Get ready for a call or meeting

Install the Teams Application

Step 1 - Work out which device you are going to use in order of preference:

  1. Laptop with a webcam
  2. Computer with a webcam
  3. ipad or android tablet
  4. smart phone

Step 2 - Install Microsoft Teams on your device https://teams.microsoft.com/downloads

Step 3 - Sign in with your school email address and password

Check your microphone and Webcam

Step 1 - Make sure your webcam is plugged in and if possible a headset with a microphone, you can use your laptops built in webcam and microphone if it has one.

Step 2 - Click on your picture in the top right of the teams application and then click on settings

Step 3 - Click on devices and check that you can see a microphone and Camera listed.

Try clicking on "Make a test call" to connect to an "echo" bot that will talk you through a quick test of your microphone and webcam.

If your Webcam or Microphone is not listed

Before using your Microphone for Voice Calls, and your Camera for Video Calls, you may have to grant permission for apps to access your Microphone and Camera.

Step 1 - Click on the Start button in the bottom left of your computer and then click on the settings icon, 2 icons above the start menu.

Step 2 - Search for Camera and click on Camera privacy Settings

Step 3 - Make sure Allow apps to access your camera and Allow desktop apps to access your camera are both turned on

Step 4 - Repeat Step 2 and 3 but search for microphone instead

Tips for a good call

  • Make sure you are on a good internet connection, consider moving closer to your wifi router if needed.
  • Avoid having bright backgrounds behind you such as windows or doors.
  • Use a quite space with no distractions.
  • Test call with a colleague first to iron out any issues and get a feel for how it works.
  • Make sure the person you are calling is on Teams and is expecting your call