19 Collaborate by Using Text Chat

All channels and private chats in MS Teams have a text chat feature, which is a good alternative for students who cannot collaborate using voice chat. The text chat in MS Teams provides a wide variety of options to customize your messages/posts.

1. 1. Students can attach files to a channel or chat. Files such as CAD drawings and the standard MS documents (i.e. Word and Excel) can be attached to a message or post.
   2. Students can use emojis, reactions, stickers and GIFs to convey feelings and promote a sense of teamwork.
   3. Students can use add-ons to collect and organize information that is not native to teams (i.e. Polls, OneNote).
   4. Students can access previously sent messages since all messages are saved.
   5. Students can pin important chats/conversations so they can easily find them later.

Students can react to messages to confirm they saw it by using emojis or stickers.

1. 1. The reaction gives the writer scope of who has seen the message and who is currently active.
   2. Students can use this to collect feedback from group members or study partners.