How to Check Your System Before Entering Virtual Classroom

Provides resources and tips to ensure a quality experience for our users in Virtual Classroom.

How does Virtual Classroom work?

Virtual Classroom is a browser-based tool, meaning that participants do not need to download software to use it. With being browser-based, Virtual Classroom gives each participant some control over their experience by supporting a variety of devices, webcams, and microphones. However, since we operate through the user’s browser, we are reliant on a few items that may require testing before joining.

Am I ready to enter Virtual Classroom?

• If I am joining with a PC, Mac or Android, I am using the most recent version of Chrome, Microsoft Edge (Chromium) or Firefox.
• If I am joining using an iPhone or iPad, I am using Safari.
• I have checked that my system is compatible with WebRTC using this website's service. Be sure to close out of the test window before joining the Virtual Classroom Meeting.
• If I am intending on sharing my screen in the meeting, I have checked that my system is compatible with WebRTC Screensharing using this website's service. Be sure to close out of the test window before joining the Virtual Classroom Meeting.
  
• I have checked that my connection speed is at least 2-3Mbps using this website's service.
  • Virtual Classroom can be used with less bandwidth, but that will limit which features can be used. Click here to learn more
• I have closed out of other tabs, windows, and applications to minimize my CPU usage.

If these checks passed, you should be good to go! If not, please review the information below.  

How to Optimize Your Connection Speed

Do you have enough speed to use your intended features, as described in our Virtual Classroom Bandwidth Requirements article?

• Virtual Classroom supports up to 7 webcams, but your meeting may run more smoothly if fewer are used. To disable all webcams, see the Virtual Classroom Settings.

Is your speed optimized?

• Stay close to your router if connected wirelessly.
• Close out of other tabs, windows, or applications.
• Avoid using a public connection where there are many active users.
• Open Task Manager or Activity Monitor and
  • Check your memory, if it’s a high percentage your computer will likely be slow.
  • Check your CPU usage, if it’s less than 70% you should be good to go!

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

If you experience an issue after meeting all the system requirements, please follow the steps below to troubleshoot. Note: you may have to implement multiple steps or repeat steps to fully troubleshoot your system.

• Reload the page
• Restart the Browser. (Do not select the option to "Restore all Tabs" when reopening the browser.)
• Open the meeting in a different browser. The supported browsers are Chrome, Microsoft Edge (Chromium) and Firefox. Your Internet browser must be up-to-date (installed or updated within the last month).
• Turn off shared webcams in the Virtual Classroom settings.
• Restart your device.
• Please refer to the article, Troubleshooting Within Virtual Classroom, for more troubleshooting suggestions.