We will be using Microsoft Teams for our Online Tuition sessions.
You do not need to install Microsoft Teams in order to join a session. You can join a call using your web browser. Please make sure you have a modern browser installed. We recommend either:
Google Chrome – PC/Mac
New Microsoft Edge – PC/Mac
Teams will also work in the latest version of Apple Safari, but may not work in older versions. If you have a Mac, we’d suggest downloading one of the browsers above to ensure you can join the session.
What to do when you receive a Teams invitation
You’ll be sent an invitation by email.
When you do so, click Accept (or RSVP and Accept) to add the tuition session to your calendar. You can do this on your computer, tablet, or phone.
When you click Accept this moves the tuition session from your email to your calendar. This allows you to receive a reminder, on your devices, before the session.
To join a Teams call
Your online tuition has now been added to your calendar. You’ll see it listed in your calendar on any device that has that email account added.
You’ll receive a reminder before the call too if you have your device set up to show notifications from your calendar.
A few minutes before the online tuition centre is due to begin, you should open up the calendar entry for the Teams call.
You’ll see a link for you to click to join the call.
You’ll be taken to a page where you can choose to either join on the web (all you need is a web browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) or download the desktop app.
You do not need to install Microsoft Teams – you can simply click join on the web!
If you don’t have a Teams account, you will have the option to enter your name to join the meeting as a guest.
You’ll then be taken to the lobby where Tutor Planet can admit you at the start time of the session.
(Note: If you already have the Teams app installed and you have a Teams account (for example, a Microsoft/Office 365 for Education account), the meeting will open there automatically and you can sign in with your existing Teams account to access the meeting chat, and more.)
Please…
Make Teams (or your web browser) full screen! This will allow you to see our digital whiteboard.
Join from a computer if possible! Either a desktop or a laptop. The bigger the screen, the better!
Troubleshooting
If you find your camera or sound aren’t working, you can click the three dots on the call and change your microphone, speakers, or camera.
You can then set your camera, microphone, and speakers.
If your microphone is still not working, try the following:
- Go to Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, Sound
- Got to the Recording tab
- Right-click on your microphone then click “Set as default communication device”
- Then right-click again, click Properties then go to the Levels tab.
- Check the level and that the microphone icon at the right is not disabled. If so, toggle it.
- Quit then reopen MS Teams