Welcome to your Digital Induction
Here you’ll find short videos and step-by-step guides to help you use the digital tools you’ll need for your course.
Work through the guides at your own pace. You can return to this page whenever you need a reminder.
You can ask for help in your first language.
Digital learning videos
In these videos, we’ll show you how you can use Microsoft apps to sign in to your LWETB account, check your LWETB email, join your classes, and more.
Choose where you’d like to begin.
Using Microsoft 365
Using Microsoft Teams
Using Moodle
Accessibility Tools
Netiquette
More Learner information
Take a look at some of the important documents and policies that support your learner journey.
1. Learner Charter
The Learner Charter is where you can read about what you – as a learner – can expect from us, and what we expect from you.
For example, from LWETB you can expect: “A learning environment and resources that supports and stimulates learners and enables them to realise their full potential.”
2. Learner Handbook
The Learner Handbook tells you all about LWETB, your qualifications and learner journey, assessments, and more.
3. Learner Policies and Procedures
Here, you can read up on the policies and procedures that relate to you during your time as a learner with us.
For example, our Reasonable Accommodations policy.
📖 Read Learner Policies and Procedures
Welcome to your Digital Induction
Here you’ll find short videos and step-by-step guides to help you use the digital tools you’ll need for your course.
Work through the guides at your own pace. You can return to this page whenever you need a reminder.
You can ask for help in your first language.
Using Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 has a collection of apps where most of your online learning activity will take place – for example, Microsoft Teams.
In the videos below, we’ll be using Microsoft apps through a web browser (Microsoft Edge).
If you’d like to download Microsoft 365 on your device, you can do so by clicking on a download link below:
💻 How to sign in to your Microsoft 365 account
Watch: How to sign in to your Microsoft 365 account
Read: How to sign in to your Microsoft 365 account
Click on each button below to see the steps.
Step 1:
Open a web browser. We recommend Microsoft Edge.
Step 2:
In the address bar at the top, type in ‘Microsoft 365 sign in‘.
Step 3:
Click on the result with the address ‘https://www.office.com‘. You’ll then be brought to the sign-in screen.
Step 4:
On the sign in screen, enter your LWETB email and click ‘Next‘.
Step 5:
Enter your LWETB password and click ‘Sign in‘.
Step 6:
If you are using your own personal laptop or device, you can choose ‘Yes’ when asked to ‘Stay signed in‘.
If you are using someone else’s device, choose ‘No’.
📧How to sign in to your Microsoft Outlook email account
Watch: How to sign in to your Microsoft email account
Read: How to sign in to your Microsoft email account
Step 1:
From the Microsoft 365 homepage, look for the Outlook icon or click on the 9 dots in the top left area of the screen: 𓃑
Step 2:
Once you’re logged in, click ‘Inbox‘ to see your messages.
Step 3:
Click on a message to view it. New messages are written in bold font.
Tip:
Check your email regularly – at least once a day – and especially before a class begins.
Using Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is where your online classes will take place.
Finding your class in Teams
Watch: Finding your class in Teams
Read: Finding your class in Teams
Step 1:
From the Microsoft 365 homepage, look for the Teams icon or click on the 9 dots in the top left area of the screen to find it: 𓃑
Step 2:
Check that you’re signed in using your LWETB account. To do this, click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen, and check your email address.
Step 3:
Look at the left hand side menu, which can include Activity, Chat, Teams, Assignments.
Step 4:
Click on ‘Teams‘ from the left hand side menu. You’ll now see the classes you’re enrolled in.
Step 5:
Click once on your class.
Step 6:
Click the ‘General‘ channel to see if there are any announcements, posts, or important class information from your educator.
Step 7:
There are a few different places your upcoming online classes may appear. In the ‘General‘ channel, under Calendar, or as a Post by your educator.
If you don’t see your class yet, it may appear closer to your start date.
How to join a Teams call
Watch: How to join a Teams call
Read: How to join a Teams call
Step 1:
From the Microsoft 365 homepage, look for the Teams icon or click on the 9 dots in the top left area of the screen: 𓃑
Step 2:
Check that you’re signed in using your LWETB account. To do this, click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen, and check your email address.
Step 3:
Find your meeting. On the left hand-side menu, click ‘Calendar‘. If your meeting is scheduled, it should appear inside the calendar.
Step 4:
Click on the meeting and select ‘Join‘.
Step 5:
This is the pre-join screen. Here you can check your camera, microphone, and speaker options.
Step 6:
When you’re ready, select ‘Join Now‘.
Step 7:
If you see a message saying ‘Someone will let you in when the meeting starts’, just wait and you will join your meeting soon.
Tip:
It’s good practice to enter meetings with your microphone turned off. You can turn it on inside the meeting if you need to speak.
Checking your camera, microphone, and speakers
Watch: Checking your camera, microphone, and speakers
Read: Checking your camera, microphone, and speakers
Step 1:
On the pre-join screen, you’ll see a camera control.
If your camera is turned on, you should see a preview of yourself.
If you don’t see an image:
- check that nothing is covering the camera
- make sure another application isn’t already using it
- and confirm that Teams has permission to access your camera if it has asked for that permission.
Step 2:
Look for the microphone control.
Speak a few words.
Some versions of Teams display a small indicator that moves when your microphone detects sound.
If you don’t see any activity:
- check that your microphone isn’t muted
- confirm your headset is plugged in properly if you’re using one
- or select a different microphone if more than one is available.
Step 3:
Make sure you’ll be able to hear your tutor.
Select the audio settings if they’re available.
Teams may offer a Test speaker option.
If it does, play the test sound.
If you hear it clearly, your speakers are working.
If you don’t hear anything:
- increase the volume on your device
- check your headphones are connected
- or select a different speaker from the available list.
Step 4:
Once you’re happy that everything is working, select ‘Join now’.
Remember:
It’s best practice to enter your class with your microphone muted.
Using Moodle
Some classes use Moodle for course activities and resources.
Your educator will let you know whether you need to use Microsoft Teams, Moodle, or both.
🔗When you have your LWETB email and password, you can log in to Moodle here.
How to sign in to your Moodle account
Watch: How to sign in to your Moodle account
Read: How to sign in to your Moodle account
Tap each button below to see the steps.
Step 1:
In your web browser (we recommend Microsoft Edge), enter athlone.etbonline.ie into the address bar at the top of the screen.
Step 2:
On the Moodle page, Select the Log in button at the top right of the screen.
Step 3:
Enter your LWETB email address and password. You will receive these when you are first registered as a student. Select ‘Log in‘.
Step 4:
If you are asked to enter a code, go to your LWETB email in Outlook, get the code, and type it in on the Moodle page.
Step 5:
Spend a few minutes to explore your Moodle homepage.
How to find your Course on Moodle
Watch: How to find your Course on Moodle
Read: How to find your Course on Moodle
Step 1:
Sign in to Moodle with your LWETB email account at athlone.etbonline.ie.
Step 2:
On the Moodle homepage, select ‘Courses‘ from the menu. Here you’ll see the list of courses you’re enrolled in.
Step 3:
Click once on your Course and the Course Homepage will open.
Step 4:
Take a few minutes to explore. See if your educator has added any activities or resources – you could see a Welcome message, a Course Plan, or a list of weekly topics.
Accessibility features in Microsoft
Did you know? If you prefer to listen than to read, Microsoft Word’s Immersive Reader can read your documents out loud to you.
Did you know? During a Teams class, you can use captions to follow what your educator is saying in real time.
Watch the videos below to learn how to use these features and other useful tools.
Using Immersive Reader in Microsoft Teams
Watch: Using Immersive Reader in Microsoft Word
Read: Using Immersive Reader in Microsoft Word
Tap each button below to see the steps.
Step 1:
Open your Word document.
Step 2:
To have Word read your document aloud, click View and then select Immersive Reader, if available in your version of Word. Select ‘Read Aloud‘.
Step 3:
In Immersive Reader, use the options to change the Text preferences, such as spacing and page colour.
You can also use Line Focus to concentrate on one or a few lines at a time.
Accessibility features in Teams
Watch: Accessibility features in Teams
Read: Accessibility features in Teams
Step 1:
Join a Teams meeting.
Feature 1: Captions
To turn on captions, click More, then select Language and speech and choose Show live captions.
You’ll now see spoken words displayed on screen as people talk.
Feature 2: Screen Reader
If you use a screen reader, Teams supports screen-reader navigation.
You can move around chats, channels and meetings using your keyboard and screen reader.
Feature 3: Keyboard shortcuts
To see available keyboard shortcuts, press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘.’ on Windows or ‘Cmd’+ ‘.’ on Mac, or open the Teams settings and look for Keyboard shortcuts.
Feature 4: Raise Hand
If you want to speak or ask a question, click Raise hand. Your teacher will be able to see that you want to contribute.
When you’ve finished speaking, click Raise hand again to lower your hand.
Feature 5: Reactions
You can also use reactions to respond quickly without interrupting the class.
Click React and choose an option, such as a thumbs up (👍) or applause (👏).
Feature 6: Background
To change your background, click More and select Video effects and settings
Choose a background from the available options, or simply ‘Blur’ your background to remove distractions.
Netiquette - Being respectful online
Netiquette is the set of rules and guidelines for polite, respectful, and responsible behavior in online communication.
Practicing netiquette is key for creating a respectful, safe, and effective online environment.
Netiquette - Being respectful online
Watch: Netiquette - Being respectful online
Read: Netiquette - Being respectful online
Tap each button below to see the steps.
Netiquette
How to communicate respectfully in an online class is sometimes called netiquette.
Just like in a face-to-face classroom, there are rules and expectations in an online classroom.
Good online behaviour helps classes run smoothly. It reduces distractions and makes it easier for everyone to take part.
Remember, there is a real person behind every screen.
1. Join your class on time
Try to join your Teams class five to ten minutes before it starts.
This gives you time to check your microphone, camera and internet connection.
If you’re running late, join the meeting quietly and avoid interrupting the class.
2. Keep your microphone muted
Background noise can make it hard for everyone to hear.
Conversations, televisions, traffic, pets and typing can all be picked up by your microphone.
When you join a class, keep your microphone muted unless you’re speaking.
When your tutor asks you to speak:
- unmute your microphone,
- speak clearly,
- then mute your microphone again when you’re finished.
This small habit makes a big difference.
3. Use your camera appropriately
Your tutor will let you know if cameras should be on or off.
Some classes encourage cameras because they help learners connect with each other. In other classes, cameras may not be needed.
If you use your camera:
- sit in a well-lit area,
- make sure your face can be seen clearly,
- be aware of what can be seen in the background,
- avoid moving around while your camera is on.
If you can’t use your camera, that’s okay. Follow your tutor’s guidance and let them know if needed.
4. Take part respectfully
We all learn better when everyone feels comfortable taking part.
If you want to ask a question, use the method your tutor recommends.
This might be:
- raising your hand in Teams,
- using the meeting chat,
- waiting for a suitable pause,
- speaking when invited.
Avoid talking over other learners.
Give everyone a chance to speak.
And remember, there are no silly questions. If you’re unsure about something, other learners may be wondering the same thing.
5. Use the chat responsibly
The meeting chat is useful for asking questions, sharing links and responding to activities.
Keep your messages relevant to the lesson.
Avoid private conversations, repeated messages or comments that may distract others.
Before you send a message, ask yourself:
“Does this help the learning taking place?”
If the answer is yes, it’s probably appropriate.
6. Be respectful to everyone
Your online classroom should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Treat others with kindness and respect, even when you have different opinions.
Avoid offensive language, inappropriate jokes or comments that could upset others.
Remember that written messages can be misunderstood because people cannot hear your tone of voice.
If you’re not sure how a message might sound to someone else, take a moment to rewrite it before sending.
7. Respect privacy
Online classes are for the learners and staff involved in the course.
Do not share:
- meeting links,
- class recordings,
- screenshots,
- personal information from the class.
Always ask permission first.
Respecting privacy helps create trust within the group.
8. Reduce distractions
If possible, join your class from a quiet place.
Close any apps or programmes you don’t need during the lesson.
Silence notifications on your phone and other devices.
Giving the lesson your full attention will help you get the most from your learning.
9. If something goes wrong
Technology doesn’t always work perfectly.
If you lose your internet connection or have a technical problem:
- don’t panic,
- try to reconnect,
- rejoin the meeting if needed,
- let your tutor know if you’ve missed an important part of the lesson.
Technical problems happen to everyone from time to time, and your tutor will understand.
Recap on Netiquette
1. Join your class a few minutes early.
2. Keep your microphone muted unless you’re speaking.
3. Follow your tutor’s guidance about using your camera.
4. Take part respectfully and give others a chance to speak.
5. Use the chat for learning-related conversations.
6. Respect the privacy of your classmates and tutors.
7. Reduce distractions where possible.
8. Be patient and supportive of others.
More Learner information
1. Learner Charter
The Learner Charter is where you can read about what you – as a learner – can expect from us, and what we expect from you.
For example, from LWETB you can expect: “A learning environment and resources that supports and stimulates learners and enables them to realise their full potential.”
2. Learner Handbook
The Learner Handbook tells you all about LWETB, your qualifications and learner journey, assessments, and more.
3. Learner Policies and Procedures
Here, you can read up on the policies and procedures that relate to you during your time as a learner with us.
For example, our Reasonable Accommodations policy.
📖 Read Learner Policies and Procedures
