If you are invited to join one of our virtual lessons, please read through the information on this page prior to the lesson to ensure you, your computer/tablet, and your room are prepared.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
You can join a Teams lesson from any computer, tablet or smartphone. Teams will run on any device with a browser, though for the best experience we recommend using a desktop/laptop with the Microsoft Teams App installed (link).
If they are not already built-in, you will need speakers and a microphone connected to your computer. A webcam is optional, but not required. You may also find that a headset provides a better sound experience than using separate microphones and speakers.
Teams works well on a reasonably slow Internet connection (2MB or better). Stable connections are more important to the quality of the call (e.g. Wifi is better than 4G, and a wired connection is better than WiFi). It will use a reasonable amount of data, so be aware of this if you are on a metered connection.
Prior to the session, you should test that you are able to make and receive calls through Teams, ideally by placing a simple call to someone else. You may find on a desktop computer that you might have to change your sound settings to find the optimal setup.
PREPARING MY WORKSPACE
For safeguarding reasons, it is important that you follow the instructions below:
It is also a good idea to have a pen/pencil and notepad handy - this is easier and quicker than trying to flick between apps on the computer. Also, if you have been given any specific instructions by your teacher, have these things ready.
JOINING THE LESSON
When you open the Teams App, you will need to log in using your school email address and password. If you have previously used the App with another Microsoft account, log out and back in again with your school account.
The virtual lesson should appear as a meeting appointment in your 'Calendar' within the Teams App. At the beginning of your lesson, you will be able to click a 'Join' button which will appear on that meeting. You can also join by clicking the link in the original email invite you received at the start time of the meeting.
Once you have joined the meeting/lesson, you should mute your microphone. As there will be multiple people on the call at the same time, it is important that the teacher controls the conversation. If you wish to speak, you can raise your hand (either virtually or using the 'raise hand' option on the on-screen menu and your teacher can refer to you. At this point, you can unmute your microphone and speak. Remember to mute it again afterwards.
We expect students to behave in the same manner we expect of you in class. As in-school, we will apply the school behaviour policy and sanctions where necessary to any students who do not meet our expectations. It is also likely that you will be banned from joining any future sessions.
You are not permitted to make a recording of the session or any part thereof, or to take any photographs or screen grabs of the screen.
We hope that you find your virtual lessons useful. If you have any feedback that might help us to improve how we do them or the guidance on this page, please share it with your teacher hosting the session, who will feed that back.
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