Microsoft Teams is a useful tech tool which offers an array of features that can be effectively utilised in the classroom to enhance collaboration, communication and learning. Here are some key features tailored for educational use:

1. Channels: organise your class content and discussions into channels based on subjects, topics or projects. Channels provide a dedicated space for collaboration and communication, allowing students to keep discussions focused and organised.

2. Assignments: streamline assignment management and feedback using Teams' assignments feature. Create, distribute and collect assignments directly within Teams. Provide feedback, track student progress and mark submissions all in one place. Make a start today using the handy how-to video created by the Technology 4 Learning team.

3. Whiteboard: foster creativity and collaboration with Teams' built-in digital whiteboard. Use the Whiteboard to collaborate in real time by brainstorming ideas, illustrating concepts and engaging students in interactive activities.

4. Polls and surveys: engage students and gather feedback using Teams' polling and survey capabilities. Create interactive polls to gauge student understanding, collect opinions or assess preferences. Use the insights gained to tailor your teaching approach accordingly.

5. Reflect: The reflect function helps teachers create impactful check-ins to gain insights into their students' wellbeing. Teachers can choose from a number of pre-made check-in questions or choose to create customised questions. You can also set up a physical emotion board and explore trends in the data collected from previous check-ins. Teachers have the ability to modify how long the check-in is available for and the emotion vocabulary level for students to choose how they are feeling. This is a simple and impactful way to integrate social and emotional learning into a digital classroom context.

If you’re keen to find out how to set up your digital classroom using Microsoft Teams, or are looking to learn more about the advanced features of Teams in the classroom, visit the Technology 4 Learning webpage. The webpage provides comprehensive advice on how to access the latest NSW Department of Education endorsed resources and showcases these resources in action through interactive webinars.