My pupil won't use their microphone or camera

Sometimes you'll find that your school pupils are unwilling or unable to use their microphones and cameras during a lesson.

There are two main reasons why this occurs. 

• First, technical reasons: some schools do not have the facilities to supply webcams for their pupils for MyTutor lessons. When it comes to microphones, however, schools are required to provide headsets for their pupils so all pupils should be able to hear you and talk to you. 
• Second, personal preferences: Some of the pupils on our schools programme are vulnerable or anxious, and may prefer not to use their webcams or microphones in their lessons with you.

So what should you do when a pupil isn’t using their mic or camera?

• Technical reasons: if a pupil doesn’t have access to a webcam, this is fine. Just continue to teach them as usual and always keep your own webcam turned on to help keep them engaged. If a pupil reports that they don’t have access to a microphone, ask them to check with their teacher or IT technician if they can have a headset. If one is not supplied, drop us an email at schools@mytutor.co.uk to let us know so that we can follow up with the school to check that their pupils have access to microphones.

• Personal preferences: if a pupil would prefer not to use their webcam, this is fine! Just continue to teach them with your own webcam turned on. If a pupil would prefer not to use their microphone, first, make sure they can still hear you so that you can still talk to them to keep the lesson engaging. If they can hear you, it is okay if they choose to reply using the chat box, however, it would be a good idea to gently encourage them to try chatting to you as your sessions progress.

Try to build a good relationship with your pupil over the course of your lessons with them. Over time, you may find that the pupil gains confidence and becomes more comfortable in your presence. Hopefully, the pupil will then start to engage fully with the technology.

Thank you for taking the time to support these pupils and help them learn. Your effort is hugely appreciated!