Using Zoom

Some of your teachers might move classroom meetings to videoconference meetings with a tool called Zoom. Explore the tabs below to see how to join, participate, and use attendee controls in a Zoom session! Each tab lists different options and links to instructions on how to make it happen for your class.

Once you have joined a Zoom session, you should know how to use the following essential features.

 

  • Mute your microphone unless you are going to talk - this reduces background noise for everyone.
  • Turn your camera on or off.
    • If it's a small class, turn your camera on so your teacher and classmates can see you!
    • If it's a large class, turn your camera off to help people who don't have strong Internet connections.
  • Use the Chat tool to make a comment, reply to a teacher's question for the whole class, or ask a question.
  • Use the Raise Hand tool to let the teacher know you have questions or want to say something.
 
 
  Participate via
web browser		 Participate via
mobile app		 Participate via
phone

How to Mute or Unmute Yourself

Click the Mute/Unmute button in the bottom left corner of the Zoom window.

You will be asked to Join Audio when you first join the Zoom session.

Tap the Mute/Unmute button in the bottom left corner of the Zoom app.

You will be asked to Join Audio when you first join the Zoom session.

Tap *6 to Mute/Unmute yourself.

 

 

How to Stop Video or Start Video

Click the Stop Video/Start Video button in the bottom left corner of the Zoom window.

Tap the Stop Video/Start Video button in the bottom left corner of the Zoom app.

Not applicable

How to Chat
  1. Click the Chat button in the bottom center of the Zoom window.
  2. Then, type your comment or question in the Chat area.

NOTE: If you don't see the Chat button, click More... to find the Chat option
  1. Tap the More... button in the bottom right corner of the Zoom app.
  2. Then tap Chat.
  3. Type your comment or question.

 

Not applicable

How to Raise (Your) Hand
  1. Click the Participants button in the center of the Zoom attendee controls at the bottom.
  2. Then click Raise Hand.
  1. Tap the More... button in the bottom right corner of the Zoom app.
  2. Then tap Raise Hand.
  1. Tap *9 to Raise Hand.
  2. Then, wait for the teacher to call your name before you unmute yourself and start speaking.
  Join via a web browser Join via a mobile app Join via phone

What you need to join

To join via a web browser, you will need a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

 

To join via mobile app, you will need a tablet or smartphone, AND you will need to get the app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

If you don't have access to a computer or smartphone to use a browser or app, you can also join a Zoom session by dialing in by phone--a smartphone or even a landline will work!

How to join
  1. Click the Zoom link your teacher provides.

Example: zoom.us/j/1234567890

This will open a new window and start the Zoom session
  1. Open the Zoom app on your mobile device.
  2. Tap the Join a Meeting button
  3. Enter the meeting ID number*

*If your teacher only provided a link, the meeting ID number is just the 10-digit number at the end of the link.

Example link: zoom.us/j/1234567890

Example meeting ID:
123 456 7890
  1. Dial the teleconference number shared  with the Zoom link**
  2. Enter the meeting ID number

** If your teacher only provided a link, you will need to contact her/him to ask for the teleconference number and meeting ID number.

Limitations

 No real limitations With a smaller screen size, you may have to tap an extra button to use certain tools (for example, see How to Chat below). You will only be able to hear the Zoom session, you won't be able to see video of the teacher, the teacher's screen, or the other students.