Using Microsoft Office Communicator

Microsoft Office Communicator Office Communicator enables you to instantly communicate with your colleagues using text chat. The instant messaging software, Microsoft Office Communicator, allows you to select your contacts and to check whether they may be available to communicate with. Office Communicator also supports file transfer, audio and video conferences. Office Communicator is a great solution for:  all school based staff;  school technical staff;  DEECD corporate staff.

Installation The following steps install Microsoft Office Communicator and need only be performed once. 1. Download Communicator.msi from

Installation 2. Save the file in C:\Program Files and select ‘run’ to install 3. Start Microsoft Office Communicator from the start menu

Configuration 4. In the Sign-in address enter your EduMail address 5. Select Sign in

6. Enter your sign-in details as illustrated right. Your Sign-in name is your address, User name is in the format edu001\ then select Sign In.Configuration

Adding contacts ‘Type a name’ bar accesses address book Manually add contact by typing their address

Adding contacts Before you can send the person a message the recipient must approve of you adding them to your contact list. Once this has been complete you are ready to begin collaborating with your colleague.

Text chat – instant messaging

Conversation History Your Conversation History is stored in a folder in your Edumail account. Each record will contain a transcript of any text chat. Alternatively, conversations can be saved as word documents

Audio calling Press the phone receiver icon to make an audio call.

Video calling Press the webcam icon to make an video call.

Sending files Attachments can be sent via Communicator although DEECD cannot guarantee the use of file sharing as this feature is dependent on location and client software used Larger attachments can be sent via Communicator A folder named ‘My Received Files’ is automatically created in your ‘My Documents’ folder for files received via Communicator Naturally these files can be moved to other locations

Collegiate uses Communicator can be used to convey messages between class teachers avoid sending monitors out of class convey messages between office/admin and class teachers send documents to each other request assistance with student management/wellbeing issues communicate with colleagues in other schools

Student learning opportunities Communicator can be used to enable communication between students in different classrooms / schools buddy activities collaboration text chat transcripts to be recorded – assess reading, comprehension, writing students to develop speaking and listening skills sharing of work

Availability