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How to prepare for your first class

4 ways to help your learners have fun and safe online learning experiences

Updated over a week ago

Outschool classes are easy to join—you just need a working internet connection and a device that can access Zoom video conferencing. Whether your learner is taking their first class or they’re an Outschool pro, make sure you’re familiar with these four tips to ensure that you can easily access your class and keep your learner safe!

  1. Join class by having your learner sign in to their Learner’s Space. We designed Learner Spaces specifically for learners - as a safe space, free from promotional emails targeting children and from third-party analytics providers mining personal data.

    Before your learner’s first Outschool class, you’ll see a Test Zoom Connection button on either the Classroom or Lessons tab. This button allows you to check that Zoom is properly set up on your device before class begins. 15 minutes before the scheduled class time, the Test Zoom Connection button will permanently change to a Join Live Meeting button.

    Please note that the Test Zoom Connection button will not automatically change to Join Live Meeting when it is 15 minutes before class, so please refresh the classroom page to see the Join Live Meeting button.

    Once your learner enters the classroom, the Join Live Meeting button will appear in different places depending on the class type:

    • For classes that include lessons, you’ll find the button on the Lessons tab.

    • For classes without lessons, the button will appear on the Classroom tab.

    After the first meeting, the Join Live Meeting button will be disabled (greyed out) until 30 minutes before the next start of class. If you go to the classroom page before 30 minutes of the meeting, please refresh the classroom page to see the Join Live Meeting button before the start of the class.

    When it’s time for class, you can access the Join Live Meeting button by either navigating to your learner’s profile or using the class link provided in your confirmation email. Clicking the button will automatically open the Zoom room where the class is held. If Zoom is not yet installed on your device, clicking the button will prompt a download—we recommend doing this a few minutes before your first class to ensure everything is ready in time.

  2. Turn on the video camera. When class starts, your child must turn the video camera on so that the teacher can see all attendees and verify that they’re kids and not adults. Once checked into class via video, your learner can turn the video off. You can always test your Zoom connection before class starts to make sure your video and audio are working properly.

  3. Remember that all classes are recorded. We record our classes for quality assurance and safety. Videos are not shared publicly, and the only people who can watch recordings are teachers and fellow students enrolled in the class. Recordings will be deleted after 3 months.

  4. Watch our Safety Video with your learner. Review our Trust & Safety policies with your learner to make sure they know how to support their fellow learners and express themself confidently in class.

Need more help preparing for class? Read through the articles below or reach out to us at outschool.com/help with general questions, or safety@outschool.com with questions related to safety and privacy:

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