Going Live: Best Practices for Online Classes with Microsoft Teams
Introduction
What is Microsoft Teams?
Your Virtual Classroom & Collaboration Hub
Microsoft Teams is a web conferencing and collaboration platform that supports teaching, communication, and content sharing—all in one place. At UNBC, it is the primary tool used for online web conference classes, meetings, and academic collaboration. Full course content—such as the syllabus, quizzes, grades, and structured learning materials—should be posted in Moodle.unbc.ca, UNBC’s official learning management system.
Key Features for Instructors
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Meetings & Video Conferencing | Host live classes, office hours, and group discussions with audio/video |
| Chat & Messaging | Communicate with students and TAs in real-time or asynchronously |
| Screen & Content Sharing | Share presentations, applications, and documents during live sessions |
| File Sharing | Upload and organize course materials for easy student access |
| Breakout Rooms | Facilitate small group discussions and collaborative activities |
| Polls & Whiteboards | Add interactivity to lectures and seminars |
| Recording & Transcripts | Record sessions and automatically generate transcripts for review |
| Accessibility Tools | Includes live captions, transcripts, and Immersive Reader |
Why Use Microsoft Teams for Teaching?
Familiar interface — Similar to other Microsoft apps Integrated with Outlook and Office 365 — Seamless calendar and file use Supports active and flexible learning — Through chat, video, and group work Accessible and inclusive — Supports a range of devices and learner needs Scalable — Works for small seminars or large lectures
Teams Can Be Used For:
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Synchronous online classes
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Office hours or advising sessions
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Guest lectures or panel discussions
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Group projects and student collaboration
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Faculty or departmental meetings
Teams Is NOT for…
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Hosting full course content (please use Moodle.unbc.ca for syllabus, quizzes, grades, and structured content delivery)
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Long-term file storage (use OneDrive for archiving)
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Anonymous or open public meetings (use appropriate settings to manage privacy)
When to Use Teams vs. Other Tools
Maximize Clarity • Reduce Confusion • Support Student Success
Use Moodle.unbc.ca as Your Course Hub
Students expect one central place to find everything for your course. Keep Moodle as that anchor:
- Post all course materials in Moodle.unbc.ca: syllabus, readings, slides, handouts, and links.
- Host all assessments: assignments, quizzes, discussion forums, and grades.
- Share meeting links in Moodle.unbc.ca: Add your Teams meeting links directly to your weekly modules or calendar.
- Send announcements through your Course Announcements in Moodle.unbc.ca: This ensures consistent communication.
Why? Students check Moodle daily and use it for all their courses. It’s structured, searchable, and consistent.
Use Microsoft Teams for Live Sessions Only
Treat Teams as your replacement for Zoom—not a second course platform:
- Use Teams to host live lectures or office hours.
- Record sessions (if appropriate) and share the recording link in Moodle.unbc.ca.
- Avoid uploading files or announcements to Teams—this splits your course presence and confuses students. UNBC students are accustomed to using Moodle for finding course content, assignments, quizzes, and discussions.
- Don’t rely on Teams chat or posts to share critical course info.
Keep it simple: Moodle.unbc.ca = Course Content, Teams = Live Sessions.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Tell students upfront how and where you’ll use each platform in your Syllabus and during the class introdction.
- Label Teams meeting links clearly in Moodle with the dates (e.g., “Weekly Lecture – Wednesdays 10am”).
- Use the Teams calendar via Outlook to schedule recurring sessions with ease.
- Practice screen sharing, polls, and breakout rooms in Teams ahead of class time if you plan to use them. Remember to give students instructions in class on how to use these functions as many students may not have used Teams before.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Posting files in both Moodle and Teams → Students miss updates. Only post updates in Moodle Announcements – they will go directly to student UNBC e-mail addresses.- Hosting discussions in Teams instead of Moodle → Lost threads and grading confusion.
- Relying on Teams notifications → Students may not see them.
Use this checklist to ensure you’re prepared to teach with Microsoft Teams in the first week of the semester. Feel free to print this and check off items as you go!
Before the Semester Begins
Installed the Microsoft Teams desktop app and logged in with university credentials.
Scheduled a test meeting to explore functionality.
Set up your course meetings using the Teams calendar or Outlook integration.
Shared Teams meeting links with students via moodle.unbc.ca or email.
Customized your meeting options (e.g., who can present, lobby settings).
Practiced using screen sharing, chat, reactions, and breakout rooms.
24–48 Hours Before Class
Rechecked meeting links and time zones.
Uploaded any slide decks, handouts, or polls to Teams in advance.
Tested audio and video setup with a colleague or CTLT member.
Notified students about expectations (e.g., how to participate, camera use).
During the First Class Session
Greeted students and reviewed how to use chat, reactions, and raise hand.
Shared screen or content using the Share Content button.
Monitored chat or had a TA/Co-instructor to help manage questions.
Started a recording (if desired) and informed students.
Tried a poll, reaction, or small breakout group for engagement.
After Class
Shared the recording or key resources with students via moodle.unbc.ca or Teams.
Reflected on what went well and what to adjust next time.
Reached out to CTLT for any questions, support, or feedback.
Need Help?
Contact the CTLT at ctlt@unbc.ca for support with setting up Moodle or Teams, or visit the Instructor Guide to Teaching with Technology for how-to guides and templates.
