use by all Baylor students, faculty, and staff as part of Baylor's Microsoft license. Microsoft Teams is available through the Web at portal.office.com, as an app for Windows and Apple systems, and on the Apple Store and Google Play for iOS and Android devices.

Support (A)

Teams Classes and Meetings are available in Canvas. To learn how to integrate these tools into your existing Canvas environment, check out the links below:

Are you looking for a Baylor-themed background for your Teams meetings? Click here to find a growing set of properly configured and branded images.

To learn more about Teams Calls, see our dedicated Teams Calls page.

Training

Video Training - A series of videos produced by Microsoft that provide a comprehensive overview of Teams Calls
Microsoft hosted a series of "Teams Tuesdays" training sessions during the Summer of 2021. Visit this YouTube link to see the entire playlist.
- Tuesday, May 26: Teams 101
- Tuesday, June 2: Staff Uses of Teams
- Tuesday, June 9: Faculty Uses of Teams
- Tuesday, June 16: Microsoft OneNote
- Tuesday, June 23: Microsoft Inclusive and Accessible Virtual Classrooms
- Tuesday, June 30: Microsoft Whiteboard and Sway
- Tuesday, July 7: Microsoft Planner and Bookings
- Tuesday, July 14: English Language Learner Tools and Applications
- Tuesday, July 21: PowerPoint Live and Bonus Features
- Tuesday, July 28: Deep Dive into Microsoft Word Features
LinkedIn Learning also provides a comprehensive course on using Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams FAQ

1. How do I create a Team?

2. What are Teams Channels and how do I use them?

3. How do I chat with one or more colleagues through Teams?

4. How do I schedule a meeting with colleagues through Teams?

Teams is a great platform for meeting with colleagues who may not be in the same location. The easiest way to schedule a Teams meeting is through Outlook. Using Outlook, create a meeting, select the date and time, and invite attendees. Before sending the meeting invitation, click the Teams Meeting button at the top. The meeting will automatically include the Teams Meeting connection information.

These instructions demonstrate creating a Teams meeting through Outlook.

5. Teams looks great! How do I learn more?

Microsoft Teams is a robust tool with lots of features and functionality. If you would like to learn more, you should try these resources.
This Teams end-user support site provides instructions and videos to learn more about Microsoft Teams.

This 45 minute video from Microsoft provides an excellent overview of managing meetings online through Teams.

If you prefer an instructor led training, you might try this 2 hour video course through Linkedin Learning.

6. How can I share live video in a Teams meeting if my computer doesn't have a webcam?

Join a meeting in Teams on your computer.
Open the Teams app on your smartphone/tablet.
Tap "Join" in the top banner.

This will allow you to use your phone/tablet as a companion device in the meeting and share live video and other content.
More Information: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/share-content-in-a-meeting-in-teams-fcc2bf59-aecd-4481-8f99-ce55dd836ce8#ID0EAABAAA=Mobile

7. How has Microsoft enhanced meeting recordings in Teams?

During 2021, Microsoft is improving the way meetings recorded in Teams are managed across the Microsoft 365 platform.

Currently recorded meetings are processed and stored within the Microsoft Stream online portal. Going forward, recordings from Teams meetings will be stored in OneDrive, appear in the Teams meeting chat, and play directly in the Teams interface. Now, recordings will be available faster, easier to share with others, and more accessible in Teams and other Microsoft 365 applications.

Baylor ITS plans to enable these enhancements on Monday, May 10, 2021. We believe this change will improve the campus experience with Microsoft Teams and will make recordings easier to manage across Microsoft 365.

Past Teams meeting recordings on Microsoft Stream will still be accessible, but any new recordings will appear in the One Drive account of the person who recorded the meeting.

If you experience issues with meeting recordings in Teams as part of this transition, please contact HelpDesk+ on the garden level of Moody Memorial Library, create a help ticket at helpdesk.baylor.edu, call (254) 710-4357, or email helpdesk@baylor.edu.