Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive platform within Microsoft 365 that facilitates synchronous and asynchronous collaboration and communication. It includes features for group and private messaging, document co-authoring, project management, and online video conferencing. At UWE Bristol it is used as a centralised workspace that supports effective collaboration by students and staff.
How is Teams used for teaching and learning?
Microsoft Teams complements the UWE Bristol’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Blackboard, by creating a virtual space for online discussions and student engagement. It aligns with UWE Bristol’s goal to deliver inclusive, relevant, and engaging learning experiences while supporting skill development in digital collaboration, self-management, and creative thinking. Through Teams, students gain valuable skills for life and work, while staff can integrate Microsoft Teams directly with Blackboard for a seamless experience. Staff may use Teams for specific activities or as a central teaching tool. Summative assessments, however, should still be submitted through Blackboard.
Note: Teams is an enhancement to Blackboard, not a replacement. Blackboard remains UWE’s primary VLE.
Key features
- Available within every UWE module/programme in Blackboard, with automatic enrolment for staff and students.
- Teams meetings can be scheduled in Blackboard or Teams, with content updates and announcements synced.
- Blackboard course materials can be accessed via Microsoft Teams, enabling streamlined communication.
Get started
To start using Microsoft Teams, log in through your UWE account or Microsoft 365. Teams is available within the Blackboard module/programme via the integration tool. No additional license is required.
There is a Teams User Community where you can ask for help and share ideas. Find out how to join via Using Microsoft Teams (Guide).
Support
There is guidance for staff on using Microsoft Teams and on using Teams for teaching – Intranet guidance (UWE login required) and a more comprehensive Getting started guide.
If you have technical issues, contact IT Services.
Training
Microsoft offers an online Microsoft Educator Programme (Microsoft website) which takes you through what’s needed to get started with Teams for teaching and learning.
Staff have access to LinkedIn Learning video courses. These playlists help guide you through Teams:
Introduce a case study or good practice
Making Teams work for you
The Good Practice Session (GPS) on Making Teams work for you below looks at ways to apply Teams within your teaching.