Need some digital zen in your life? Are you feeling overwhelmed juggling Google, OneDrive, email, text, classroom tools, assignments, submitting grades, digital feedback, classroom websites. Most teachers have found a system that work for them but what if but what if we could manage it better while unifying work flow for our students? In recent years, Microsoft has invested a lot of money, effort and sweat into staying competitive in education. One product that has become a game changer for teachers and leaders is Teams. Since Microsoft Launched their free version of Teams in 2018 they continue to make impressive improvements.
What is Teams?
Teams is a one stop Digital Hub for your classroom that has innovated the way teachers manage their communication, assignments, grades and collaboration. Administrators, Coaches, Trip Leaders and Professional Learning Communities have also found the platform to be useful for organizing groups.
How to get started?
Start small. Find a friend or colleague that is willing to test the waters with you. Create a test team together and try out as many functions as you can. This will give you an opportunity see how certain things work without worrying about messing something up. When you are feeling confident pick one class, one committee, or professional learning community and use it with. Tell your students and teammates that you are trying something new. Its a great example to your students that you are willing to take risk to improve your systems. Allow your students time to learn how to use the platform. I often find that students end up discovering things I have not.
Where do I find help?
The Microsoft Educator Training Center is a great place to start. This course will walk you through the basics and eventually into advanced levels. If you like figuring things out on your own the Microsoft Teams Youtube Channel has some quick tutorials to get you started. If you are a person that prefers face to face training do a search for local trainings in your area or access your Technology Integrationist at your school to help you along. If you work where I work I'm always available to meet with you or even be your test buddy. I love when teachers discover things I have not discovered yet so the camaraderie is always welcome.
Advice when trying a new tool:
Creating new routines and habits to digitally managing your classroom takes time.
Give yourself time to learn. Make an appointment in your calendar for at least 20 minutes a week.
Try it out consistently for 3 to 6 months before giving up.
Don't navigate a new tool alone. Find a colleague or a group of teachers willing to try it out with you.
Let your students or team members know you are trying something new and allow time in class to review the various functions in the platform.
When you are frustrated turn to your resources and ask for help.
