Zoom

Web-conferencing can be a powerful tool. Users/hosts should follow best practices in order to best secure conversations with all participants.  Choosing setting options that increase the security of Zoom sessions can significantly minimize negative experiences. The following are some examples of best practices to consider when web-conferencing.  

*Please NOTE - It is a positive practice to have parent/guardian permission before Zooming with students. Recognize that video conferencing is potentially much more  intrusive to a home than a regular phone call, as there is an increased likelihood of overhearing background conversations or viewing background activities happening in the home. Permission from the parent ensures that guardians are aware a video conference is taking place and provides the opportunity to manage the conference environment or decline participation. 

CMCSS Acceptable Use Policy

Teachers, students, and parents should be familiar with the CMCSS Acceptable Use Policy linked below.  Please review this policy with students and send a copy home to parents before video conferencing.

Zoom Accounts

CMCSS teachers and students can access Zoom using Classlink.  The user must create an account at Zoom if one does not already exist. 

Getting Started with Zoom - Google document with step by step directions for configuring meeting settings. 

Zoom Settings for Meeting with Students

Meeting with students online requires that extra precautions be taken.  Staying connected amid social distancing requirements has made virtual meetings an essential part of learning.  Teachers must teach students about what is and is not acceptable in a virtual meeting situation the same as they teach students procedures and expectations for traditional classroom behavior.  Use the resources in this section to ensure meetings with students go as planned. 

Best Practices / Settings for Increased Security - Google Document that details settings necessary for a secure meeting with students.  

Using Breakout Rooms in Zoom

Working in small groups is part of the normal routine in the traditional classroom setting.  This practice can be duplicated virtually as well.  Zoom has a Breakout Room feature that allows teachers to divide students into mini-rooms in the Zoom platform.  

Enabling and Using Break Out Rooms in Zoom - This document details how to manage the settings in your Zoom account so that you have breakout rooms as an option or  watch the video 'How to Make Breakout Rooms (Settings)'.

How to Make Breakout Rooms (Settings)

Once you have the account settings adjusted to allow Breakout rooms the next step is to launch a meeting an use the feature.  This video shows how to use a breakout room during a Zoom meeting and shows some of the features associated with breakouts. 

Breakout Rooms Video Demonstration

Whiteboards in Zoom

Participants in a Zoom meeting can collaborate in real time on the Zoom screen.  The video below shows how to control annotation settings during a meeting to either allow or prevent participants from using the annotation tools in a collaborative way.  

Screen Sharing & Annotation Controls

Zoom allows presenters to choose from several options when sharing their screen with participants.  A presentation, desktop, or whiteboard are all options a host can select from.  The video details how to annotate on whatever screen sharing option is selected.  

Annotating in Zoom

Annotating Share Screen Inside of Zoom.webm

If a document camera is connected directly to a laptop, it can be used during a Zoom meeting to support students just like if they were in the classroom.  CMCSS has several models of document cameras across the district that may require a different type of cable to connect the two devices.  This video shows how to make the connection for one type of document camera or visit the site from which this video came to take a deeper dive.  

Document Camera and Laptop Connection.mp4
Video is also in the Tech Tips Section of this site on the Document Cameras & Visualizer Page

Zoom Ideas for the Classroom

Scavenger Hunt - Host provides a list of several common household items  for participants to find.  Set a timer on the screen or play music until time is up.  Participants share the finds with the group and the one with the most wins.  

Show and Tell with a Twist - Participants put an item in a box or bag then describe the hidden item to the group.  Others guess what they think the item is in the chat area.  

Live Nearpod Lesson - Teachers who already use Nearpod can launch a lesson while sharing their screen.  Students will join using the code and then the teacher can see student participation as the lesson progresses.  Learn about Zoom/Nearpod integration. 

Additional Resources

How to Use Zoom for Remote Learning

This video from 'Flipped Classroom' walks users who are new to Zoom through using the platform from beginning to end. 

Zoom Authenticated Meeting   

Follow this link to learn how to create an authenticated zoom meeting, set authenticated zoom session as the default, and create sessions that include a participant without a CMCSS email address.