Understanding SharePoint Sites
In Microsoft 365, SharePoint sites are your digital collaboration and communication hubs. Each site has a unique purpose and design, tailored to specific organizational needs.
Two Primary Site Types
Team Sites: Collaborative Workspaces
Purpose
Team sites are dynamic, collaborative environments designed for collective work and real-time project management.
Key Features
- Shared document libraries
- Collaborative editing capabilities
- Integrated tools for team productivity
- Comprehensive project tracking
Ideal For
- Research project teams
- Department working groups
- Course project collaborations
- Small team initiatives
What Comes with a Team Site
- Microsoft Planner board
- Shared OneNote notebook
- Group email address
- Shared calendar
- Microsoft Teams integration
Access and Permissions
- All team members can create, edit, and view content
- Flexible permission settings
- Option to grant external access to specific documents
Communication Sites: Information Broadcast Platforms
Purpose
Communication sites are designed for wide information distribution and streamlined content sharing.
Key Features
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface
- Centralized information display
- Easy content navigation
- Professional presentation
Ideal For
- Departmental intranets
- Institutional news portals
- Event announcements
- Policy and resource sharing
Content Management
- Limited editors (typically administrators)
- Wide viewer access
- Designed for one-to-many communication
Site Interface Comparison
Team Site Interface
- Sidebar navigation
- Focus on collaborative activities
- Panels showing:
- Site news
- Recent activity
- Document previews
- Editable by all team members
Communication Site Interface
- Top menu navigation
- Emphasis on content showcase
- Section panels for:
- Events
- Announcements
- Important information
- Customizable page layouts
Choosing the Right Site
When to Use a Team Site
- Ongoing collaborative work
- Frequent document sharing and editing
- Need for real-time team communication
- Project-based initiatives
When to Use a Communication Site
- Broad information dissemination
- Organizational announcements
- Resource sharing
- One-way communication needs
Best Practices
- Clear Purpose: Define the site's primary goal before creation
- Permissions Management: Carefully control access
- Regular Maintenance: Keep content current and relevant
- Consistent Branding: Align with institutional design guidelines
Getting Started
- Identify your primary communication or collaboration need
- Select the appropriate site type
- Invite relevant team members
- Customize and populate your site