As medical educators and researchers, we often juggle multiple projects with extensive data and diverse team members. Microsoft Teams, a part of the Office 365 suite, offers a centralized platform to simplify these challenges.

Firstly, let’s talk about team communication. Teams allows for seamless, topic-based discussions, which are crucial in research. You can create channels for different research themes or tasks, ensuring that conversations are focused and easy to follow.

Now, onto organizing files - a critical aspect of research. Teams integrates with OneDrive and SharePoint, allowing you to store, share, and collaborate on documents in real-time. No more endless email threads with attachments!

But it's not just about file storage. Teams allows you to co-author papers, share data sets, and even integrate with tools like Excel and Power BI for data analysis. This integration means your research team can work on a dataset simultaneously, seeing real-time updates.

Another key feature - the calendar integration. Schedule and manage meetings, set deadlines, and create reminders for your team. These small organizational tools can greatly enhance your team's efficiency.

Microsoft Teams isn’t just a tool; it's a workspace that adapts to your research team’s needs, fostering collaboration and organization. As medical educators and researchers, embracing such technologies can significantly propel our work forward. Give it a try, and see how it transforms your team’s dynamics and productivity.

Thank you for tuning in to "Research Teamwork". Join us next time for more insights into medical education and research."

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Teams is going to be better for a colleague group at NYIT, because it allows for messaging and integrates with all the Microsoft tools and calendars. It is easy to organize as well.

Next you will set up the research project hub in a methodical manner, keeping your file structure stable for all your projects.

For example, you might set up a Teams drive with different folders, labeled:

1. Pathfinder to all online files

2. Literature

3. Researcher Journal (with research timeline)

4. Conference Presentations

5. Manuscript

6. Research Plan (with logic model)

7. Data (by instrument)

8. Research Team Meeting Minutes (date first)

9. Grant Reports

10. Biosketches

11. IRB

12. Budget

Next, you will share these folders with your research team. Within each folder, you can designate a folder for "Old Drafts".

You should backup and encrypt all of these files in case they are accidentally deleted.

Host: "Ever found yourself asking, 'Where is that research folder Art shared with me?' If so, you're not alone. Welcome to "Leading a Research Team", where today, we're diving into keeping your Google Drive organized - a must-know for every medical educator and researcher.

Google Drive is a powerful tool for collaboration, but without proper organization, it can quickly become a maze of files and folders. Let’s change that.

First off, let's talk about shared folders. When someone shares a folder with you, it appears in the 'Shared with me' section. But, if it's something you'll use frequently, add it to 'My Drive' for easy access. Simply right-click on the folder and select 'Add shortcut to Drive.'

Now, for the game changer - the 'Star' feature. By starring important documents or folders, you create a quick access list. To star a file or folder, right-click and select 'Add to Starred.' Then, whenever you need it, just go to the 'Starred' section in the left sidebar.

Organizing your Drive is more than just convenience; it’s about efficiency. Create a structure that mirrors your workflow. Have folders for different research projects, and within them, sub-folders for data, manuscripts, and meeting notes.

And here’s a tip: Use clear, consistent naming conventions for your files and folders. It’ll save you and your team a lot of time.

Last but not least, regular clean-ups are crucial. Set a reminder to review and organize your Drive periodically. Archive old projects, delete unneeded files, and keep your Drive clutter-free.

Embracing these simple practices can transform your Google Drive from a jumbled storage space to a well-oiled research library. Give these tips a try, and streamline the way you manage your digital research workspace.

Thanks for joining us on "Leading a Research Team". Stay tuned for more insights into making your journey in medical education and research smoother and more productive."

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You can access these team hubs, no matter where you are, when logged into your work email.

How to Access Teams

When you log into your Outlook email, you'll see a little "groups" icon, left of the folders, in the left pane of your email in basket.

You can also download the "Teams" app to your phone. Many companies insist that their workers stay connected by these types of mobile apps, especially since email is secondary for many millenials and Gen Z workers. Let's connect and collaborate using Teams, which is supported at NYIT, and encrypted. External to the university, friends might use Snapchat or Whatsapp, but this will be more collegial.