What is Zoom?
Zoom is a video communication tool similar to Skype or Google Hangouts. You can use it to conduct an online lesson, to communicate with friends and relatives and even join various events, such as birthday parties. For teachers, the free version of Zoom offers several useful features, including Zoom Virtual Backgrounds, the ability to organize lessons with up to 100 students, and allows students to signal the teacher wordlessly if they have a question, allowing students to interact in a virtual whiteboard, and collaborate on projects by making notes in documents on other students’ screens.
A limitation of the free version of Zoom is that it allows lessons to be only 40 minutes long. However, a paid version of Zoom – ideally managed by your school – would provide additional opportunities and control, including the removal of the 40-minute limit for an appointment. As with any new technology tool, it is important to consult with experts and the school board before you start using it. Also, you will need to make sure that parents give their consent to the use of Zoom and that they are fully aware of how to use it and what protection you have provided to students.
How does Zoom work?
You can use almost any device, including a Smartphone (as long as it has a camera) to download the Zoom app from the Zoom Download Center, from the Apple Store or Google Play. You can schedule a lesson using the app or when logging in with your account in a web browser. You enter the topic, date, time and other information, and then click on “Schedule” to create your lesson.
Provide the 11-digit meeting ID and / or link that students will join in your lesson. Before the lesson starts, it is always a good idea to open the Zoom software and test your camera and microphone, to make sure they are working to avoid technical surprises after you are live. Setting up of Virtual Zoom Backgrounds to avoid any distraction
Do my students need a Zoom account to use it in the classroom?
Typically, children do not need a Zoom account if they are simply joining a teacher-planned class (only meeting hosts need an account). However, teachers may limit the session to “authorized participants”, which requires participants to either register at Zoom or enter a password to enter the classroom. Restriction of participants is a useful security measure that prevents uninvited guests from entering a lesson. Please note that students under the age of 16 must not create their Zoom accounts under the terms of use of Zoom. It is best to talk to your school or district technology leaders to determine the best process for students to enter your Zoom meetings.
What are Zoom virtual wallpapers?
Instead of your messy bedroom as a background, you can use Commercial Backgrounds to make it look like you are talking from the Brigade Palace, or by the sea, and even from the world of Minecraft (if you do not know what Minecraft is, ask your students). Yes, it is possible.
You can change your wallpaper more or less with anything you want, including a video sis fond. (This feature does not always work perfectly, depending on the quality of the internet, the background behind you; a one-colour wallpaper is suggested for better quality). Teachers can disable this feature if it becomes distracting or students misuse it. We hope that these ideas will help all the teachers where they are.
