Peer Connect

Technology support for online groups

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Drawing of an electronic tablet. On the screen there are 4 people. 2 of them are waving.

You do not need to be good with technology. 

You can ask for help before or during an online meeting. 

Drawing of Earth with a laptop, smart phone and electronic tablet around it. There are arrows pointing in between each device.

Before the meeting 

  • Charge your phone or device. 
  • Check your internet connection. 
  • Find the meeting link.
  • Test your camera and microphone if you can.
  • Keep the organiser contact details nearby.
Drawing of a woman and man sitting face to face at a table. They have speech bubbles near their mouths.

Ask the organiser for help if you need it. 

Drawing of Earth with a laptop, smart phone and electronic tablet around it. There are arrows pointing in between each device.

Most online groups send you a link. 


When it is time


• Open the message with the link. 
• Click or tap the link. 
• Follow the instructions on the screen. 
• Choose if you want to use your microphone and camera. 
• Wait for the meeting to start.

Drawing of an electronic tablet. On the screen there are 4 people. 2 of them are waving.

Sometimes you need to wait for the organiser to let you into the meeting. 


This is normal.

Drawing of a microphone

Your microphone lets other people hear you. 


When your microphone is off, people can not hear you. 


The organiser can ask you to turn it off when you are not talking. 


This can reduce background noise. 

Drawing of a camera

Your camera lets other people see you. 


Some groups let you choose if your camera is on or off. 


Ask the organiser if you are not sure.

Drawing of a pair of headphones

I can not hear anyone 


• Check the volume. 
• Check your speakers or headphones. 
• Leave the meeting and join again. 

 

Drawing of a microphone

No one can hear me 


• Check if your microphone is off. 
• Turn your microphone off and on again.

Drawing of a camera

My camera does not work 


• Check if your camera is on. 
• Turn your camera off and on again.

Drawing of Earth with a laptop, smart phone and electronic tablet around it. There are arrows pointing in between each device.

My internet stops working 


• Use the meeting link to join again. 
• Join again when you are ready.

Symbol for closed captions.

Online meetings can have tools that help people take part. 


These can include


• captions 
• screen readers 
• keyboard shortcuts 
• chat or written messages 

Drawing of an electronic tablet. On the screen there are 4 people. 2 of them are waving.

Ask the organiser what tools are available. 

You can ask

• What technology will we use? 
• Do I need to download anything? 
• Can someone help me practise joining? 
• What support is available? 
• Who can I contact if I can not get into the meeting? 

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