Zoom to Teams Transition
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From now until Aug. 28, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will be transitioning from Zoom to Microsoft Teams web conferencing. This webpage was created to provide you with information and resources that will help you prepare to transition your use. If you have questions about how to use and navigate Teams, contact the IT Helpdesk by submitting a ticket at mysupport.cms.k12.nc.us
Teams Meeting Options
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How to Find and Share Your Teams Personal Meeting Room Link
There are several ways to create and share Teams Meeting links; however, this is one of the easiest ways to create and share a meeting link with your class, an individual, or small groups. Keep in mind that other options exist, so contact the Help Desk at mysupport.cms.k12.nc.us if you need to discuss alternatives.
Best Practices
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Here are some best practices when using Teams virtual meetings with students:
- Set clear expectations: Provide students with clear expectations for behavior during the meeting, such as keeping their microphones muted unless speaking, using the chat feature appropriately, and respecting other students’ questions and comments.
- Share the meeting link and any necessary materials in advance. The Canvas homepage is a good, visible space to do this. If necessary, send the meeting link to students in advance so they can join on time, and provide any necessary materials or documents they’ll need for the meeting.
- Use a headset or earbuds: Encourage students to use a headset or earbuds during the meeting to minimize background noise and improve audio quality.
- Use the chat feature for questions and comments: Encourage students to use the chat feature to ask questions or make comments during the meeting. This can help keep the meeting running smoothly and ensure that everyone has a chance to participate.
- Use breakout rooms for small group discussions: If the meeting requires small group discussions or activities, use Teams breakout rooms to create smaller groups for students to work in.
- Record the meeting: Consider recording the meeting and making it available to students who were unable to attend, or for students to review later as a reference.
- Consider screen sharing: Screen sharing can be a useful tool for presenting materials or demonstrating concepts during the meeting. However, be mindful of the amount of time spent looking at a shared screen, as it can be fatiguing for students.
- End the meeting with a summary: End the meeting with a summary of what was covered, any next steps, and any assignments or tasks that need to be completed. This will help ensure that students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
Microsoft Teams Chat Guide
FAQs
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When will I be required to switch from Zoom to Teams Meetings?
All faculty will be expected to use Teams Meetings instead of Zoom starting the fall 2023 semester. See the countdown clock to the fall semester on this page.
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What is Teams, and how does it differ from Zoom?
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication tool that allows users to not only have virtual conferences, but also allows for the ability to chat between users, collaborate through teams (groups) and channels, and easily store and share files amongst team members.
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How do I get Teams?
CMS staff laptops already have the Teams desktop app installed. Teams features a desktop app, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and a web browser version so that users can stay connected and join meetings from anywhere.
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How do I log into Teams?
Use your existing CMS email account address and password to log into Teams. If you are having trouble logging in, please place a helpdesk ticket at mysupport.cms.k12.nc.us.
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Will there be any training or support available to help with Teams?
CMS is pleased to offer Viva Learning, Microsoft's learning platform, that features Teams support and courses to learn about Teams. Viva Learning can be accessed by opening up Teams and looking for the Viva Learning icon on the left side of the app.
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How can parents/guardians/community members join a Teams meeting that I am hosting?
A parent/guardian or community member can join a Teams meeting if given invite details to the meeting. They can join either from the web, download the Teams app, or dial into a meeting.