Microsoft Teams (Cult of Pedagogy)

     While searching through the Cult of Pedagogy Blog by Jennifer Gonzalez, I was introduced to a tech tool that I had never heard of.

At first, I compared it to Google Docs, where students can collaborate on the same document by sharing it through email addresses, but it has many other features. Microsoft Teams allows for communication and collaboration between teachers and students, assignments to be shared and given feedback on, and for students to use apps that are outside of the Microsoft world. Below is the break down of features:

Communication and Collaboration

• Teachers can send reminders or announcements to individual students or the whole class.
• Individual users can chat privately with other users.
• Users can have video chats, using the built in Skype feature and participate in class discussions using Flipgrid. 
• Teachers can use One Note Class Notebooks to share notes and files, as well as, give feedback to students. 

Giving Feedback

Assignments

• Teachers can create, assign, and give feedback on assignments. 
• Attach relevant files (e.x. word, powerpoint, excel, etc.) that you are wanting students to use.
• Create, save, and use rubrics to assess student work. There is a built in rubric generator.

Creating a rubric

App Integrations

• You can use some of the most popular apps within Microsoft Teams.
• You can use Kahoot!, Nearpod, Quizlet, and Flipgrid.
• If an app is regularly used you can add a designated tab just for that app. 

     This app makes collaboration and communication seamless because you will not have to go back and forth between pages on your browser. Everything you need would be available within Microsoft Teams. I can see myself using this tool with my colleagues. It would be a great way to collaborate on lesson plans, PLC documents, student assessments, etc. If you want to learn more about Microsoft Teams, check out the video below: