Install apps used for virtual class meetings
CTY courses use a virtual classroom to facilitate communication between instructors and students. Virtual classroom sessions may take place using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or both, depending on the activity. Students can access the virtual classroom from Windows or Mac computer, a tablet, or a smartphone (iOS or Android).
- Zoom: Use the free Zoom Desktop Client for computers or the Mobile App for handheld devices https://zoom.us/download
- Teams: While classrooms can be accessed using a supported browser, for full functionality, use the free Microsoft Teams app for computers or the Teams Mobile App for handheld devices https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app
Please install apps before class begins and ensure that any parental controls allow Zoom and Teams to function.
If you run into any difficulty and need to access your Zoom or Teams meeting via a supported browser, please try accessing the meeting link using an incognito or private browser window. Most students find that Chrome and Edge work best with our resources. Your instructor will provide the class meeting link.
Access Denied Errors
Students may encounter access issues when attempting to access class meetings with a web browser if the web browser has other Microsoft account information saved. If the class meeting automatically opens in a different browser profile or a Microsoft work account other than your K12 account, when attempting to join the meeting, you may get an “Access Denied,” “Ask to join,” or “Waiting for someone to let you in” message. Teams may show your name incorrectly, as a “guest” or an unrecognized participant.
Do the following to correct this:
- Sign out of all Microsoft accounts. Go to https://teams.microsoft.com and https://office.com. Sign out of any accounts by clicking your profile picture and choosing sign out
- Clear browser data (or use incognito/private mode if not using your personal device). Here’s how:
- In Chrome/Edge: Go to settings (ellipses icon in upper right) > Privacy > Clear browsing data
- Alternatively, open a private/incognito window for a clean login session
- Sign in with your CTY K12 account only. Use your K12 email address and password to login. Make sure Teams shows your correct name and K12 account in the upper-right corner
- Access meetings from the Teams calendar or class team
- Avoid accessing meeting links unless already signed into the correct account
- Best: Join from the calendar within the Teams desktop app or Teams web app after signing in properly with your K12 account