Using Zoom Outside Blackboard

Zoom Compatible Devices

• · Laptop/Desktop Computer (PC/Mac) — Recommended
• · Tablet (Apple iOS, Android)
• · Smartphone (Apple iOS, Android)

Scheduling a Zoom Meeting

Open the Zoom program, app, or website and click “Schedule Meeting.” For more information on scheduling a Zoom Meeting and sending invites, click here.

Preparing for a Zoom Meeting

 

Days Before

• · Remember to download and install the Zoom launcher (PC/Mac) or the app (iOS/Android) in advance, as it can take several minutes to complete.
• · Join a Zoom Test Meeting to confirm your computer or device’s capabilities.
• · In your test meeting, practice using the Zoom features listed below under “Choosing a View” and “The Zoom Menu.”

 

15 Minutes Before

• · Find a quiet space with strong WiFi that is free of distractions. You can test your internet connection speed by visiting Zoom’s suggested third-party bandwidth tester, Speedtest.
• · Open Zoom via the downloaded program or app.
• · Test your headphones, microphone, and camera to make sure the class can hear and see you (and vice versa):
  • · To test your microphone, click “Test Computer Mic & Speakers” in the pop-up window that appears when first opening a test meeting or beginning your scheduled meeting. More information on audio testing can be found here.
  • · To test your camera, just look at the Zoom window to see that you are clearly visible, non-pixelated, and can move and speak without noticeable delays. Click here for more video testing tips.
  • · You may need to give Zoom permission to access your camera and microphone beforehand. Typically, the request for permission will appear in a pop-up window the first time you open a Zoom Meeting, and will carry over to future meetings. If you declined permissions in the past, you will need to go into your PC or Mac’s settings to allow Zoom to access your camera and microphone. You can find information on the internet for your specific device.
• · Close any windows or programs open on your device that are unrelated to your meeting. This focuses your device’s power to provide the best Zoom meeting experience possible.

 

During the Zoom Meeting

• · Click Start Video to begin broadcasting from your webcam.
• · Click the Chat bubble to ask questions via text, share links to websites, and keep up with the meeting’s back-channel discussion. You can chat to everyone in the meeting or a specific person.
• · Find out who else is in the meeting by clicking Participants. This is also where you can “raise your hand” to ask a question, answer a question.
• · Be prepared to share your screen with the meeting. They can see the tabs you have open.
• · At the end of the meeting, click Leave Meeting.

Choosing a View

Views can be changed by hovering the mouse at the top right of the Zoom Meeting window and clicking the desired view. There are three views in Zoom:

• •  Speaker View: Focuses on the speaker.
• •  Gallery View: Shows all participants (up to 25 people). Use it when you feel like watching everyone.
• •  Fullscreen: Maximizes screen.

The Zoom Menu

The Zoom menu contains several features that can be used at any time throughout class meetings. For laptops, PCs, and Macs the menu can be found by hovering over the bottom of the Zoom window. In the Zoom app, the menu can be accessed by tapping the bottom of the app window.

• Mute: Silences and activates your microphone.
• Start/Stop Video: This allows you to start or stop your own video (click ^ next to Start/Stop Video): If you have multiple cameras on your computer, you can select which Zoom is using, access the full video controls, and select a Virtual Background.
• Invite: Lets you bring more people into the meeting.
• Manage Participants: Opens the Participants window.
• Share Screen: Allows you to share a variety of windows and applications. Participants can share views of their desktops and specific windows currently open on their computer, write on a digital whiteboard, and even share a screen directly from their iPhone or iPad. These features (and more) are outlined thoroughly here.
• Chat: Works like Facebook Messenger, but without the GIFs or stickers. You can send messages to everyone, just the meeting host, or a specific person.
• Record: If the host allows it, you can record and download 40 minutes’ worth of meeting time. More information on recording can be found here.
• End Meeting: Click this when you’re ready to exit the discussion.
• More (on the Zoom app): Allows you to raise your hand, and other features.

Zoom Etiquette and On-Camera Tips

Video chatting in a professional setting is a new experience for many students.  Use these tips to optimize your web meetings:

• · Getting clear video is a lot like taking a good selfie — it’s all about contrast. Light your face more brightly than the background to make it easier to see you.
• · Hold your head high in the picture frame. It conveys confidence.
• · Keep your clothing PG and professional.
• · Be yourself. Move physically and make facial expressions.
• · Microphones pick up all ambient noise, so keep your mic muted until it’s your time to speak.
• · Remember that when on-camera, other activities such as eating, drinking, shuffling papers, etc., are extremely distracting (and sometimes unflattering).
• · If you can’t use video, upload a nice profile image of your face to your Zoom Account. Give your classmates something to look at while you speak.
• · Have fun!

Zoom Help

• · View Zoom Support Center’s Getting Started Resources
• · Contact the WVU Parkersburg Help Desk.
• · Chat with Zoom Support online by going here and clicking Chat live underneath Support Process.
• · Call Zoom Support at +1.888.799.9666 ext 2 or +1.650.397.6096 ext 2.