Setup Masterclass for Online Teachers
Experts worldwide agree that the novel coronavirus has permanently transformed the education sector. Teachers became true superheroes, going above and beyond to ensure uninterrupted learning via online channels, with Zoom undeniably becoming a favored platform.
Zoom, an easily accessible online platform, has proven itself an effective medium to simulate a classroom atmosphere, incorporating educators and students onto one interface. This comprehensive guide is set to equip you with an in-depth understanding of setting up and efficiently using Zoom for online teaching.
PART 1: CREATING A ZOOM ACCOUNT
Step 1: Downloading and Installing Zoom
Consider your device; whether it be a computer or mobile device, you can download Zoom from the official website or respective app store. After downloading, open the application and select ‘Sign Up’ to get started.
Step 2: Account Creation
Fill in your details: email, full name and password. Zoom will send a confirmation message to your email. Click the link in this email to confirm your account.
Step 3: Setting Up Your Profile
After confirmation, set up your profile. Add a professional profile picture and update any necessary information in ‘Profile Settings’ to introduce yourself better to students.
PART 2: SCHEDULING YOUR ONLINE CLASS
Step 1: Scheduling a Meeting
To conduct an online class, host a Zoom meeting. Click on ‘Schedule a Meeting’ at the top of the page. You’ll then need to fill in several meeting parameters.
Step 2: Meeting Parameters
The ‘Topic’ becomes the name of your class, and suitably, could be the subject you’re teaching. A ‘Description’ isn’t compulsory but can provide students insight into class content. For ‘When’, select the class’s date and time. For the duration, estimate how long the class could take whilst acknowledging Zoom provides 40 minutes for basic, free plan users. Enable ‘Video’ for both host and participant to encourage active participation.
Step 3: Meeting ID and Security
Opt for a ‘Personal Meeting ID’ if you want a persistent, reusable ID for recurring classes. Use ‘Meeting Password’ for added security. Make sure it is unique and easily shareable with students. ‘Enable Waiting Room’ under ‘Advanced Options’ lets you control attendees as they join.
PART 3: INVITING STUDENTS TO YOUR CLASS
After scheduling the meeting, you can invite students to join. Click ‘Copy the invitation’, then paste and send via email or learning management software. They will receive the link, date, time, and password needed to join the class.
PART 4: UTILIZING ZOOM FEATURES FOR TEACHING
Step 1: Screen Sharing
Screen sharing allows you to present documents, presentations, or entire screens to your class. Click ‘Share Screen’ button on the Zoom toolbar, then choose what you’d like to share: entire desktop, specific app, whiteboard, etc.
Step 2: Annotation Tools
While sharing your screen, use annotation tools for highlighting or drawing directly onto the shared screen for better emphasis. Click ‘Annotate’ on the ‘Meeting Controls’ to access a variety of these tools.
Step 3: Recording
Recording your class could be beneficial for those unable to attend the class live. Click ‘Record’ on the toolbar to start recording. These can be automatically or manually saved to your device or Cloud.
Step 4: Breakout Rooms
Breakout rooms are sub-meeting areas for dividing large classes into smaller groups for group tasks. Click ‘Breakout Rooms’ in the toolbar, decide how many rooms you want then assign students manually or automatically.
PART 5: PRESERVING CLASS ETIQUETTE
Step 1: Mute on Entry
Ensure everyone’s microphone is muted upon entry to minimize disruptive noises. This is under ‘Advanced Sharing Options’.
Step 2: Disabling Video
Disable student videos if necessary, under the same area as mute options.
Step 3: Using Reactions
Acknowledge student responses without disrupting the class using the ‘Reactions’ button. Students can express their reactions using various emojis.
Step 4: Chat Options
Moderate chat engagement, you can manage participants’ abilities to chat amongst themselves, with the host only, or no chat.
Zoom as an online teaching medium offers a world of opportunities to make learning interactive and enjoyable. With a little practice and patience, it can transform the online teaching experience for you and your students alike. Remember, it always gets easier with practice. Let’s use technology to bridge gaps and bring education to every doorstep!
Zoom setup heralds a new era in the education sector. It connects teachers to their students across miles. However, in facing this new technology, we must remember to remain kind, patient and supportive. After all, education is about growing together in knowledge. So, let’s Zoom into brighter futures together.
