Learn Online
With the support of your tutor we will be using Zoom the online platform to deliver classes directly to your phone, tablet or computer.
We look forward to welcoming you to our growing online community.
- When you enrol you will receive another email with your joining instructions
- You can join your course directly from a modern internet browser on your PC, Mac, Linux or download the app onto your computer, iPhone, iPad or Android device. You can then use settings in the app to customise your experience. Zoom works best on wi-fi, although it is also possible to take part using a 3G or 4G mobile phone connection
- Follow the link that you receive from us, on the stated date and time. You will then enter a waiting room to be admitted to your course by your tutor. This is so that we can screen who accesses the course
- Before you join your course, you will be asked to enter your name. This will be shared with your tutor and the other attendees. Please make sure it is accurate but do not use your personal email address or any other information that you do not wish to share. Your first name and the first letter of your surname will be enough.
Please tell your tutor whether you are using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Before your online lesson please make sure you have any equipment you need and a suitable space to work.
You can download the Zoom Desktop, Tablet and Mobile Phone App for free. You don't have to sign up for an account to join classes. The downloaded app will work without you having to sign in.
Don't worry if you don't get the link until the day of your class. As long as we have your most up to date email address on file, you will be sent a link.
Follow the guide for the relevant device you will be using to access Zoom:
Tablet and mobile phone devices
- Install the Zoom Cloud Meetings: Apple devices via App Store; Android devices via Play Store
- When prompted skip add a payment option and do not add your payment details. Zoom is free to download
- Your App will now work when you get the link to the lesson from your tutor
- Your tutor will send you the link in an email with a password to enter your online lesson, before the session starting
- You now have 2 options: Use the Zoom Meeting link and select the Zoom App or use Google Chrome to enter the Zoom room
- You may be prompted to connect with your video and audio
- When you enter the Zoom meeting you will be in a waiting room ready for your tutor to start the online session
Laptops and desktop devices
You can access your Zoom lesson by using the Google Chrome web browser or by downloading the Zoom Desktop app.
- Your tutor will send you an email with your invite to the online session
- Use the link in the email or copy and paste the link into Google Chrome or Edge. Please do not use Internet Explorer
- When prompted, click Open Zoom
- A window will pop up with the waiting room message, 'Please wait the meeting host will let you in soon'
- You will get the option to test your audio
- You will need to start your video by clicking on the video icon
Zoom is an online meetings facility; you are taught by your tutor in real time. If you use Facetime or other video chat programmes, it's very similar but designed for groups.
No Zoom is free. Please refer to our Learners Guide to Using Zoom above
Your tutor will email you before the course starts. This is not an automated system so you may not receive the invite until an hour or two before the course starts.
Please set up Zoom before you receive the invite following our Learners Guide to Using Zoom above.
Please check that the email hasn't gone into your Spam or Junk mail. The email will be from your tutor, not an Adult Education centre so will be in the format of firstname.lastname@cumberland.gov.uk. or firstname.lastname@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Please also check any other email accounts you have, as you may not have updated us if you have changed the one you use.
If your class is continuing (for example; more than one class) then the invitation from the previous week should work.
There is no need for you to have a Zoom account to join one of our courses, however by using Zoom you must agree to their terms of use and their privacy policy. By downloading and using the Zoom app you agree to these. You'll find the links on the download page or in the relevant app store.
Information about Zooms' commitment to privacy and security .