Attending an online activity or event will:
help you connect with other people
mean you can still learn, chat and share
more than likely, be free
To watch a pre-recorded event
a PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone
access to wifi
To contribute to a live event
a PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone with an in-built camera and microphone
access to wifi
a quiet room
If you’re new to the internet or need a reminder of how to access things online, there are short courses you can do.
You can try courses that cover the basics including using the internet and using search engines at BT.com.
There are lots of activities and events you can take part in. You can:
get ideas from our How to stay healthy and entertained at home guide
google search
Many groups across the UK are putting their activities or events online.
If you regularly attend a local group, activity or event, the organiser may have sent you an email with details of how to access it online.
You’ll either be able to:
view a recording of the event immediately
sign up to attend a live stream of an activity or event. This will mean that the organiser includes a link in the email or social media message they’ve sent you that allows you join at a specific time and date
The activity or event will either be:
a closed group which means that only people who are invited will be able to access the link
available for anyone to attend, with the link publicly viewable in an event listing
It can be hard to hear with distractions so try and find a room away from other people in your home.
You’ll need a room with a bit of space if the activity or event involves physical activity. For example: a yoga or keep fit class
On the date and time that the activity or event is due to take place, select the link that you’ve been sent by the event organiser.
You might be asked to type your name in before you can join.
You’ll be asked whether you want to connect your camera and microphone. Connecting both means you’ll be able to speak to other guests during the activity or event, and they’ll be able to see you.
You can also turn the camera and microphone off at any point. If you do this you’ll still be able to see and hear the person who is running the activity or event. They just won’t be able to see or hear you. If you have trouble accessing the event try:
unjoining the event and joining again using the same link
looking for a way to send an online message – a lot of streaming services have a messaging option which alerts the other people who are there
It can be hard for the organiser to know if people enjoyed the event and to get any feedback about what worked and what didn’t. It can encourage them to do future events if you let them know what you thought.
try not to talk when other people are talking
if you’re in a busy environment ‘mute’ your microphone when you’re not talking
if you need to speak to someone you live with, ‘mute’ your microphone
introduce yourself when you start speaking
speak clearly
BT: video conferencing etiquette
Tips on how to be courteous online
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