Student Guide

Key Points Summary

Learning online is new for pupils, parents and many teachers. This document provides advice on how to setup for learning, to be part of online meetings and access learning in Google Classroom. The key points are:

For pupils:

· find a quiet space

· use headphones if you can

· place your device so the camera doesn’t show too much of your home (to protect your privacy). Consider making use of appropriate customised backgrounds.

· behave in the lesson as you would be expected to in school

· be kind and considerate of others

· follow up tasks will be in Google Classroom – you can ask questions of your teacher there

Google Meet - Live Lessons from your home

Getting set up

First of all, if you are not comfortable with being on camera to speak with your teacher, let him or her know using an email or private message in Google Classroom, so that other arrangements can be put in place.

Using Google Meet is 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. Consider making use of appropriate customised backgrounds.

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.

4. If you have some headphones, 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. HELP HERE

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 Google Keep or Docs to write short notes with your device during your meeting.

Pupils: Connecting to Your Meeting

Your teacher will set a time for your meeting / lesson in Google Classroom. This is also where you will find the link for the meeting when it starts. Your teacher will be the first person in the meeting room and will be the last person to leave it. You may have to wait to be admitted to the meeting / lesson.

Top Tips for your meeting

1. Visit your Google Classroom to get the meeting link just before the meeting is due to start.

2. Go to the meeting link.

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 Google Meet. Don’t click Present.

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 Meet, be kind and considerate of other people. The Meet is just like being in school and you need to behave appropriately. Your teacher may remove you from the meeting if you don’t do so. If you are removed from a meeting, the headteacher or another member of senior staff may discuss this with you and your parents/carers. Please remember, you have signed the Pupil Expectations Agreement.

7. When the call is complete, disconnect by clicking the red “hang up” button.

Remember to check Google Classroom after the meeting for any assignments that your teacher has set for you.