Zoom Tips

ZOOM Cheat Sheet for Beginners if you’ve never or rarely use ZOOM, here are a few easy steps to get you started.

What is ZOOM?
Zoom is an on-line, internet-based, videoconferencing software. https://www.zoom.us/

What do I need to join a Zoom meeting?
– Laptop, tablet or smartphone, preferably with a web camera
– Internet connection (WiFi or wired)
– An email invitation from the meeting organizer If you’re accessing Zoom from an iPad/Tablet or cell phone, you’ll first need to download the ZOOM App onto your device from the App Store. You DO NOT need to create an account to join a ZOOM meeting. (A basic Zoom account is free, FYI.)

From the hyperlink in your email invite:
1. Click on the hyperlink in the email, your web browser will open, and take you directly into the Zoom meeting. [Hyperlinks are underlined and begin with the letters ‘https’]
2. You may need to click on [open.zoom.us], especially the first time you use Zoom
3. Click “Join with Computer Audio”

Tips once in a ZOOM meeting:
– If you see: “Waiting for Host to Start this Meeting,” just wait for them to join.
– If a password is asked for, it will be in the email from the meeting organizer.
– Adjust your camera to center your face on the screen so people can see you properly.
– Your microphone and camera ON/OFF icons are in the bottom left corner of the screen.
– Click on Participants at the bottom center of the screen to see others in the meeting.
– Please keep yourself on Mute unless speaking. Be respectful when others are talking.
– If you are in a class or seminar – leave your camera ON to facilitate conversation and learning.
– Find a private space and/or use headphones to prevent background noise like kids, music, pets (though pets do like to stop by and wave and that’s ok) and to protect the privacy of our conversation
– The CHAT button at the bottom of the screen allows you type a message to participants or to share resources and links.

Here’s a great primer from Wirecutter on how to add virtual backgrounds and other fun stuff:

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/use-zoom-like-a-pro/