Live sessions.
Live sessions are online classes where students and teachers meet in real time using a tool called BigBlueButton (BBB). Students can ask questions, join discussions and group activities, and stay connected with classmates throughout the week.
If online classes are new to your family, your first session is your Live Orientation — where you'll learn how to be an online participant. Everyone is new together, and most students get comfortable pretty quickly after the first week or two. That's completely normal.
What is a live session?
In a live session, students can:
- See and hear their teacher and classmates
- Use chat, reactions, and hand-raise tools to engage
- View presentations and shared screens
- Participate in breakout groups and discussions
Some schools require live sessions. Others make some sessions optional or provide recordings afterward. Check with your school for specifics.
How to join a live session
Schedules and times are typically posted by your teacher in Canvas. Here's how to find them and join:
Log in to Canvas and open the course
Look for the session link in your Calendar
Your teacher will let you know where to find it.
Click the myAMP Meetings link at the scheduled time
Allow camera and microphone access
When prompted by your browser (see below if you're not sure how).
Enter the session
You may see a brief "waiting for the session to begin" screen if the teacher hasn't started yet.
Tip: Join a few minutes early the first time so you can sort out any audio or camera issues before class starts.
Getting your audio & camera working
Audio and camera issues are a common stumbling block before a first live session. Here's how to fix them:
Look for a small pop-up or an icon in the top-left corner of your browser window. Click "Allow" for both microphone and camera, then refresh the page and try joining again.
Check that your Chromebook isn't muted (look at the speaker icon in the system tray). Try unplugging and replugging headphones or speakers. In BigBlueButton, click the audio settings icon and confirm the correct microphone is selected.
Make sure the camera permission is set to "Allow" in your browser. Check that nothing is covering the lens. In BigBlueButton, click the camera icon and follow the prompts to share your video.
Still having trouble? Contact TSD before your next session so they can help you troubleshoot. It's much less stressful to test everything before class starts.
Live session etiquette
You don't need to be perfect on camera. Join on time, listen, participate when you can, and ask questions when you need help. A few simple habits make live sessions better for everyone:
- Mute when you're not speaking. Background noise is distracting — mute unless you're actively talking.
- Raise your hand to speak. Use the hand-raise button rather than talking over others. Your teacher will call on you.
- Use the chat respectfully. It's for questions and participation, not side conversations. Keep it on topic.
- Find a quiet space. Try to join from a place where you won't be interrupted.
- Keep your camera on when possible. It helps create a classroom feeling. If you need to turn it off, that's okay — just let your teacher know.
- Pay attention & dress appropriately. Follow your teacher's guidelines; school dress code policies apply to all live sessions.
What to do if you can't join
- Let your teacher know in advance through Canvas messages if possible
- Ask your teacher if a recording will be available afterward
- Check with your Success Coach about whether the absence affects your attendance record
Tech issues during a session? Exit the session and rejoin. If you can't get back in, message your teacher through Canvas and contact TSD if the issue continues.
Need help before class?
Contact TSD to test your audio and camera ahead of your next live session.