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Microsoft Teams meetings
Using Microsoft Teams to host a meeting
...where at least some team members are not in the room.
If you want a video or audio meeting with a group of people (maybe your "team", maybe including some external person) then using Microsoft Teams is a good option.
At the time of writing, this works nicely in the Chrome and Edge-Chromium web browsers, and with the downloaded Teams software/app on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
IMPORTANT Please note that the Teams app cannot be installed on the devices used in the larger teaching rooms at Nuffield. This is because you cannot log out entirely, so others can access your Oxford University account on the device. Please therefore use the browser method, as it will forget your details when closed.
- The Brock, Broadcast booth, Chester and Cole rooms use inbuilt Teams applications.
As of 17 January 2022, the following was true for updated/current operating systems:
Operating system |
Client software or browser |
Good for videoconferencing? |
| Windows | Teams (downloaded) client | Yes |
| MacOS | Teams (downloaded) client | Yes |
| iOS | Teams (downloaded) client | Yes |
| Windows | Chrome browser via teams.microsoft.com | Yes |
| Windows | Edge browser via teams.microsoft.com | Yes |
| Windows | Firefox browser via teams.microsoft.com | No |
| MacOS | Safari browser via teams.microsoft.com | No |
| MacOS | Chrome browser via teams.microsoft.com | Yes |
| iOS | Safari browser via teams.microsoft.com | No |
If you're going to host or initiate a conference, it may be worth downloading the software and sending out the invitations via Microsoft Outlook. If you're just taking part in a meeting, check that you're using a good operating system and web browser combination, and you should be fine.
Note that you'll need a microphone at the very least, or headphones or speakers to listen in. Most webcams will have a built-in mic so try to check that it works.
Videoconferencing etiquette and tips
- (Especially if you're the main speaker) If you have headphones, use them: it stops the output being picked up by your own microphone and gives better sound quality for the 'other end'
- Even little in-ear phones are good for the job - and less visually intrusive
- Consider a headset (headphones and mic) but it does make you look like a helicopter pilot
- It is best - when one person is predominantly speaking - for everyone to mute their microphones. Unmute to ask a question. Then mute again.
- When you're speaking, you won't notice the problems but your listeners will hear you better if everyone other than you (or most) is muted
- You can share your desktop if you want to show a presentation
- This is easy but - like all of these things - less obvious the first time you do it, so if you plan to present that way, practice this beforehand
- Finally, run a test. Always!
- Maybe do it again with a friend if you use a different mic, or want to try desktop sharing for the first time.