Learning Technology Index

Microsoft Teams instant messenger

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What is it?

Microsoft Teams is a proprietary business communication platform developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft 365 family of products. 

What is its purpose?

  1. Business communication platform.
  2. Offers workspace chats and videoconferencing, file storage, and application integration.

How do I use it?

  • It is accessible by using Microsoft 365 which is provided by MUN for students, staff, and faculty members. 
  • Microsoft Teams for macOS works like Microsoft Teams for Windows – you could access the web version from any desktop device, or download and install the desktop client for macOS.

Why would I use it?

  1. It supports the capacity of up to 300 people.
  2. It has an activity page for project management and follow-ups.
  3. It supports email hosting.
  4. It has a "together mode" which allows the users to digitally sit in a shared background, making it feel like you’re in the same room with everyone else.
  5. It offers the offline mode to work in private.
  6. It supports live captions.
  7. It provides a veriety of services, including chats, file sharing, meetings, synchronous/asynchronous sessions, channels (for discussion), instant messaging, Voice over IP (VoIP).

Usage considerations

Links from The Microsoft Teams conversations to the files can break if the folders in which the root file is saved are moved around.

Quick Facts
Category
Synchronous Sessions
Rating Level 
Pilot/Active
Website
Microsoft Teams instant messenger
Last Modified
24 March 2023
Created
08 April 2021
License Available 
Yes
More Info

Security Concerns
No
Technical Support 
Memorial
Platform(s) 
Microsoft Teams runs on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and web platforms

Ratings Information

This technology is currently under evaluation. Please check back later for a rating.

Security and Privacy

There are currently no security or privacy concerns for this tool.

Support Information

Video tutorials are availble on the  Microsoft website.

Other Note(s)

Microsoft Teams competes with  Slack,  which also offers workspace chats, videoconferencing, file storage, and application integration. Microsoft Teams is becoming more popular in comparison with other Microsoft-operated business messaging and collaboration platforms,  including Skype for Business and Microsoft Classroom.