Office Compatibility Issues

How to Add Interactive Content to OneNote Class Notebook and Teams

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to embed interactive learning content, such as ThingLink, directly into OneNote Class Notebook and Microsoft Teams to enhance student engagement.

Product: Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook and Teams
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating interactive learning materials for students using Microsoft education tools.
Observed behavior: Instead of embedding the interactive media directly, OneNote Class Notebook only displays plain text links for services like ThingLink, limiting the interactive experience.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary administrative permissions in Microsoft Teams to add third-party apps and verify your organization's data compliance policies (e.g., GDPR) before embedding new interactive services.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Natively Supported Interactive Content in OneNote

While certain tools like ThingLink may not embed directly, OneNote natively supports specific interactive content platforms like PhET simulations and Coggle.

OneNote Class Notebook restricts certain third-party embeds to ensure security and compliance. However, it automatically renders interactive modules from an approved list of educational partners.

Copy the sharing link

Go to a supported interactive platform (such as PhET interactive simulations or Coggle) and copy the direct sharing URL for your content.

Paste into OneNote

Open your OneNote Class Notebook, navigate to the desired page, and paste the URL directly onto the canvas. Press Enter, and OneNote will automatically convert the link into an interactive embedded module.

Supported Platforms: If a platform is not officially supported by OneNote, it will default to a standard clickable hyperlink instead of an embedded interactive frame.

Solution 2

Add Collaboration Apps to Microsoft Teams

Enhance interactivity in Teams by using natively supported collaborative whiteboard applications instead of relying solely on OneNote integrations.

Solution 3

Contact Support for Specific Integrations

If your organization requires specific tools like ThingLink that are not embedding correctly, you may need to escalate the request.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ThingLink only show as a link in OneNote Class Notebook?

OneNote restricts certain third-party iFrames and embeds to maintain security and compatibility across devices. If an interactive service like ThingLink is not on Microsoft's natively approved embed list, OneNote defaults to displaying it as a clickable hyperlink.

What interactive content is fully supported for embedding in OneNote?

OneNote officially supports embedding interactive content from a curated list of approved educational partners. This includes PhET interactive simulations, Coggle, Quizlet, YouTube, and Microsoft Forms.

How do I add interactive apps directly to Microsoft Teams?

Go to your Teams channel, click the '+' icon at the top to add a new tab, and search for approved collaboration apps like Miro, MURAL, or Freehand in the Teams App Store. Click the app to add it and follow the setup prompts.

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