Equipment and logistics

Teaching online will require some basic equipment, but depending on your current setup, you may already have everything you need to get started. As you grow more experienced, you may consider investing in additional equipment to improve the quality of online classes, but for now, let’s focus on the basics.

Zoom is NYU’s supported web meetings tool, and it is integrated with NYU’s Learning Management System, Brightspace, for conducting online meetings for classes. You may already have experience with Zoom for personal use. Zoom at NYU will look very similar, but accessing your account will work differently, and it can be a little confusing at first.

• You’ll run Zoom meetings with the Zoom desktop client. 

• But you’ll access your Zoom account from the Zoom Web Portal in order to check account settings and configure certain features outside of an active meeting.

• Finally, you’ll schedule class meetings from within Brightspace. 

If that seems like a lot to keep track of, don’t worry. We’ll discuss each means of access and when to use it.

Just like with Brightspace, you’ll access your Zoom account with your University NetID, rather than your Stern account. (i.e., "abc123@nyu.edu", not "abc123@stern.nyu.edu".)

Using the Zoom client

Download the Zoom desktop client and install it on your computer. When you log in, do not use the Email and Password fields. Instead, select “SSO” near the bottom of the window.

A webcam is the primary requirement to ensure a computer can participate in video calls. Virtually every webcam features an internal microphone as well.

For laptop users

Your laptop probably already has a built-in webcam.

This webcam probably will not be the best possible quality, but it will provide basic functionality to get you started.

For desktop users

If you use a desktop computer, things can be more uncertain. Some monitors have webcams built-in, as do some popular all-in-one computers like iMacs. However, most do not, in which case you’ll need to borrow or purchase one for use.

Testing if you have a webcam

You can check several areas on your computer to see if you have a webcam, but since you will be using your computer with Zoom, that is the easiest software to use for a test. Open Zoom and begin a new meeting.

When the meeting begins, you will likely see your camera feed if you have a webcam on your computer. You can also see the name of your camera (or select a specific camera if there are more than one connected to your computer) by expanding the video options in the bottom-left of the meeting window:

If you do not have a camera connected, there may be no options available under “Select a Camera”.

Purchasing a webcam

There are many webcam models available, and almost any will work if it is compatible with your system. In general, we recommend the Logitech C920 HD Pro webcam. It is well rated, very common, and can usually be found for around $60.

No matter what equipment you have, if you are in a noisy or poorly lit environment, it will impact the quality of your audio and video. Though you might not be able to control this entirely, keep in mind a few basic tips when setting up your computer for a meeting:

• Be mindful of background noise. Zoom will filter out basic disruptions, but in severe cases, it can still make you hard to hear.

• Position yourself in the appropriate spot. Your webcam mic can be very sensitive to position. Don’t get too far from your computer or face away while you are speaking.

• Test your audio quality. If you have a headset, it may provide better audio than your webcam. Just make sure Zoom is set to use the right microphone.

• Check that your internet connection is stable. If you’re on Wifi, connect near your router.

• Consider raising your laptop. Laptop cameras often provide an awkward, low angle. If necessary, try using a stand, or even a stack of books.

• Pay attention to the light in your room. Sitting in front of a bright window, for example, can make you hard to see. Try a couple locations to test the lighting. Counter-intuitively, drawing shades or curtains can sometimes help by reducing harsh or inconsistent daylight.