New Student Tech Bootcamp: Zoom for Students

• “Get ready” for class just as you would an in-person class. Dress and groom as you would for an in-person class, have textbooks and anything else you need for class with you and find a place where you can stay alert and focused. By a window or lamp is ideal.

• Attend class through a laptop or computer. If you do not have one or it is not working well, you may borrow a laptop from the college. To request an equipment loan, please use the ServiceDesk portal or call the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at (630) 466-4357. Phones and tablets do not work very well.

• Make sure your audio works. You need to be able to hear and be heard by others. Earphones, earbuds and headsets can improve audio. Occasional audio problems are expected, but if your audio regularly breaks up and you can’t hear or be heard, seek a device upgrade or a better WiFi location. To request a laptop or wireless hotspot, please use the ServiceDesk portal or call the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at (630) 466-4357.

• Before class, review the plan for the day’s session. Check the syllabus and the most recent announcement or email that your instructor has sent.

• Engage during class using the communication channels your instructor recommends. Instructors may ask that you use the icons available in Zoom (like hand-raising), speak up directly, use the chat, answer polls or participate in other interactive elements – or they may encourage use of many channels.

• Pay attention and show that you are doing so. Unless otherwise advised, turn your webcam on and pay full attention. Try taking notes during lectures and even discussions to help you retain knowledge and stay focused. The act of note-taking, especially by hand, focuses attention; students also pay attention better if they are actively involved – ask and answer questions, offer contributions. In short, speak up!

• Make informed decisions about turning on your camera. Instructors make decisions about video–on or off–, so be sure to know your instructor’s policy and preferences. Having the video on helps most students stay engaged and attentive, and most instructors prefer it; however, there may be circumstances where it’s legitimately difficult, for example if your bandwidth doesn’t allow for both video and audio. If your device doesn’t have a working camera, request an equipment loan from the college. If you have other concerns about turning on your camera during class, please discuss these with your instructor.

• Make eye contact. When you have your video on, position your Zoom window close to the webcam so that other viewers look at you directly.

• Mute yourself when not speaking. Background noise is distracting for others, and even whispered conversations and rustling of papers are picked up easily by mics.

• Put away your phone and close unnecessary applications and browser windows.  The easiest way to resist temptation is to remove temptation. You can’t chat with friends and focus on class. In addition, fewer applications open will increase your connectivity.

• Try using a virtual background. We get it - students are busy! You can always use a virtual background to hide distracting clutter or an unmade bed.

• Disappear from class! Sometimes students attend class, even make a contribution, and then disappear but remain logged into Zoom. Not only does it hinder your learning, it can also cause distraction or lost time in class. If you know you will need to step away during class, please communicate to your instructor before the meeting.

• Attend class as a side activity. Do not attend class while driving, traveling, eating, socializing, texting, cooking, resting, etc. When you are in class, your focus should be only on classwork. Class comes first, even when you’d rather do something else.

• Hide your face. The value of the webcam is in seeing your face. Position your webcam so that your face is illuminated, with no lights or windows behind you. Aiming the webcam at the ceiling, or a wall is distracting for viewers.

• Remain silent, unresponsive. Participate in class discussions with your classmates and instructors. A silent classroom where the instructor is only lecturing results in passive learning rather than active learning. Participating helps to keep each other engaged. If you’re having trouble with your audio, use the chat.

• Ignore problems you’re having with the class, your technology or the modality. Problems need to be addressed. Go to your professor’s office hours, meet with a tutor or academic coach, or request help with technology. To see the current status of services with hours and methods of contact, please review Waubonsee Community College's Services Directory.

The best way to get comfortable with Zoom is to use it!

Try meeting with a friend, classmate or family member. Explore the different features so you can feel confident in your Zoom class sessions.

Show up early.

Show up early to your Zoom class sessions to test your audio and video. If you can, try having your video on in class. Your instructor and peers would love to see your face! If you anticipate that your connection may be spotty, you can always join the meeting by phone using the phone number included in the Zoom invitation.

Set your name, and add pronunciation or a pronoun, if you want.

You can go to your Profile and change your name. Use the first and last name you prefer. If you have enough space, consider if you want to add a pronoun or phonetic pronunciation. For example: “Meredith Grey (she)” or “Kale (Kay-lee) Smith.”

Participate!

You can unmute yourself, when appropriate, to ask a question or make a comment. You can also use the Chat window to ask questions, interact with the group, or send direct, private messages to those in the meeting.

Technical difficulties are normal.

Don't let technical difficulties distract you. If your connection gets glitchy in class, try turning off your video or joining the meeting using a different device. Your instructor may record your class sessions, so make sure you know how to locate the recordings if you miss all or part of class due to technical problems. If you are consistently experiencing issues in Zoom meetings, make sure to communicate with your instructor and ask for help.

Our Library Student Technology Support staff provide free technical support for students, and are happy to help students with Zoom.

To request 1-on-1 help, please use the Student Technology Assistance form in the ServiceDesk portal. Log in to ServiceDesk with your X-number and password.