Using a Microsoft Teams Meeting is like inviting someone into your home. You need to think carefully about the view from your web camera and how you are set up at home for learning online. Here are some top tips.

1. Be dressed suitably – no PJs – get dressed as you would be happy to be seen outside of your home.
2. Sit somewhere with your back towards the wall. This will reduce how much of your home is in the camera frame. If you are using the App switch on the blur background option.
3. Turn the TV and other distractions off. Try to find a space which is quiet. Don’t worry – we know this might not always be easy for everyone to do. Your teacher will help you set up the noise reduction setting.
4. If you have some headphones, please use them. You might need to change the meeting settings after you plug-in your headphones. This will work even better if they have a microphone.
5. Choose somewhere with good light but don’t have your back towards a window if you can avoid it. Too much light can make it difficult for others to see you on your camera.
6. Have your device on a table rather than on your knees. If you don’t have a table, use cushions under your device to make yourself more comfortable.
7. Have some paper/jotters handy with a pen or pencil so you can write notes if you need to. You could also use Microsoft OneNote or O365 Word to write short notes with your device during your meeting.

 

Connecting to your meeting

 

1. Visit your Microsoft Team to get the meeting link just before the meeting is due to start.
2. You will not be able to join before your teacher.
3. Mute your microphone before you enter the meeting. You can also switch off your camera if you wish.
4. Click Join now to enter the Teams Meeting.
5. Once connected, listen carefully to your teacher. You can use the chat to ask questions or unmute your microphone and ask your question. You should mute your mic again after you have asked your questions.
6. In your Teams Meeting, be kind and considerate of other people. The Teams Meeting is just like being in school and you need to behave appropriately. Your teacher may remove you from the meeting if you do not do so. If you are removed from a meeting, the head teacher or another member of staff may discuss this with you and your parents/carers.
7. When the call is complete, disconnect by clicking the red “hang up” button.
8. Remember to check your Microsoft Team after the meeting for any assignments that your teacher may have set for you.
9. Pupil Expectations: -where required, access the files for each lesson on Glow in advance and have the materials to hand; • submit all assignments on time in accordance to the agreed protocols; • dress appropriately for all classes, thinking about modesty and respect for others; • seek to contribute to the class in a positive manner and not be disruptive at any time;• understand that no part of the ‘live virtual lesson’ will be recorded; Do not record or take pictures of any part of a livestream / video-conference lesson.• understand and agree that no documentation stored for learning, whether it be assignments or materials shall be duplicated, copied or shared with anyone other than the pupil or school• leave the Microsoft Team Meeting if you are feeling uncomfortable;  • ensure the location you log in from is appropriate i.e. give consideration to background, camera angle, privacy etc. Consider making use of appropriate customised backgrounds.• show respect for everyone in the online classroom;• make sure you have all power adaptors, laptops, screen connections ready before the lesson begins;• only use your Glow email address for class communication; • be punctual for all lessons;