Zoom FAQ

Like a car or a refrigerator, you can use Zoom, without having to ‘learn’ about all its bells and whistles.

No, but if you don’t have it, the first time you join a session, the free Zoom app will automatically download into your device.

No, the free version is all you need to take an ALL course.

Zoom is the software that many schools, colleges and universities are using for online teaching. It is considered to have a high level of security measures built into the system. 

No. ALL policy does not permit recording of classes.

Sort of. Zoom is best viewed on a PC with a monitor. If that’s the device you used to download the Zoom app, that is where you will need to return for each session.

Yes, but the Zoom icons may be in locations that differ from their locations on a PC. Also, on a smaller screen, only a limited number of class participants can appear at the same time in the Gallery setting.  In the Gallery setting, move cursor to the left or right to bring ‘missing’ participants into view.

Yes, but the visual is less desirable on a tiny screen.  If this is your only option, work with a coach (see below) to check out the options.

No.

That’s up to you. Some instructors will send out notes or ‘handouts’ ahead of class, which you can read on screen or make copies of, whichever you prefer.

Yes.

Yes. Access to the Zoom class session will open in the Waiting Room 15 minutes before the Instructor starts class, and will extend 15 minutes after the instructor is finished. During those periods, all participants will be unmuted for chatting with each other.

Yes. Point your cursor to a corner of your picture and RIGHT click to get a small menu of options.  Click on Rename to get a box where you can type in a new name. Click Enter to close, and your new name label should be showing.

Yes. When you are joining, you will be prompted to Join with video. Choose to join without video. Instead of a picture box, your box will only show your name on a black background. You will still be able to participate, ask questions, etc.

Yes. When you are joining, you will be prompted to Join with video. Choose to join without video. Instead of a picture box, your box will only show your name on a black background. You will still be able to participate, ask questions, etc.

To modify your background, you can either tilt or move your computer screen, OR do a little rearranging in your room. I hide my untidiness with all of the above. Check your success outside of class time by turning on your computer’s camera and reversing the focus to show how you and your room appear on the screen.

The lighting in your room is important. Be sure that light is coming from in front of you, not behind you, which puts your face into shadow. Either close the shades of any window behind you, or move your computer around so that the light is on your face instead of on your back. It might also help to move a lamp in front of you (behind the monitor screen).

The course Facilitator will mute all class participants at the beginning of class to minimize distracting background noise. S/He will explain the procedure for comments or questions at that time.

Move your cursor around the edge of the screen to locate an icon showing up as Gallery. Click on that to get everyone on your screen in their picture boxes. When someone is speaking, his/her picture box will be highlighted. Note that if your screen is small (like on an ipad), not everyone’s picture may appear.  To see the ‘missing’ pictures, use your cursor to move to the right or left.

From Gallery view (where everyone’s image is onscreen), change to Speaker view. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to locate Speaker view icon. Click on that to see only the person speaking.

Use the volume controls on your device to change the sound volume.

Move your cursor around the edge of the screen to find a video icon, which might have a line across it. Click on that icon to start your video showing.

No, but it is good etiquette to turn off your video and be sure that you are muted while you’re away. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to find the video icon.  Click there to turn it off. You will still be able to see and hear the class. (OR, put a sticky note over your computer’s camera lens.)

You may have an unstable internet connection, which might clear up on its own. On the other hand, if the connection is completely dropped, go back to the original invitation message with a link to the class and re-join.

Yes. However, these activities can be distracting to other participants, so it is good class etiquette to turn off your video, and be sure you are muted. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to find the video icon.  Click there to turn it off. You will still be able to see and hear the class. [OR, you can put a sticky note over your camera.]

Yes. Send your email request for a coach to Michou. Be sure to mention what kind of device you will be using so that she can refer you to a proper coach.

Yes, LOTS of them, and many are quite helpful. The official online tutorials can be found at https://zoom.us/resources. Many unofficial ones are also available on YouTube. Some of these are better than others.