Zoom
Web Conferencing
In a lot of classes, you will participate in live remote conversations via web conferencing. The most common application for this at Canisius is Zoom. Basically you only need download the Zoom application to your device. (This happens automatically on computers, but you can download the app beforehand.) Then, you need speakers, a microphone, and a webcam. Laptops and mobile devices typically have all of these built in, although you probably want a microphone with a headset, which can provide better quality audio for you and other participants.
Tips for using Zoom professsionally.
Don't be Late
Be in, or at least connected, to a Zoom meeting at or before the time it is scheduled. If the professor has a waiting room set up, wait (or multi-task while you wait) for the meeting to begin. This is just the same as showing up to the classroom on time.
Check Your Microphone and Speakers
Make sure your audio hardware is working before joining meetings. It can be helpful to have your own Zoom account for this.
Dress for the Occasion
Dress and groom yourself for a class Zoom meeting just as you would if you were coming to campus.
Use Your Real Name on Screen
Whether joining a meeting without a Zoom account or using a personal Zoom account, make sure your real name displays on screen. A professor may need to see it to let you into a Zoom meeting. Plus, it's more professional.
When Not Speaking, Mute Your Mic
Even if you are pretty quiet, your keyboard, your dog, or the traffic outside might not be. You may not even think of how noises around you can enter the Zoom meeting through your Mic, and be distracting or disruptive to other participants. So mute your mic anytime you are not speaking. Get into the habit of un-muting it when speak.
Be Courteous, Inclusive, and Respectful to All
Your professor might supply specific guidelines for professional and productive behavior during Zoom meetings. Follow these at all times. This includes instructions for how to address them and one another in the meeting. For example, should you use the chat feature, or the hand-raising feature, to ask questions? Often this is simply to make the meeting more efficient for all.
But also, show every class member the basic respect and courteousness you would expect them to show you. Read the "Netiquette" guidelines for asynchronous discussions above, and consider carefully how they can be adapted to live-remote meetings on Zoom.
Find a Good Place
Try to find a good location at which to Zoom, that's reasonably quiet, free of distraction, and has a comfortable place to sit. Neutral backgrounds, such as walls or bookshelves, are best. Outside can be tricky because wind can make speaking through a microphone a challenge. As roommates or siblings to give you privacy during your Zoom meetings (and return the favor when they need to web-conference!)
Private Chat? Don't Believe It
Zoom suggests you can chat "privately" with other people in the meeting. It's best not to trust that your messages will truly be private, or unavailable to either the meeting host or other participants.
Create a Zoom Account
You don't need a Zoom account to participate in Zoom meetings hosted by others at Canisius College. And unless you pay for it, you are limited to meetings less than forty minutes' length, if more than one other participant is involved. But consider creating a free account anyway. With it, you can familiarize yourself with Zoom, test your hardware, and in general be better prepared to use it for class and professional activities.