Joining an online event using Microsoft 'Teams Live'
In this strange new world of virtual events we know some of you may be less familiar with using online software than others, so here's some simple advice to get involved.
We host our events using Microsoft Teams, and for the most straightforward experience we recommend you download the application onto your computer or smart device. If this is your first time joining a Teams live event with us we recommend you allow plenty of time to get setup so you don’t miss the start. For all our events a member of staff will be on hand to help you where possible.
How does it work?
We will send you a link by email no more than 24 hours before the start time, make sure you check your junk and spam folders, just in case.
Video and audio
A Teams Live event is essentially 'run' by us - so unlike other virtual meetings or events you may have joined online you have no option to turn your video and audio on or off, so you don't need to worry about that!
When you join, you’ll be presented with a screen that says ‘The live event has not yet started’. It is worthwhile hitting 'refresh' a minute or two after the start time.
Asking questions
For events with a Q&A, a chat function will appear when the event is live, with two columns. One where you post your question and one where you can see questions other attendees have posted. There may be a slight delay in your question appearing in the second column as these have to be approved by the staff running the event first.
FAQs
Do I need a Microsoft account to attend a Teams Live event ?
No, you just need to click on the link we send you and join anonymously via the browser. You can join via the Teams app on your smartphone or desktop, however, you will remain anonymous in the Q&A and no one can see your personal details.
I want to join via the web, what browser should I use?
Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to join.
I don’t have a computer but would like to join on my mobile or smart device. Is this possible?
Yes you can access a Live Event on your mobile device. To do this you need to install the Teams app on your device.The Teams app is free to download from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
When you click the link to join a meeting on your device, the Teams app will launch.If you don't have the app installed, you will be taken to a screen inviting you to Get Teams. Clicking the link will take you to the app store for your device. Once installed, return to the meeting link and click it again. This will launch the Teams app
I already use Teams for work, can I switch accounts?
When you join a Live Event using the Teams app, the system does not share your personal information with other audience members. However, if the Live Event organisers have selected the option to record who attends, your 365 ID will be part of that log.
If you do not wish that information to be captured, make sure you use a web browser in In-Private or Incognito mode to be wholly anonymous.
I’ve managed to login, but the event still shows as not started?
For larger events there can sometimes be a bit of a lag. We recommend you turn all other devices in the household to airplane mode, check other household members aren’t streaming video and hit the refresh icon.
Missed the event due to technical difficulties or could no longer make it?
We appreciate that sometimes things go wrong, or life means that you can’t make it. Not to worry, we record all of our events and then host them on our webpages. If you registered, we will send you the link a day or two after the event.
Anything else?
Read the official Microsoft help page for further information.
We're all learning how to run virtual events as we go - so don't be afraid to ask questions of us and we would love to hear your feedback on how we can run them better to ensure your experience is the best it can be!
Email us at events@nottingham.ac.uk