Microsoft Teams Chat
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Using The Chat feature of Teams

Microsoft Teams Chat is a powerful tool for connecting with colleagues, students, or departments instantly. This paget walks you through the basic and advanced features of using chat in Teams.

Accessing Chat

  1. Open Microsoft Teams: Launch the desktop app or visit https://teams.microsoft.com
  2. Click on the Chat Icon (?) in the left-hand navigation pane.

Starting a New Chat

  1. Click “New Chat” icon in the upper left of the Chat list panel.
  2. In the “To:” field, type the name, email, or group of the person(s) you want to message.
  3. Type your message at the bottom where it says “Type a new message”, then hit Enter to send.

 Tips for Faculty
• Classroom Support: Use chat to provide students with real-time assistance or quick reminders.
• Private Feedback: Message individual students about assignments or performance.
• Group Discussions: Chat with co-instructors or TAs to coordinate coursework or grading.

Sharing Files via Chat

  1. In your chat window, click the paperclip icon (?).
  2. Choose “Upload from my computer” or “OneDrive”.
  3. Select your file and click “Send”.
    (Files shared in chat are automatically stored in OneDrive and accessible within the chat.)

Audio & Video from Chat

  • Click the video camera icon or phone icon in the upper right to start a video or audio call directly from the chat.

Emojis, Reactions & Formatting

  • Use the toolbar below the message box to add emojis (?), GIFs, or stickers, or to format your text.
  • Hover over any message to react with a thumbs up, heart, or other emoji.

Organizing Chats

  • Pin Important Chats: Hover over a chat, click the three dots (…), then select “Pin”.
  • Mute Notifications: In the same menu, choose “Mute” to stop receiving alerts for that chat.

Search in Chat
Use the Search Bar at the top of Teams to:

  • Look up messages or files
  • Find specific conversations
  • Jump to a specific chat by typing a name

Best Practices

  • Be clear and concise in messages
  • Use @mentions to draw attention (e.g., @John Smith)
  • Respect privacy—use group chats for class-wide messages and private chats for 1:1 communication
  • Archive or delete inactive chats if needed (right-click the chat > Hide)

Need help? Contact your Teaching & Learning Center or IT Support.
Email: it@liu.edu | Ext. 3300