Summary

This guide explains how to access Microsoft Teams using the app or the web version, and provides an overview of the basic features you’ll use every day: chat, meetings, teams/channels, calls, and file sharing.

Who is this for?

All staff and students who use Teams for communication, lessons, meetings, or collaboration.

? Accessing Microsoft Teams

You can use Teams in three different ways:

Option 1 — Use the Teams Web App (No installation required)

Go to:

? https://teams.microsoft.com

  1. Sign in with your school email address
  2. Teams will load directly in your web browser
  3. All main features (chat, calls, meetings, files) are available

Best for:

  • Quick access
  • Shared/public computers
  • Chromebooks

Option 2 — Install Teams on Windows or macOS

Windows

  1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/download-app
  2. Download Microsoft Teams (Work or School)
  3. Install and sign in with your school account

macOS

  1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/download-app
  2. Download the Mac version
  3. Install and sign in

Tip: Using the installed desktop app gives the best performance for video and audio calls.

Option 3 — Install Teams on Mobile (iOS or Android)

iPhone / iPad (iOS)

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search for Microsoft Teams
  3. Tap Get

Android

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Search for Microsoft Teams
  3. Tap Install

Sign in with your school email to access chat, calls, and meetings.

? Microsoft Teams: Basic Features Explained

Below is a clear breakdown of the key parts of Teams so users know what each section is for.

1. Activity

This section shows:

  • Mentions
  • Replies
  • Team updates
  • Meeting notifications

Use this to track anything important you might have missed.

2. Chat

Use Chat for direct conversations with one or more colleagues or students.

You can:

  • Send instant messages
  • Share files
  • Start audio/video calls
  • Create group chats

Tip: Chat is for quick, informal communication.

3. Teams & Channels

This area is used for collaboration and organisation-wide communication.

A Team is a group (e.g., Staff, ICT, Year Groups).
A Channel is a topic inside a team (e.g., General, Announcements).

Here you can:

  • Post messages
  • Share files
  • Work together on documents
  • Start channel meetings
  • Store shared resources

4. Calendar (Meetings)

Your Teams calendar syncs with Outlook automatically.

From here, you can:

  • Join meetings
  • Schedule new meetings
  • See upcoming lessons or staff meetings

Joining a Meeting

  1. Open Calendar
  2. Click the meeting
  3. Select Join
  4. Choose your audio/video settings
  5. Click Join now

You can join from the:

  • Desktop app
  • Mobile app
  • Web app

5. Calls

(Available for organisations with calling enabled)

Use this for:

  • 1:1 calls
  • Voicemail
  • Call history

Even without a phone system licence, you can call other staff members internally.

6. Files

All files shared in Teams chats, channels, or meetings appear here.

You can:

  • Open Word/Excel/PowerPoint files
  • Edit documents together in real-time
  • View OneDrive files
  • Upload new documents

? Need Help?

If you have issues accessing or using Teams:

? langley.ict@taw.org.uk
☎️ 386727
? https://icts.telfordlangleyschool.co.uk