According to research and understanding of the current market, Microsoft Teams increases efficiency, streamlines communication, and saves costs. Teachers, administration, and support staff are able to meet virtually. Likewise, teachers and students connect and share all folders, files, and other media for classes. Microsoft Teams platform replaces other paid technologies such as phone networks, video-conferencing platforms, which cuts the school districts' budget. Moreover, Teams increase staff and students' productivity by improving collaboration across a school. Specifically, Teams essentially replace emails, class blogs, a separated shared drive, and grade book.  Often time, teachers are face barriers such as policy and curriculum in their attempt to bring forth changes in their professional practice. Coupled with the fluid nature of educational technology, Microsoft Teams' easy start-up and the gentle learning curve is an excellent investment in schools. Teachers are able to use saved time to design lessons and projects based on the core and curricular competencies of the BC education plan. This improves teachers' passion and creativity as new ideas may emerge from these lesson plans. These findings are reported in Forrest (2019)’s report on Microsoft Team’s performance in the workplace. 

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In addition, students will benefit by developing computer skills such as using multiple learning platforms, office ​suites (Microsoft Office), presentation software (PowerPoint), spreadsheets (Excel), and digital literacy. This creates space for innovation and creativity in our increasingly digital world. In terms of students becoming digital citizens, the Teams platform engages students in the art of learning virtually.

 

We are now in unprecedented times due to uncertainties of the global pandemic, our students will benefit in improving their digital literacy where the internet has become our source of information. Teams encourage teacher and student collaboration, in which, online discussions can enhance digital literacy. 

 

As an Educational Venture Analyst, I will recommend Microsoft Teams to be used across the board in all public schools in BC.  If a school district already uses Microsoft products, Teams will be more cost-effective than other collaboration and video conferencing platforms. Microsoft Teams allow schools to enhance collaboration and increase both teacher and students' productivity.