When you join Sherpa, your priority will be to meet with some tutors before deciding who to have lessons with. All free introduction meetings take place in the same online classroom where you have lessons.

To avoid unnecessary delays or interruptions, it's important to make sure that the device you join the classroom with is set up correctly before meeting a new tutor or starting paid lessons.

You should not use a mobile phone to join the classroom if other devices are available, even for an introduction. Sherpa on mobile is only suitable for messaging tutors and managing bookings.

First, you must be logged in to your Sherpa account. Then click your profile picture icon in the top right of the page, and select the option 'Demo Whiteboard' to launch your own private Sherpa classroom to practice in. See the animation below for help.

To test that your audio and video feeds can connect during a lesson, click the red button at the bottom right of the classroom labelled 'Start Video'. This will show you the device setup screen where you can choose the inputs for video and audio as well as your audio output (speakers).

Usually, built-in microphones and webcams are selected automatically, but you may want to choose a particular device to use for lessons like a plug-in headset. If one doesn't seem to work, try any other options available on your device.

If you see yourself and see the green bar moving when you talk, then everything is connected correctly. Don't forget to click 'Test Speakers' too so you are sure you will be able to hear your tutor.

You can troubleshoot any problems you have by clicking on the gear icon > Troubleshooting in the right-hand side menu.

You should be ready for your lesson when you get the message "Everything looks good!".

If any errors do show up, use our helpful guide to see if there is an easy fix. The first thing you should try is refreshing the classroom page! For everything else, check our troubleshooting guide or contact Sherpa support.
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Someone will be available to respond within a few minutes from Monday to Friday during the hours of 9am to 5:30pm (excluding national holidays).

You can also always call 01628 337 590 if you'd rather speak on the phone.