Microsoft Teams for Unified Communication

Introduction:

Microsoft Teams is a powerful collaboration and communication platform that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, enabling teams to connect, communicate, and collaborate in real-time. Designed for organizations of all sizes, Teams enhances productivity by offering features such as chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with various apps. This course will empower participants to leverage Microsoft Teams for unified communication, facilitating better collaboration and efficiency in their work environments.

Course Objective:

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the core features and functionalities of Microsoft Teams for unified communication.

• Effectively use chat, meetings, and calling features to enhance team collaboration.

• Organize and manage teams and channels for streamlined communication.

• Integrate Microsoft Teams with other applications to boost productivity.

• Apply best practices for effective communication and collaboration within Microsoft Teams.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Microsoft Teams

• Overview of Microsoft Teams and its role in unified communication.

• Navigating the Microsoft Teams interface and features.

• Setting up a Microsoft Teams account and configuring user settings.

• Hands-On: Creating your first team and exploring its functionalities.

Module 2: Mastering Chat and Conversations

• Using the chat feature for real-time communication.

• Starting one-on-one and group chats.

• Utilizing mentions, reactions, and emojis to enhance engagement.

• Hands-On: Initiating chats and managing conversations effectively.

Module 3: Hosting and Managing Meetings

• Scheduling and organizing meetings within Microsoft Teams.

• Utilizing video conferencing features and screen sharing.

• Recording meetings and sharing meeting notes.

• Hands-On: Setting up and conducting a mock meeting in Teams.

Module 4: Calling Features in Microsoft Teams

• Overview of Teams calling features: making and receiving calls.

• Understanding voicemail, call forwarding, and call groups.

• Integrating Teams with phone systems for enhanced communication.

• Hands-On: Configuring call settings and making practice calls.

Module 5: Organizing Teams and Channels

• Creating and managing teams and channels for structured communication.

• Utilizing private and public channels effectively.

• Setting channel moderation and member permissions.

• Hands-On: Designing a team structure for a project or department.

Module 6: Integrating Applications for Enhanced Productivity

• Exploring integrations with Microsoft 365 apps: SharePoint, OneNote, Planner, and more.

• Adding third-party applications to Microsoft Teams for extended functionality.

• Utilizing bots and automation features to streamline tasks.

• Hands-On: Integrating an app and demonstrating its use in Teams.

Module 7: Best Practices for Effective Communication

• Establishing communication norms within Microsoft Teams.

• Strategies for reducing noise and improving information flow.

• Utilizing the search function for quick access to information.

• Hands-On: Developing a communication policy tailored for your organization.

Capstone Project:

• Participants will collaborate to create a comprehensive Microsoft Teams environment for a fictional organization. They will set up teams, channels, and meetings while integrating various apps, and present their unified communication strategy.

Course Duration: 20-30 hours of instructor-led or self-paced learning.
Delivery Mode: Instructor-led online/live sessions or self-paced learning modules.
Target Audience: Team leaders, project managers, IT professionals, and anyone looking to enhance their communication skills using Microsoft Teams.