Elevate 365 - Microsoft Teams (the new chat and channel experience)
In this session, you'll discover how the new chat and channel features can transform your collaboration and communication within Microsoft Teams. We guide you through the latest updates, showcasing how these enhancements can streamline your workflows, boost productivity, and foster a more connected team environment. Whether you're a seasoned Teams user or just getting started, this session provides valuable insights and practical tips to make the most of the new features.
What to Expect
Introduction and Welcome
Overview of Elevate 365 Series
Details on Microsoft Teams Update
Explanation of Sections and Filtering Features
New User Experience Enhancements
Customising Teams View
Q&A Session
Introduction and Welcome
The webinar begins with a greeting from Fergus, who introduces the attendees. He explains the purpose of the session and mentions that the recording will be shared later for those who could not attend.
Overview of Elevate 365 Series
Fergus provides a brief history of the Elevate 365 series, emphasising its initial goal of addressing user queries about Microsoft 365 tools. The series has covered various topics, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Power Automate, aiming to help users fully utilise these technologies.
Details on Microsoft Teams Update
The main focus of this session is the significant update to Microsoft Teams, particularly the new chat and channel experience. Fergus mentions the release dates in February 2025 and assures participants that the update aims to streamline communication within the platform.
Explanation of Sections and Filtering Features
A key part of the update is the introduction of sections and enhanced filtering options. Fergus details how sections allow users to group chats, channels, and files into organised "buckets" for easier navigation. He demonstrates the practical use of sections by creating a project-specific section and a daily-use section. Filtering options, such as viewing unread messages and app mentions, are highlighted as tools to improve user efficiency by providing quick access to necessary information.
New User Experience Enhancements
The update also includes the merging of chats and channels into a single view. This change aims to reduce the need for extensive navigation, making it easier to switch between different communication forms. Fergus addresses initial concerns about the disappearance of the Teams button and reassures that the fundamental functionality remains intact.
Customising Teams View
Fergus explains how users can customise their Teams view according to their preferences. This includes toggling between compact and preview text views in chats, and choosing whether to display channels grouped by team names or as standalone entries. He emphasises the importance of personalising the view to enhance individual workflow.
Q&A Session
The webinar concludes with a question and answer session. Participants inquire about various features, including printing chat history and having multiple chats open simultaneously. Fergus provides practical solutions and additional tips to maximise the use of the new features.