A stable internet connection is essential for a smooth, interactive online lesson. Issues like freezing video, poor audio, or disconnections can happen on either the teacher's or the student's side. If you experience these problems, here are clear steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve the connection on your end.
Step 1: Before Your Lesson Begins (Quick Checks)
Taking these simple steps 5 minutes before your lesson can prevent most common issues.
Restart Your Computer: This is the single most effective step to resolve many performance issues. It clears your computer's memory and gives you a fresh start.
Close Unnecessary Applications: Shut down any programs or browser tabs that you are not using for the lesson. Apps like video streaming services (Netflix, YouTube), online games, and large file downloads consume significant bandwidth.
Check Your Audio and Video Source: In Zoom, make sure you have selected the correct microphone and camera. You can test them using Zoom’s audio and video settings before the lesson starts.
Step 2: Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal
Your physical location relative to your Wi-Fi router has a huge impact on quality.
Move Closer to Your Router: The simplest way to get a stronger signal is to be in the same room as your Wi-Fi router. If that's not possible, try to be no more than one room away. Each wall between you and the router can weaken the signal.
Elevate Your Router: Avoid placing your router on the floor or behind furniture. Placing it on a desk or shelf allows the signal to travel more freely.
Restart Your Router: If you haven't done so in a while, unplug your router from power for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This can resolve many underlying connection problems.
Step 3: For Persistent Issues
If you've tried the steps above and still face problems, consider these more advanced solutions.
Use a Wired Ethernet Connection: This is the gold standard for reliability. If your computer has an Ethernet port, plugging it directly into your router with a cable will provide the fastest and most stable connection possible, eliminating Wi-Fi interference completely.
Check Your Wi-Fi Band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz): Many modern routers automatically switch between bands for you. However, if you see two separate Wi-Fi networks with the same name (one often ending in "-5G"):
5 GHz is faster and better if you are in the same room as the router.
2.4 GHz has a longer range and is better if you are one or more rooms away.
Run a Speed Test: Use a free online service like Speedtest.net. For a stable video lesson, we recommend at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed. If your numbers are much lower, it may be an issue with your internet plan.
When to Contact Your Teacher or Provider
If you have followed these steps and your speed test results are good, the issue might not be on your end. Please inform your teacher immediately. Our teachers will also run a check on their end. If the problem persists across multiple lessons, it may be time to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to inquire about issues in your area or to discuss upgrading your plan.