Introduction to Microsoft Teams
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is UNBC’s official platform for web conferencing and real-time online interaction. As of Summer 2025, UNBC has transitioned from Zoom to Microsoft Teams for all course-related video meetings. This means that any live sessions you attend—such as lectures, virtual office hours, guest speaker events, or group discussions—will take place in Teams.
You can think of Microsoft Teams as the virtual classroom where live conversations happen. You’ll be able to:
- Join scheduled live lectures and seminars
- Participate in breakout groups
- Share your screen or view presentations
- Use chat, video, audio, and reactions to engage during sessions
- Attend one-on-one or group meetings with your instructor or peers
🟢 Important: Microsoft Teams is used only for live interactions. All other course materials—including your syllabus, readings, assignments, quizzes, announcements, and grades—will continue to be posted in Moodle.unbc.ca.
Always check Moodle for updates and links to scheduled Teams meetings. Think of it this way:
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Moodle | Course content, assignments, announcements, grades |
| Microsoft Teams | Live lectures, virtual office hours, real-time interaction |
Understanding the Difference: Microsoft Teams vs. Moodle
At UNBC, you’ll use two main platforms for your courses: Microsoft Teams and Moodle.unbc.ca. Each plays a unique and important role in your learning experience.
🖥️ Moodle: Your Course Hub
Moodle.unbc.ca is UNBC’s Learning Management System (LMS). Think of it as the central place where your course is organized—a digital binder that contains everything you need to complete your coursework.
In Moodle.unbc.ca, you will find:
- 📄 Course syllabus and weekly schedules
- 📚 Readings and lecture materials
- 📝 Assignment submissions and quizzes
- 📢 Announcements from your instructor
- 🗓️ Deadlines and due dates
- 🧮 Grades and feedback
You’ll log into Moodle.unbc.ca regularly to access learning materials, stay updated, and complete course tasks.
📹 Microsoft Teams: Your Live Classroom
Microsoft Teams is your platform for live, synchronous interaction. It replaces Zoom as UNBC’s official web conferencing tool.
In Microsoft Teams, you will:
- 🎥 Join live lectures and tutorials
- 🧑🏫 Attend virtual office hours
- 🤝 Participate in breakout group discussions
- 💬 Engage using chat, audio, video, or emojis during meetings
- 🔗 Collaborate in real-time with your instructor and peers
Links to Teams meetings will often be posted inside your Moodle course, so always check there first.📝 Tip for Success
Use Moodle as your go-to basecamp for your course, and treat Teams as your classroom door—it’s where you go when it’s time to meet face-to-face (virtually). Keeping this distinction in mind will help you stay organized and confident throughout the semester.
