Template: TechConnect Zoom Overview for Synchronous Sessions

Zoom is a video-meeting platform somewhat similar to Skype, FaceTime, and other services you might be familiar with. It has many functions useful for large-group meetings, such as class sessions.

In case “Zoom” is familiar to you, TechConnect Zoom is the same as Zoom in that it launches the Zoom App that has been integrated into Canvas.

What should I do to prepare for Zoom classes?

Your instructor will provide you with a link and let you know how they have configured Zoom for their specific class. Some instructors will send you a link via email. Some will post the link in your Canvas online course (visual examples of both are below).

You do not need to do anything until your Zoom meeting is going to start, but we advise that for your first Zoom session, you go into the Zoom session via the link EARLY so you can process any first-time configurations.

If you like, you can use additional equipment for your Zoom class, including cameras, headphones, microphones, and tablets. As there are so many configurations of this kind of equipment, please see your equipment’s specific guides to configure on your computer.

Just before your FIRST Zoom class

To get started with your first TechConnect Zoom class meeting, you should receive a meeting link. This can happen one of two ways:

1. By email/calendar invite
2. By a link in the TechConnect Zoom section of your Canvas course.
   
   

Examples of TechConnect Zoom Meeting invite link

Access the link via Canvas by selecting “TechConnect Zoom” in the course navigation menu, and then selecting the blue “Join” button.

If this is your first Zoom session, Zoom will ask you to download the application.

• Download the Zoom application onto the device you will be using to participate in class.
• Ideally, this should be a laptop, desktop, or tablet, and not a smartphone. Zoom does exist for smartphones, but it will be very difficult to see the slides that your instructor presents on that small of a screen.
• When prompted, select “OK."

That’s it! You will now be entered into the Zoom Class. 

TechConnect Zoom is the new way to access your live classes and class recordings through Canvas. Navigate to your Course, then on the left select TechConnect Zoom. 

Video Guide

Text Guide

There are three tabs to select from Upcoming Meetings, Previous Meetings, Cloud Recordings.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Displays all upcoming live classes, select Join to enter the class. 

You can also Join from the calendar. Select a date, then click on the calendar icon to open the window with the connection link.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

View previous live class meetings, as well as access Recording Details.

Recording Details displays the recording files for viewing:

CLOUD RECORDINGS

Recordings also appear in the Cloud Recordings tab along with the details from the live class.  Click on the ‘Topic’ to view the available recording files, same files as were displayed from Previous Meetings.

For extra help trouble-shooting Zoom meetings and leveraging tools, here is a selection of helpful videos created by Zoom:

How To Configure Your Zoom Meeting Audio/Video

For guides on how to join meetings with other devices see Testing audio before Zoom Meetings. Links to an external site.

How to use Zoom's Virtual Backgrounds

How To Use Accessibility Features With Zoom

How To Share Your Screen

This may be helpful during group work, Zoom tutoring sessions, or in a Zoom support call with student services.

How to Hide Self View (with video on)

You may be encouraged to turn on your video in Zoom so the host and participants can feel more connected with each other. If you want to leave your video on but hide it from your view, you can enable Hide Self View.

We encourage you to try disabling Self View if you will be in Zoom for extended periods of time and consider how it affects your level of fatigue and ability to focus. Just be sure you have done a quick camera check to ensure your lighting and camera placement are set up effectively first!

1. Select the three dots in the upper right corner of the video.
2. Choose Hide Self-view from the dropdown menu.