Whether you’re a student or a teacher, the online classroom can sometimes feel like a lot to take in. But don’t worry! We’re here to provide you with practical tips and solutions to help get you learning.
In this article, you’ll learn how to successfully set up your device and how to tackle common challenges, such as connectivity problems or device glitches. So, let’s get started and turn those technical difficulties into valuable learning experiences!
Initial set up
Make sure you are using a compatible device along with a functional microphone and camera (learn more about compatibility with Busuu Live in How do I access Busuu Live Lessons?)
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Check your privacy settings on your device to grant permission to your browser to access your camera and microphone:
For MacOS devices, check both articles for camera access and microphone access
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Ensure that your camera and microphone are correctly set up in your browser:
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Check that your camera and microphone are recognized by the Busuu Live Lesson portal:
After logging in to the Busuu website, click on the
Live Lessons icon in the top navigation bar
Click on your Profile icon (round profile picture) in the top right of the screen
Select
Equipment settings
From the Equipment settings window, select the correct webcam, camera, or microphone and test that they work (to avoid an echo, use the same device for your microphone and speaker)
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Set your time zone correctly to avoid confusion about your lesson time:
After logging in to the Busuu website, click on the
Click on your Profile icon (round profile picture) in the top right of the screen
Select
Time settings
Choose the same time zone that you are using on your device (if you aren’t sure and want to verify your device settings, see how here for Windows and here for MacOS)
During your lesson
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Quit all other apps that might be using your camera or microphone (i.e. apps such as Zoom or Skype):
Make sure your computer or device is fully charged or plugged in to a charger
Basic troubleshooting
If you’re experiencing issues during your lesson, please make sure you’re using a compatible device and browser, that your device is correctly set up according to the Initial set up, and that you’ve followed the steps set out in the During your lesson section.
If you’re still having issues connecting to your lesson
Check that your network can reach our lesson provider by completing the test at https://app.chime.aws/check
Check that you are using the latest browser version
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Disable any ad blockers or extensions that might negatively impact access to your network (if you are unsure, disable them all)
See how to disable ad blockers and disable extensions for Chrome
See how to disable extensions for Firefox or use Troubleshoot Mode
If your browser is up to date, try switching to a different compatible browser
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Restart your device
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Check if an update is available for your operating system:
Disable any Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, or third-party antivirus programs (McAfee, Symantec, Norton, Kaspersky, Avast, etc.), as these programs can sometimes block access to the other user on the call
Try switching to a different device, if available
If you’re still having issues with your camera and/or microphone
Complete steps 1–4 in the Initial set up section above to verify a correct setup
Complete the steps provided in the If you’re still having issues with connecting to the lesson section
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If your device does not recognize your camera:
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If your problems are related to your microphone:
If the problem persists
Please take a screenshot of the console to show our team the exact error. Here’s how:
Right-click on the screen when the issue occurs
Click Inspect
Go to the Console tab
Take a screenshot of the text, including any red error messages
Send the screenshot along with a brief description of the problem to livesupport@busuu.com