M365: Use Case Examples of Microsoft Planner

Use Case Examples of Planner 

Microsoft Planner is a task management tool that can be utilized in various ways to enhance productivity and organization. Here are several use case examples illustrating how faculty, staff, and students can effectively use Microsoft Planner. 

 

1. Faculty Use Cases 

Organizing Course Content and Schedules 

Faculty members can use Microsoft Planner to organize course materials, create lesson plans, and manage class schedules. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a separate plan for each course. 
  • Buckets: Organize buckets for each week or module of the course. 
  • Tasks: Add tasks for each class session, including descriptions, attachments (like lecture notes), and due dates for assignments. 
  • Collaboration: Assign tasks to teaching assistants (TAs) for specific responsibilities. 

 

Managing Research Projects 

Faculty involved in research can use Planner to manage project timelines, track progress, and collaborate with research assistants. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for each research project. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets such as literature review, data collection, analysis, and writing. 
  • Tasks: Assign tasks with deadlines and attach relevant research documents. 
  • Progress Tracking: Use the Charts view to monitor the progress of each research phase. 

 

2. Staff Use Cases 

Event Planning and Coordination 

Staff members responsible for organizing events, such as workshops, conferences, or college fairs, can use Planner to manage all event-related tasks. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for each event. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets like pre-event planning, marketing, logistics, and post-event follow-up. 
  • Tasks: Assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and attach necessary documents like vendor contracts or marketing materials. 
  • Collaboration: Use the comments section to discuss details and provide updates. 

 

Administrative Task Management 

Administrative staff can use Planner to streamline routine office tasks and projects, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for administrative tasks. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets such as daily tasks, weekly tasks, and monthly tasks. 
  • Tasks: Add tasks for recurring duties like payroll processing, report generation, and office maintenance. 
  • Progress Tracking: Use checklists within tasks to ensure all steps are completed. 

 

3. Student Use Cases 

Group Projects and Assignments 

Students working on group projects can use Planner to distribute work, set deadlines, and track progress. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for each group project. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets like research, writing, editing, and presentation. 
  • Tasks: Assign tasks to group members with specific due dates and attach research materials or draft documents. 
  • Collaboration: Use comments to discuss ideas and provide feedback. 

 

Personal Study Plans 

Students can use Planner to create and manage their study schedules, ensuring they stay on top of their coursework and exam preparation. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for each semester or academic year. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets for each subject or course. 
  • Tasks: Add tasks for reading assignments, homework, and exam preparation. 
  • Progress Tracking: Use checklists to mark off completed study sessions or assignments. 

 

4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration 

Interdepartmental Projects 

Faculty, staff, and student workers can collaborate on cross-departmental projects, such as curriculum development or community outreach programs. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for the collaborative project. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets like planning, execution, and evaluation. 
  • Tasks: Assign tasks to members from different departments, set deadlines, and attach relevant documents. 
  • Collaboration: Use comments and file attachments to keep everyone informed and engaged. 

 

Committee Work 

Committees within the college, such as the curriculum committee or student affairs committee, can use Planner to manage their agendas and action items. 

Example: 
  • Plan Creation: Create a plan for each committee. 
  • Buckets: Organize tasks into buckets such as meeting preparation, ongoing projects, and follow-up actions. 
  • Tasks: Assign tasks to committee members with deadlines and attach meeting minutes or reports. 
  • Progress Tracking: Use the Charts view to monitor the status of committee tasks and initiatives. 

Additional Information:

  • Search or browse our online Knowledge Base
  • Call the CCRI IT Help Desk at (401) 825-1112
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