About Microsoft Teams
The appointment, workshop, event or meeting that you have been signed up to is running via Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration tool available on computers and mobile devices. Presenters will connect their microphones and webcams so they can be seen and heard. Teams allows us to share files, presentations and demonstrate things on our screens via video stream. There are also lots of collaborative tools like shared whiteboards, polls and discussions. You can find out more about Teams on our Microsoft 365 SkillsGuide.
Depending on the event you have signed up for, you can connect your microphone and webcam to be able to talk. This is important for appointments and meetings, but less essential for most workshops. Teams also allows people to ask or answer questions by typing.
Microsoft Teams is really easy to use. The following page is designed to overview everything you need to know:
Equipment
To use Microsoft Teams, you will need access to a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux), a tablet (Android or Apple) or mobile phone (Android or Apple). To get ready for the session, you should install the Teams app (see links below). Using the app gives a better experience, but you can also use the browser version if you have difficult installing the software.
At a minimum, your device will need speakers or headphones. Most devices have these built in.
For workshops - you only need audio. You need to be able to hear the presenter and can ask questions by typing.
For appointments - you only need audio, but your experience may be enhanced with a microphone and webcam. This will allow more natural conversation with the presenter. If you do not have a microphone or webcam, this does not matter as you can still type questions to the presenter.
No one is ever required to share their webcam, so only do this if you are comfortable doing so.
Taking part
To take part, five minutes before the appointment, workshop, event or meeting is due to start, all you need to do is click the link in the email or calendar invite you have been sent to start Microsoft Teams. The link will either open directly in Microsoft Teams, or will open a web page with an additional link you can click to do this. As above, while you can join a meeting within your browser (e.g. Chrome, Edge, Firefox), we recommend you join in the program or app for a better experience and connection.
Downloads required to Microsoft Teams:
If you intend to join via your home computer (Windows or macOS), you will need to install the Microsoft Teams application. Microsoft Teams is already installed on campus computers (and is available via the Software Center for staff). You may find it is already installed on your own computer if you have Microsoft 365.
If you intend to join via your phone or tablet, please install the Adobe Connect app via Google Play or the Apple App store. You will need to enter the session link at the top of this email into your app to join.