Finalist Handbook 2022 - Technology Support

You will participate in the virtual Finalist Day using Zoom. On this page, you’ll learn how to download and set up Zoom, in addition to setting up your room, so you’re ready for the activities.

Note: If you are having a poor Internet connection during your Finalist Day first try switching your camera off. If you lose internet connectivity in the middle of your Finalist Day and cannot rejoin the Zoom activities, don't worry! If you have data elsewhere, such as on your mobile device, email finalists@risefortheworld.org and include “Urgent Tech Problem” in the subject line. If needed, we will reschedule your Finalist Day activities for another date. If this happens, remember to stay calm and reach out for help. The Rise Team is here to assist you!

Your Device

To participate in Finalist Day, you will need a device—a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet—that has enough data or Wifi for 5 hours of uninterrupted Zoom video conferencing.

If you do not have access to technology or sufficient internet connection at or near your home, and the Rise Team has not already been in touch with you to discuss solutions, please email finalists@risefortheworld.org as soon as possible.

Finalist Drop-In Session

If you’re not sure whether you need extra support, we’re here to help! We are hosting several Finalist Drop-In Sessions before Finalist Days. You can find the schedule on the “Finalist Day Preparation” page. If you sign up to attend these sessions you will be able to test your video and audio quality and seek advice from the Rise team!

Your Technology Setup

Follow these steps to set up your technology before Finalist Day:

Download Zoom to your device
Check that you have the latest version of Zoom, or download updates if needed
Check and enable your camera and microphone on your device (built-in or external such as headphones)
Join a Technology Support Session to test your Zoom functionality with the Rise Team, or set up a test call with a family member or mentor to test the video and sound

To learn more about downloading and joining Zoom, you can read this Zoom Guide (with lots of helpful pictures and screenshots!), or you can watch a Zoom tutorial video on YouTube.

Your Room Setup

Before Finalist Day, you’ll want to create a “Finalist Space” that is comfortable and sets you up for success. Follow these steps:

If possible, pick a room or space that is quiet with no distractions or background noise
Set up your device on a desk or table that allows you to keep it plugged in to charge throughout the Finalist Day as Zoom can take a lot of your battery
Make sure your device is fully charged at least 15 minutes before your Finalist Day begins so there are no delays
Get a glass of water and set it by your side
Take a deep breath, and get ready to have some fun!

Connecting on Finalist Day

On your Finalist Day, you will connect to Zoom to start your activities. There are two different paths you can take to joining the Zoom meeting.

Option 1: Join from Your Email Link

Open your Finalist Day Schedule (you will receive this via email!)
Click on your “Zoom Meeting Link”
Follow the instructions on your screen and click “Open zoom.us”
Enter the “Password” found in your Finalist Day Schedule
Click “Join with Computer Audio”

Option 2: Join from the Zoom Website

Go to www.zoom.us
Click “Join A Meeting” in the upper right corner
Enter the “Meeting ID” found in your Finalist Day Schedule (you will receive this via email) and click “Join.” The ID will be a series of several numbers.
Follow the instructions on your screen and click “Open zoom.us”
Enter the “Password” found in your Finalist Day Schedule
Click “Join with Computer Audio”

Note: If you try to join the meeting before it has started, you will see a pop-up screen note that says “Please wait for the host to start this meeting.” Leave this note up on your screen, and you will be let into the Zoom meeting when it begins. In the meantime, you can click “Test computer audio” or “Test speaker and microphone” to check your audio.

Changing Your Name

Once you are in the Zoom meeting, you will need to change your name. Follow the instructions in your Finalist Day Schedule that include your user name.

To do this, right click on your own video square and select “Rename.”

If this does not work, follow the instructions below:

Click on the “Participants” button at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Hover your mouse over your name in the “Participants” list on the right side of the Zoom window. Click “Rename.”
Enter the user name assigned to you in your Finalist Day Schedule and click “OK.”

Joining Breakout Rooms

During the Zoom activities, you will be prompted to join Breakout Rooms.

You will see a pop-up box when it’s time to join a room. Click “Join Breakout Room.”

If you are experiencing technical issues or ever feel uncomfortable in a Breakout Room, you can leave the room and return to the main Zoom room, where the Rise Team can assist you. You can also click “Invite Host” to invite a member of the Rise Team into your Breakout Room for help.

When the Breakout Room is over, you will see a countdown, then be automatically moved back to the main Zoom room. If you want to learn more about Breakout Rooms, click here.

Losing Connection

If you lose internet connectivity in the middle of your Finalist Day and cannot rejoin the Zoom activities, don't worry! If you have data elsewhere, such as on your mobile device, email finalists@risefortheworld.org and include “Urgent Tech Problem” in the subject line.

If this happens, remember to stay calm and reach out for help. The Rise Team is here to assist you!

Once you’re back on Zoom, say hello to the Rise Team and explain that you lost the connection. They will help you rejoin your activity or direct you to another time slot so you can complete your Finalist Day.

If needed, we will reschedule your Finalist Day activities for another date.

Continue to Finalist Day Preparation