Updated 3.25.20

Zoom Etiquette

1. Ensure that you have a respectful, school-appropriate background.

2. Look into the camera when talking.

Direct eye contact into the camera while speaking gives your classmates and faculty the impression that you are looking at them rather than off to the side, which creates an environment where everyone feels engaged and present in the conversation. Be sure to position your web camera and monitor at eye level so you can look into the camera and simulate that eye-to-eye connection with other attendees.

3. Eliminate distractions.

Notifications from messaging applications, ringtones, and applications running on your desktop can be distracting. Mitigating these distractions helps keep the class focused and free from interruption.

4. Be aware of your audio and video settings.

Check that your camera is on to ensure that everyone can see you. MUTE your microphone unless you are speaking to limit the amount of extra noise and reverb. UNMUTE your microphone when you want to speak to ensure that everyone can hear you.

5. When the class meeting ends, stick around for a bit to answer any questions.

Otis Communication Policy

E-learning environments can create a sense of anonymity that can invite inappropriate interactions (see Zoombombing below). Netiquette (online communication etiquette), emoticons (representations of facial expressions) and acronyms are used to help students and faculty members communicate most effectively. Communications in the e-learning environment are subject to the same rules and limitations as in-class interactions, and will be viewed accordingly per the Otis Code of Conduct. Communications between students and faculty members should focus on course and related academic content, should be attended to regularly, and responded to within a reasonable timeframe. Standard practice is within 48 hours of a message's Sent date and time. Faculty members are responsible for posting clear guidelines of when students can expect a response to communications.

What is Zoombombing?

A new form of trolling in which a participant uses Zoom’s screen-sharing feature to interrupt and disrupt meetings and classes.

How to Prevent Zoombombing

• Activate Waiting Room to Add Participants

• Mute Participants who are disruptive

• Remove Participant from Class if disruption continues

• Require password to access Zoom session

For more information on how Zoom works, please see the TLC website on video conferencing.