The Perfect Setup

Why? Change your settings to optimize what you and your students are able to do in Zoom. Some settings are found in different and sneaky places, so it is helpful to do this just once for all your classes.

Why? Zoom comes in different versions and these versions are changing all the time. Zoom appears and functions differently for different operating systems and types of devices. Zoom is being regularly improved and some features exists only in newer versions.

Why? Tired of seeing your junk and debris in the background of your videos? Use a virtual background and keep students guessing about where you really live. This is also handy if you want to record a video lesson using Zoom.

Why? Zoom has many handy features and we can best take advantage of them by optimizing our physical setup. Working off one small screen with all of Zoom's little windows is a pain. Teach in style with a better physical setup!

** Using two monitors and PowerPoint: Here's another trick. PowerPoint will try to display its slide show on the second monitor, which is annoying for a Zoom class. Within PowerPoint, select "Slide Show", and then "Monitor: Primary Monitor". Problem Solved!

Why? Zoom has a polling feature that is handy, but awkward. Its controls and setup are in the Zoom website, not in the Zoom client app you use when you are running your class. You can save your polling questions, but really, you only need to ever save one and then you're done.

Thanks to Herman Lam for this tip!

Why? This is a new feature you might not have noticed before. What happens when you need to pull the plug on your students?

Why? Windows disappear! Controls get moved around! How do you open the chat? How to find the participants list? Keyboard shortcuts really help, especially when you are using two monitors.

** Note: Zoom shortcuts will only work when the Zoom window (or controls) are active unless you select "enable global shortcut". For example, if you are using PowerPoint and try a Zoom shortcut, PowerPoint is the active program so the shortcut won't be available unless you have made it a global shortcut.

Why? When you start up Zoom or enter a breakout room, Zoom appears as a tall, thin window that you have to expand. Fix this by setting Zoom to start in Full Screen mode. Also, the tiny window hides lots f controls, so if students are trying to follow your class using the tiny window, they will be convinced that lots of controls are missing!

Why? Annotations are handy to emphasize elements of your teaching or to allow student to share and participate. But be careful, the annotation controls for students are sneaky!

Why? This is one of the most helpful things you can do to both learn how to use Zoom and to ensure smooth-running online lessons. Zoom is tricky because its appearance and controls are different for the host (you) and the participants (your students). Test out anything new that you are trying!

Why? Zoom moves around controls when you start sharing a screen. Pesky windows clutter what you are trying to do. And, there are also tricks to make sure your videos share properly.

Why? I like to have students work in the same groups, in-person and online, for each unit of study.

Why? The controls students see can be different than those of the host. As a result, students will have difficulties following some of your instructions for Zoom! When you give instructions, it is very helpful to show screen captures of their controls.

Why? Because looking good (or at least OK) is important! Here are tips on setting up your web camera and lighting that will help you look your pandemic best. It's not vanity, it's just good practice.