Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is part of the Office 365 suite. Your tutor will let you know if you need to use Microsoft Teams as part of your course. The following guidance will help you access and take part when attending an online meetings.
Access to Teams
You can access Microsoft Teams through the browser or the desktop app. We would recommend using the desktop app as this will give you access to additional features.
You can download Teams for free and login with your EHU username and password.
Always log in using your student username and password to ensure full access to all features. In most cases, you’ll already be logged in, especially if you accessed the link via Blackboard or your student email.
Finding your Teams meeting link
You may receive a calendar invite, particularly for assessments or interviews. For lectures, your tutor may add the Teams meeting link directly to your Blackboard module.
Additional Guidance
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble using Microsoft Teams, try these quick tips before contacting the Catalyst Helpdesk.
Restart Teams or refresh your browser
- Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Teams can fix small issues, especially if you’re using it in a browser.
- We recommend using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or the latest version of Microsoft Edge for the best experience. Other browsers like Safari or older versions of Edge may not work as well.
- If you’re struggling to open a link or join a session, check if your browser is blocking anything. In Chrome, for example, you might need to allow pop-ups or permissions.
Check your internet connection
- Poor internet can cause problems with sound or video. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, using a wired connection, or restarting your router.
Microphone or sound not working
- Make sure your microphone and speakers or headphones are selected correctly in Teams and on your device.
- You might be using a built-in mic, a headset, or a Bluetooth device—so check that the right one is chosen.
- If you’re using Teams in a browser, you’ll usually see a pop-up asking for permission to use your microphone. Be sure to click Allow.
- Using headphones is a good idea to avoid echo or feedback.
Camera not working
- Check that your camera is turned on and not being used by another app.
- If you’re using Teams in a browser, you’ll also need to give permission for camera access. When prompted, click Allow so Teams can use your camera.
No sound from others
- Make sure your headphones or speakers are plugged in properly, your volume is turned up, and the correct device is selected.
Can’t access a meeting or file?
- Check that you’re signed in with your student account. If you’re still having trouble, contact the meeting organiser or look in your Teams calendar for the latest link.
Update Teams
- If you’re using the Teams app, make sure it’s up to date. Older versions can cause problems.
Online Learning Expectations
To help everyone have a positive and focused experience whilst using Microsoft Teams, it’s important to follow good online behaviour. Here are some key expectations:
- Be punctual – Join meetings on time and be prepared.
- Think About Your Study Space – Try to join from a quiet room, seated at a table or desk. Avoid lying on a bed or sitting in a noisy or distracting environment.
- Dress Appropriately – Wear clothes suitable for a classroom setting.
- Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking to reduce background noise.
- Use the chat respectfully – Keep messages polite, on-topic, and appropriate.
- Turn your camera on if asked, and make sure:
- You’re dressed appropriately
- Your background is tidy and not distracting
- Participate just like you would in a classroom – be attentive and respectful.
- Think before you type or speak – remember your messages can be seen by everyone.
- Avoid distractions – Don’t use other apps or devices during lessons.
Practice and Preperation
Whether you’re getting ready for a presentation, interview, or a group assessment, you can use Teams to practice and build confidence.
Before your session, take a few moments to:
- Test your camera and microphone to ensure they’re working properly.
- Check your background, choose a tidy space or apply a background filter in Teams.
- Make sure you’re in a quiet environment to minimise distractions.
You can do this by either making a test call or by setting up your own meeting.
To make a test call
Select Settings and more at the top-right of Teams.
- Select Settings > Devices
- Under Audio Settings, select Make a test call
In a test call, you’ll see how your mic, speaker, and camera are working. Follow the instructions from Test Call Bot and record a short message. The message will play back for you. After that, you’ll get a summary of the test call, and you can go to your device settings to make changes.
To set up your own meeting:
| Via Meet Now in Teams | via Outlook Calendar |
| Open Microsoft Teams. Go to the Calendar tab. Click Meet Now to start an instant meeting. You can invite others or use it solo to rehearse and record. | Open your Outlook calendar. Create a new event adding the correct date and time. Select Teams Meeting to generate a link. |
This gives you a private space to rehearse, collaborate, or even record yourself for review.
Accessibility Features
Microsoft Teams includes several built-in accessibility and translation features to support inclusive teaching. Live captions can be enabled by you to display spoken content as text during meetings.
Captions can be turned on by:
- Selecting “More” (three dots)
- Expand “Language and speech”
- Within the “Language and speech” options select “Show live captions”.
Visit the Microsoft guidance to learn more about accessibility features in Teams.
For further troubleshooting advice contact the Catalyst helpdesk by email or phone: 01695 650800