SLACK – FAQ

Here are some important things to know if you are using Slack.

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BASIC USAGE:
Slack is separated into “workspaces” and then “channels.” Once you sign into a workspace, you will see the list of channels you can post a message to. Try to be as specific as possible when you choose a channel — Slack is all about organizing thoughts by topic.
 
> To add a message to a specific channel:
(1) Make sure you in the the correct workspace and channel (listed on the left in your browser window).
(2) Type your message or announcement in the text box (usually in the center/bottom of your screen).
(3) Click the send button! (The send button looks like a tiny paper airplane.)
CONNECTION PROBLEMS
Are you having trouble reaching a Slack Workspace or Channel? This might happen if the school district (or other organization) you work for blocks Slack from accounts outside your district/org.
 
> You can access it through your mobile phone: 
(1) Ensure you have access to the the workspace link (or invite link) on your phone. (It was given to you when you first signed up. You may need to forward that original email to yourself.)
(2) Click on the link, or paste it into your internet browser, and it should open in the Slack app. (You may need to download the app if it’s not already installed on your phone.)
 
-> You can access it on your home computer:
(1) Ensure you have access to the the workspace link (or invite link) on your computer. (It was given to you when you first signed up. You may need to forward that original email to yourself.)
(2) Click on the link, or paste it into your internet browser, and it should open in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
USING SLACK FOR ANOTHER GROUP?
Are you using Slack for more than one group (e.g. work, school, etc.)? Here are instructions on how to easily switch between “workspaces.”
 
-> If you are currently signed out your Slack workspaces
(1) Go to the sign-in screen (Click Here)
(2) Enter your email, and then the “magic code” you will receive in your email.
(3) Choose a workspace to sign-in to.
OR
(1) Click on the workspace link (given to you when you first signed up), 
(2) Enter your info, and it should open in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
(If you have any troubles contact Joshua – greenschools@live.com )
 
-> You can easily switch between “workspaces” by:
(1) Clicking on the current workspace name.
(2a) (If it’s your first time) Go to “Add Workspaces” then “Sign in to another workspace”
(2b) (If you’ve switched in the past) Go to “Switch workspaces” and clicking on other workspace name.
 
-> Some people keep separate Slack workspaces open is different tabs across the top of their browser window. This way you can switch between workspaces quickly.
NOTIFICATION SETTINGS - BASIC
You can always check Slack messages by logging in and opening a channel — that will display all messages. The settings below determine whether you are notified on your computer or mobile device about new messages.
 
 
General Notification settings:
– Open Slack on your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)
  1. From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
  2. Select Preferences from the menu to open your notification preferences.
  3. Under Notify me about, choose your notification triggers.
  4. To use different triggers for your mobile notifications, check the box next to Use different settings for my mobile devices, then select your preference from the drop-down menu.
  5. To disable notifications for threads, uncheck the box next to Notify me about replies to threads I’m following.

Set up keyword notifications
You can set keywords to trigger notifications about topics that are important to you. Whenever someone uses one of your keywords in a channel you’ve joined, you’ll receive a notification and see the keyword highlighted in yellow.

 

• From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
• Select Preferences from the menu to open your notification preferences.
• Under My keywords, enter the words or phrases you’d like to be notified about.

Note: Keywords are not case-sensitive, but only exact matches will trigger notifications. Keywords in messages from some incoming webhooks or tokens won’t trigger notifications, but will appear highlighted in Slack.

NOTIFICATION SETTINGS - ADVANCED

Set a notification schedule
If you only want to receive notifications during certain hours or on certain days, you can set a notification schedule. Outside the days and hours you set for your schedule, your notifications will be paused. (Tip: You can pause your notifications at any time to focus or take a break from work.)

Adjust notification sound and appearance
You can choose whether or not to display message previews in banner notifications and select the notification sound that alerts you of new messages and huddles.

• From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
• Select Preferences from the menu to open your notification preferences.
• Scroll down to Sound & appearance.
• If you’d like, check the box next to Include a preview of the message in each notification.
• Check the box next to Mute all sounds from Slack or select a notification sound from the messages or huddles drop-down menu.
 

Set your badge notification preference
When you have an unread notification, you’ll see a badge in the top right corner of the Slack app icon on your desktop. Depending on your device, there are a few ways to adjust this preference:

• From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
• Select Preferences from the menu to open your notification preferences.
• Under Sound & appearance, check or uncheck Show a badge • on Slack’s icon to indicate new activity.

Tip: If you’re a member of multiple workspaces, you can pick and choose the ones you’d like to see badge notifications for.

Choose mobile notification timing
By default, you’ll receive mobile notifications one minute after locking your desktop screen or 10 minutes after Slack stops detecting cursor activity. You can choose to receive mobile notifications as soon as they’re sent, as soon as you’re inactive, or after an additional delay.

• From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
• Select Preferences from the menu to open your notification preferences.
• Scroll down to When I’m not active on desktop and choose your timing.

Tip: If you’d like to receive notifications on your desktop and mobile devices at the same time, select this preference: immediately, even if I’m active.

Configure email notifications
You can choose what you get notified about and how often you receive notifications by email. Email notifications are bundled and can be delivered every 15 minutes or once an hour.

• From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
• Select Preferences from the menu to open your notification preferences.
• Under When I’m not active on desktop, check or uncheck the box next to Send me email notifications for mentions and direct messages. If checked, choose how often you’d like notifications delivered.

Note: To change which emails you receive about Slack news and updates, you can manage your Slack email subscriptions.

Manage channel-specific notifications
If you’d like to change what messages you’re notified about in specific channels or direct messages, you can configure conversation-specific notifications. If you’d rather not receive notifications about any messages in a particular channel or direct message, you can mute the conversation.