Question: How do I use Zoom? (for students)

Note* For more information, enroll in the Canvas shell: LACCD Student Distance Learning Resources.
In this orientation Canvas course shell, you can find videos and instructions on how to use Zoom, along with how to use many other online resources.

About Zoom

• Zoom is a video-conferencing application used in many schools and colleges to teach students online.
• Most faculty use Zoom for online video classes, and online office hours.
• The library and other departments also use Zoom to host online workshops.
• Recommended internet browsers: Google Chrome and Firefox
• Zoom is free for students, and you can create a free personal Zoom account.
• In order to join a Zoom session, you will need the direct link for the Zoom meeting, or you need to know the meeting id number and passcode.
• You can access the direct Zoom link or meeting information from your instructor in your Canvas class, or shared online on a website, newsletter, calendar of events, or via e-mail.

Zoom Basics

1. Click on the Zoom link provided by your instructor, or the Zoom link for the event.
2. You may need to install the application.
   • Follow the instructions on the screen if you need to install Zoom or a browser plugin.
3. Click on Join with Computer Audio
4. Make sure that your microphone is muted and wait for the professor to let you know when you can unmute yourself.
5. Make sure that the video camera setting is set the way you want it. In most cases, you will not have to turn your video camera on.
6. Click on Participants to bring up a list of all participants in the meeting, and to have access to the participation buttons. You may be required to click on some of the participation buttons to raise your hand or to participate in class.
7. Click on Chat to bring up the chat function. Many times professors use this feature to send information, share links, or files. You can also communicate with your professor or other students if allowed by the presenter.

Accessing a Zoom Meeting from your Class in Canvas

In most cases, professors will provide the link to the Zoom meetings for classes or office hours inside their course in Canvas. If you can't find the links to your professor's Zoom meetings, then contact your instructor.

1. Log into your course in Canvas.
2. Once you are in your course, click on the Zoom link located on the course navigation menu on the left side of the screen.
3. In the Upcoming Meetings tab, look for the appropriate Zoom meeting time and date. Be sure that you click on the correct meeting time, and that you come in at the right time.
4. Once you identify which meeting you need to attend, click on the Join button.

Getting Familiar with the Zoom Screen

After you enter the meeting in Zoom take time to become familiar with the options on the screen.

If you do not see the Zoom toolbar at the bottom of the page just move the mouse towards the button.

1. Presentation area: this is where your professor shows their presentation or their computer screen.
2. Zoom Toolbar: find the main tools to interact in the class such as turning on and off your microphone and your camera, along with other tools.
3. Video Gallery: this is where you can see the cameras from other participants in the meeting if they have their video cameras turned on.
4. View: Located on the top right, this is where you can change your view settings. You select to view the screen and the participants side-by-side or explore other options.

Zoom Toolbar

1. Mute/Unmute
   • Click on the Mute button to turn off your microphone.
   • This is a toggle on/off button.
   • Be sure to mute your microphone after you get into the class to avoid disrupting the session.
   • If you get called on to speak, then press the button to unmute.
2. Stop/Start Video
   • Click on the Video button to turn on and off your video camera.
   • This is a toggle on/off button.
   • Students are not required in most cases to turn on their video camera.
3. Participants
   • Press this button to see a list of all participants in the class.
   • From the Participant's box, you can find additional participation tools.
     Your professor may call on students to interact and participate by using these options:
     • Raise hand
     • Yes
     • No
     • go slower
     • go faster
     • more
       ​
4. Chat
   • ​The chat button allows you to send messages to other participants in the group or to send a message to the professor or presenter.
   • Professors also use this feature to share links, documents, or other information with students.
   • To send a message via chat, select the appropriate person from the To: menu. You can send the message to everyone in the Zoom meeting. Some meetings may have this option disabled.
     
5. Share Screen
   • If your professor allows, you can use this option to show the class your computer screen.
   • This option may not active for all Zoom meetings.
6. Record
   • If the professor grants permission to record the session, then you can use this option.
   • Be sure to check with the professor first.
7. Reactions
   • Click on the button to bring up additional interaction options
     
8. Leave
   • Click on this button to leave the meeting
   • Be sure to check with your professor before you leave the meeting, and to make sure that you are counted for attendance, if necessary.

Adding a Zoom Virtual Background

If you like to have your camera on, but would not want your real background to show, then you can use a virtual background.

1. Click on the small arrow next to the Start/Stop Video to bring up a menu
2. Click on Choose Virtual Background
3. Then click on the desired background
4. Close the settings menu to go back to the presentation