Microsoft Teams and Collaborative Technology

You don't have to be on campus to Be The Difference.

Need to work remotely? IT Services offers resources to make your off-campus work experience successful.

Instructors

The Center for Teaching and Learning can guide you with information about instructional continuity and teaching at a distance. Also, see these resources:

Tools and Tips

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Ready Your Computer for Remote Work

  • If you plan to use a university-owned device off campus, remember to bring the power supply, adapters and peripherals.
  • Microsoft Teams is essential software to use remotely. Most university-owned computers have Microsoft Teams software already installed. Search or find Microsoft Teams on your computer. If the Teams desktop software is missing, . While Teams has a Web version, the software gives the best experience.
  • If using a personally owned computer or laptop, apply operating system updates and confirm the machine is in good working order. Install Office 365 software if needed..
  • Headsets enhance audio call quality and reduce background noise. If you don't have a headset, consider buying a . Please note that IT Services cannot supply headsets.
  • Consider how you will print and scan documents at your off-campus location.

Prepare Your Off-campus Location and Home Network

  • Find a quiet space for work that is close to your secure, password-protected Wi-Fi router.
  • Be sure your broadband connection is optimal. Clarify expectations with others who use your network. Streaming videos and online gaming on your network can compete with your digital work needs.
  • If you encounter Wi-Fi issues on your home network, see the Troubleshooting Your Home Internet guide. IT Services cannot troubleshoot your home network, but your Internet Service Provider can assist.
  • To set up a Wi-Fi hotspot, see instructions from  and . For hotspot troubleshooting, visit guides from  and .
  • Avoid unsecured, public Wi-Fi networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, run FortiClient VPN to secure your network connection.
  • Assess your location's privacy and improve its security.
    • Might your laptop screen be visible to others while you are working?
    • Can confidential phone calls or online meetings be overheard?
    • How will you secure your computer when it's unattended?

Connect with Microsoft Teams

  • Students, faculty and staff use Microsoft Teams for online synchronous (live) class sessions and meetings.
  • Visit the Microsoft Teams help website
  • Teams also offers file sharing and threaded conversations that persist. However, for students and instructors, D2L remains the place for course content and asynchronous discussion threads.
  • , but be sure to  to your computer if you don't have it installed. The Teams software offers a better experience than the Web version.
  • Teams mobile apps can use your device's forward-facing camera for class sessions and meetings. Download the or the .
  • .
  • .

Confirm MFA (Multi-factor Authentication)

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) uses a secondary device to further verify your identity. Microsoft Authenticator provides MFA for 黑料论坛. If you have not already set up Microsoft Authenticator, .
  • For faculty and staff, Office 365 Web applications 鈥� such as email or OneDrive for Business 鈥� use Microsoft Authenticator when accessed via web browser and from off-campus.
  • Faculty and staff can confirm Microsoft Authenticator is working by accessing email via .
  • Microsoft Authenticator is also used to verify your identity when using FortiClient VPN. Note that VPN is not required to access Office 365 Web applications. 
  • If you selected your landline office phone as the means of verifying a MFA prompt, set up an additional method using a tablet or a mobile phone.

Only Use FortiClient VPN When You Need It

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you reach resources restricted to campus while you are away from 黑料论坛.
  • Do not connect to VPN unless you're using an resource that requires VPN. Using VPN when you don't need it may slow VPN performance for others.
  • Some resources do need VPN when you are off campus such as:
    • Some library resources (although many can be reached with just your 黑料论坛 username and password)
    • MarqIt (University Advancement CRM)
    • ImageNow document imaging system
    • OU Campus CMS and Adobe Contribute/Dreamweaver web authoring
    • Campus-restricted websites such as Purchasing and Comptroller
    • AMOS and Minitab (statistical software)
    • Various college specific systems
  • But many resources are available off-campus without VPN such as:
    •  (email, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, Planner)
    •  
    • Most 黑料论坛 websites
  • Find out if you need to use VPN then how to install and set up VPN.

Manage Email and Calendars in Microsoft Outlook

  • Email is the university's official avenue of communication for critical updates. Check it frequently when working remotely.
  • Use Outlook for email and calendaring 鈥� which includes .
  • is also available for email and calendar.
  • You may want to set up your university-issued or personally owned smart phone to receive 黑料论坛 email. See instructions for iOS email setup and Android email setup.
  • Voicemails are sent to your email Inbox as audio files.

Store and Share Files with OneDrive for Business

  • OneDrive for Business lets you access your files from anywhere by synching them to the cloud. 
  • You can confirm OneDrive for Business is set up and working.
    • For Windows, open Windows Explorer to see files on your computer. Look for "OneDrive - 黑料论坛" in the left column to confirm OneDrive is set up.
    • For Macs, open the Finder and look for "OneDrive - 黑料论坛" in the left column to confirm OneDrive is set up.
    • Finally, visit  via web browser and confirm key files and folders appear.
  • When working remotely, make sure to save work to OneDrive for Business.
  • If you must download files to a personally-owned computer, save any changes to OneDrive for Business. Then make sure to delete the files and empty the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash Can (Mac).

If Needed, Download and Install Microsoft Office Pro Plus

  • Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are standard tools for office productivity. 
  • You can install Microsoft Office on up to five desktop computers (Mac or Windows) and up to five mobile devices.
  • Web app versions are also available in the .

Keep Notes Organized with Microsoft OneNote

  • to organize your work.

Send Email to an Office 365 Group list

  • Groups offer many collaborative features, including a way to .

Track Tasks with Others in Microsoft Planner

  • then assign and manage project tasks among members of your work groups.

Questions?

If you have questions about technology and remote work, please contact the IT Services TechSquad.