Zoom User Guide

How do students use Zoom?

What can Zoom be used for?

Zoom can be used to do many things outside of a regular classroom. Try using Zoom to...

  • Meet with group members for projects and assignments
  • Work on homework with classmates
  • Record a presentation
  • Schedule online tutoring
  • Host a meeting for a club or organization

What devices can I use Zoom on?

  • Laptop/computer (PC/Mac) - recommended
  • Tablet (Apple iOS, Android)
  • Smartphone (Apple iOS, Android)

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.
  • Review Zoom instructions via the external Zoom link found in Canvas. More information can also be found at Zoom's Getting Started page.
  • Join a Zoom Test Meeting to confirm your computer or device's capabilities.

15 Minutes Before

  • Find a quiet space with strong WiFi that is free of distractions.
  • Open Zoom via the downloaded program, app, or Canvas.
  • Test your headphones, microphone, and camera to make sure the class can hear and see you (and vice versa).
  • 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, and prevents potential embarrassing moments if you happen to share your screen. Do you really want your instructor to know how many cat videos you actually watch?

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 class's back-channel discussion. You can chat to everyone in the meeting, just the instructor, 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, or start an intense philosophical debate. What you do with this power is up to you.
  • Be prepared to share your screen with the class. They can see the tabs you have open.
  • At the end of the class, click Leave Meeting.

No matter how many people are in a meeting, there's probably someone watching your video at all times. It could be your instructor. It could be your classmate's dog. Doing something embarrassing or distracting, like flossing, eating, or using your camera to see if you have food in your teeth will probably be seen, no matter how quickly you do it. Don't be that person.

Zoom On-Camera Tips

  • 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.
  • Have fun!