At this stage in the semester, your lecturers have probably started sharing details about your Semester 1 assessments. For some of you, this may include group work, which can be both exciting and challenging. One common hurdle is finding time to meet in person, especially when schedules clash. That’s where Microsoft Teams can really come in handy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to some of the collaboration features in Teams that can help your group stay connected and productive, even when you're working remotely.

 

1. Setting up a Teams Site for your group

To begin collaborating, you’ll need to create a dedicated space for your group:

Steps to create a Team:

Open Microsoft Teams.

Click “Teams” on the sidebar.

Select “Join or create a team” from the top right.

Image showing the Join or Create a team button in Microsoft Teams.

Choose “Create team”.

Use the “Other” template and choose the “Private” option (for invited members only).

Name your team (e.g., Group Project: Marketing Strategy) and “Create”.

Add members by typing their names or email addresses.

You can organise your work using channels (e.g., “Research,” “Presentation,” “Meeting Notes”).

 

2. Sharing files with your group

Teams makes file sharing seamless:

Go to the “Files” tab in any channel.

Click “Upload” to add documents, spreadsheets, or presentations.

Image showing the upload file button in Microsoft Teams.

Files are stored in SharePoint, so everyone in the team can access and edit them in real time.

 

3. Posting updates and communicating

Use the Posts tab in each channel to keep everyone informed:

Start a new conversation to share updates, ask questions, or post reminders.

Use @mentions to notify specific team members.

React to messages with emojis to keep communication light and engaging.

Pin important posts so they’re easy to find later.

 

4. Using the Interactive Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard is perfect for brainstorming and visual collaboration:

To use it:

Start a meeting or go to an existing one.

Click “Share”, then select “Microsoft Whiteboard”.

Everyone in the meeting can draw, write, and add sticky notes in real time.

Screenshot of the Interactive Whiteboard in an example Teams meeting.

You can also add a Whiteboard tab to your channel for ongoing collaboration outside of meetings.

  • Mind mapping ideas
  • Planning timelines
  • Sketching workflows

 

Microsoft Teams offers a flexible and intuitive environment for group work. By setting up a dedicated team, sharing files efficiently, posting updates, and using the interactive whiteboard, you’ll empower your group to collaborate effectively—whether you're working remotely or on campus.

Further training:

LinkedIn Learning Video [Link]