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In recent times since the outbreak of the novel coronalvirus, many people are relying on video conferencing tools like Google Meet, Skype and Whatsapp to stay connected while remaining at home.
One of these teleconferencing tools that has become more popular in the midst of these all is an app called Zoom.
Zoom is a video-chatting tool similar to Skype and Google Hangouts.
Like Skype, it can be used for online tuition; it can also be used for visiting friends and relatives virtually, zoom can also be used for joining remote events like birthday parties.
The basic, free version of Zoom offers lots of options, such as the ability to wordlessly signal to the teacher that you have a question, brainstorm on a virtual whiteboard, and collaborate on projects by annotating documents on other students’ screens.
There are multiple ways to join a Zoom meeting.
Typically, students don’t need a Zoom account if they’re just joining a class scheduled by the teacher.
However, teachers can restrict the session to “authorized attendees,” which requires participants either to log in to Zoom or enter a password in order to join the class.
Your teacher will give you the best direction on this.
However, here are three simple ways a student can join zoom on a meeting:
Enter your meeting ID. This is the number associated with an instant or scheduled meeting from your teacher. The meeting ID can be a 9, 10 or 11-digit number, and enter your display name. You do NOT need to be signed in to Zoom. Your meeting will work without having your own sign in. Select your computer audio and click JOIN.
In your web browser, type in “join.zoom.us”. Enter in your MEETING ID provided by your teacher. Click JOIN. When asked if you want to open
“Zoom.us” click ALLOW or OPEN LINK.
Click the JOIN LINK in your email or calendar invitation. Depending on your default web browser, you may be prompted to open Zoom.
Before a session, it’s always a good idea to open the Zoom software and test your webcam and microphone to make sure they’re working to avoid technical surprises once you’re live. You can also test your internet connection by joining a test meeting.
Rules In A Meeting
Besides just voice-chatting, Zoom gives kids plenty of tools to interact with each other and the teacher, work together, and even break off into smaller groups — just as if they were sitting with each other in a classroom.
But if teachers don’t need these capabilities for class, or if they’re causing problems, they can all be turned off.
Here’s just a sampling of what you can do if these features are enabled:
Share screen on zoom
Zoom screen share allow the student and even the entire class to view one person’s computer screen. Students can even annotate a document on another kid’s computer. Teachers can restrict this so only their screen can be shared.
Zoom Whiteboard
The whiteboard on zoom is a brainstorming tool that lets kids toss ideas around, such as for a group project.
Zoom Breakout rooms
The breakout rooms in zoom allow the teacher to divide students up into smaller groups, and then bring the entire class back together.
Raise hand, clap, disagree, speed up, slow down. These are icons kids can use to: let the teacher know they have a question or comment, react to something, or ask the teacher to talk faster or slower.
Chat with the group
Kids can send a message to the entire class.
Zoom Private chat
Zoom private chat is just like passing notes. Kids can send direct, personal messages to other kids in the class. The teacher can’t view private chats between students.
Zoom Virtual Backgrounds
Do you know that you can make your bedroom look like you’re calling in from a beautiful place? That’s right: You can change your background to literally anything you wish, including video. Teachers can turn off this feature if it becomes distracting or students misuse it.
While virtual backgrounds are fun, there’s a legitimate reason some students would want to disguise their actual setting. One of the unintended consequences of virtual learning is it highlights socioeconomic differences by giving kids an intimate view of other kids’ living conditions.
Zoom Settings
Zoom was originally intended to be used in business settings, where most folks try their best to act professionally.
Kids need guidance.
That’s why it’s really important for both teachers and students to know the best settings and features to use to boost learning and minimize disruption.
Teachers can prevent Zoombombing, for example, by requiring participants to register for the meeting or use a password, and by disabling screen sharing.
Here are a few key settings for keeping the peace in class.
Random meeting ID. Though you can use the same meeting ID for every class, Zoom recommends teachers use random meeting IDs (which is an option when they’re creating the invitation). It’s less convenient, but it’s more secure.
Mute. Participants can — and should — mute themselves when they’re not speaking. But the teacher can also mute students individually or all at once.
Chat. The teacher can control whether students can chat publicly and privately.
Disable video. As a participant, you can join the meeting with audio only and then turn on the video once you’re ready. Teachers can also disable an individual participant’s video.
Nonverbal feedback. These optional little icons let students raise their hands, give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, and even let the teacher know they need a break, all without interrupting the class.
Lock the meeting. Remember when your stickler-for-punctuality algebra teacher used to lock the classroom door after the bell rang? Teachers can lock a Zoom meeting, so no one else can enter until the teacher personally approves them.
Waiting rooms. This is like a lobby or a velvet rope at a club: Participants are held in a virtual room, and the teacher admits them one by one to make sure no scofflaws gain access.
Turn off file transfer. Students can share memes, GIFs, and even quiz answers through the chat — unless the teacher disables this feature.
Conclusion
One way that teachers will be able to communicate with students during this school closure is to use Zoom.
Is your child using zoom to connect with teachers online?
Share with us how you are using this zoom for tuition from home.
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