> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.eskool.fr/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.eskool.fr/en/online-portal/online-classes/how-it-works.md).

# How Online Classes Work

Online classes come with eSkool and are **ready to use**. There is nothing to switch on, no account to create, and no separate video app for teachers or students to install.

* Everyone joins from the timetable in one click
* No sign-ups, no passwords, no links to share
* Classes open inside eSkool, with no meeting time limit

***

## Joining a Class

Teachers and students find their online classes on the **Timetable** ([eskool.fr/portal/academic/calendar](https://eskool.fr/portal/academic/calendar)):

* Shortly before a class starts (about an hour ahead), a **Join** button appears on the class.
* Clicking it opens the class inside eSkool—camera preview first, then the classroom with chat, screen sharing and a raise-hand button.
* Teachers automatically get moderator controls; students join as participants.

You schedule classes the same way you always have. See [Schedule a Class](/en/daily-tasks/timetable/course.schedule.md).

## Checking That Everything Is Ready

Open the left menu and go to **Communication** > **Conferencing**—or go straight to [eskool.fr/portal/organization/conferencing](https://eskool.fr/portal/organization/conferencing).

The page shows what your classes are using. Out of the box, eSkool's own service is **In use**. If your school has added its own video service on top, that one takes precedence and eSkool's sits **On standby**, ready to take over again if the other is removed.

> If you don't see **Communication** in the menu, online messaging features aren't turned on for your school yet. Contact eSkool support.

## School Network Checklist

Video travels directly between your devices and the meeting servers. On most home and mobile connections there is nothing to do. If your **school's firewall** is strict, ask your network administrator to allow:

* **HTTPS (port 443)** to `8x8.vc`, `*.8x8.vc`, `8x8.com`, `*.8x8.com`, `jitsi.net` and `*.jitsi.net` — required. A network that only allows this still works, with a small quality cost.
* **UDP port 10000 outbound** — recommended. This gives noticeably better video and audio quality.

## What to Do If...

**Teachers or students can't find the Join button**

The **Join** button only shows from about an hour before the class until an hour after it ends. Check the class time, and make sure you're on the right day in the **Timetable**.

**Video is choppy or won't start on the school network**

Share the [School Network Checklist](#school-network-checklist) above with your network administrator—strict firewalls are the usual cause.

**The Conferencing page says online classes aren't available**

Online classes haven't been enabled for your school's plan yet—contact eSkool support.

## Tips

💡 There is nothing to set up: if you do nothing, classes just work.

💡 The **Join** button appears on its own—teachers never need to create a meeting or send a link.

## Related Topics

* [Schedule a Class](/en/daily-tasks/timetable/course.schedule.md)