Options for Connecting to COSI
Connecting from the Classroom
Teachers have the option to connect 1 device for all students to watch from a single classroom.
After reserving your program, COSI will provide a Zoom registration link. The teacher will need to register using their email address.
You have the option to interact with the presenter using your webcam and microphone or chat.
You may use any of the connection options listed below for that connection.
Connecting from the Home
Teachers also have the option to have each student watch from their own device.
After reserving your program, COSI will provide a Zoom registration link. Each student and teacher will need to register individually. (OR the teacher may elect to enter each of their students’ email addresses for them). The teacher cannot register once and forward the connection link to each student.
We encourage teachers/parents to have their students register using their first name, school name in place of last name, and school email address. Students do NOT need to create an account or enter any information other than first name and email address.
Student web cams and microphones will be OFF without the ability to be activated.
Students will ask questions through the chat feature only. Students will have the ability to chat only with the presenter and the moderator. Students will not see the chat of other students.
Individual students do not have the option of using an H.323/SIP device.
Hybrid Connection
If you students in the classroom while others are at home, you can have everyone join for 1 program. Register your email for you and the students in the classroom and have the students at home register their email address.
Connection Link
Whether your students are connecting from a single classroom, remotely from home or a combination, both teachers and students use the same link to connect to the program. The link can be found in the green box of the Reservation Details page found on your Dashboard (shown below). Each link is unique to the specific date and time.
Connecting via Computer/Laptop
Using an online videoconferencing service call Zoom, you have the option to connect to COSI from a computer or laptop. COSI will provide you a Zoom link. The link will download the Zoom software and connect you into your program. Generally, sites do not have issues downloading the software through their firewall. If you have had issues downloading software in the past, please speak with your network administrator.
Zoom has created several tutorial videos to help you learn their software:
Required equipment:
Computer or laptop (Windows PC, Mac or Chromebook) w/ Zoom installed
Microphone (built-in microphone is acceptable, but USB microphone is preferred)*
Internet access
Suggested equipment:
Webcam (so we can see your students and better interact with them!)
External speakers (so your students can hear us)
Large monitor, TV screen or projector (so your student can see us)
Wired internet connection (WIFI is acceptable but a wired connection will provide higher quality)
*If a microphone is not available, Zoom's chat function can be used, however this is not ideal. We strongly encourage using a microphone.
Connecting via iOS/Android
Using an online videoconferencing service call Zoom, you have the option to connect to COSI from an iOS or Android devise*. COSI will provide you a Zoom link. The link will download the Zoom app and connect you into your program. You may need permission to download apps on your device. If so, please speak to your network administrator.
Zoom has created several tutorial videos to help you learn there software:
Required equipment:
iOS or Android devise w/ Zoom installed
Microphone
Internet access
Suggested equipment:
Webcam (so we can see your students and better interact with them!)
External speakers (so your students can hear us)
Large monitor, TV screen or projector (so your student can see us)
*While you may use an iOS or Android device, it may not the best option for viewing in a classroom. We suggest a computer/laptop over a handheld device.
Connecting via H.323/SIP Videoconferencing Equipment
If you have have access to an H.323 or SIP videoconferencing unit, you may be able to use it to connect to COSI. COSI will use Zoom to bridge a call between our equipment and yours. (We have purchased the Room Connector license required to make this option available to you. There is no extra fee to utilize this option).
Your H.323/SIP videoconferencing unit must be compatible with Zoom. To see if your equipment is compatible, please see the list of accepted devices here.
Still have questions?
Zoom offers several tutorials about the different features of the software. View them here.
Or contact COSI at:
Email videoconferencing@cosi.org
Call 614-228-2674 x2155