Using Zoom For Remote Teaching

When instructors can’t deliver classes in person, they can use a video conferencing tool like Zoom to deliver classes. Many instructors like using Zoom for remote teaching because it’s effective and easy to use. In this article, we’ll mention the configuration steps to follow and tips to apply when teaching with Zoom.

Before Class:

• Install Zoom on your computer and create a Brown Zoom account.
• Open the course you want to teach in Canvas.
• Enable zoom course tool by updating the Canvas course.
• Click on Zoom from the left menu.
• Click Schedule a New Meeting.

a) Enable Join before host under the meeting options. If you don’t enable this feature, students who join the meeting before the instructor will be notified to wait.

b) Choose Mute participants upon entry. Students who want to contribute to the discussion will have to unmute their mics.

c) You can add TA(s) as Alternative Host if you want them to start meetings and manage administrative functions during classes.

• Click Save, and your meeting will be ready.
• Copy the Invite Attendees Join link and share it to the students.

Preparing to Teach

After scheduling your Zoom meeting, share some preliminary information to your students. Let them know what to prepare. Share your teaching guides and let them know how they should participate during the class.

During Class

If you want your remote class to be engaging, apply all the simple ideas that we’ve highlighted below.

Turn on your video to allow your students to see you. If your class size isn’t too large, you can tell your students to turn on theirs also.

Click Record on the lower right corner of the screen, and select Record to the cloud.

Share images, slides, documents, websites, and other files using the Share Screen tool.

Discuss formulas, datasets and videos using the text chat or audio.

As an instructor, you can use breakout rooms to split the class into small group room. You can split students into breakout rooms manually or automatically.

At the end of the meeting, allow students to exit the class meeting first. If you end the meeting, students may feel like you’re forcing them out of the class. Stay around until every student leaves. Some of them might have a final question to ask, so be ready to answer a few more questions.

After Class

Use learning goals to assess the students, and let them see the assessment when you’re done. In case some students couldn’t attend the class, tell them to watch the recording, so they enjoy a similar lesson as the students who attended.

Important Tips for Teaching with Zoom

1. Always choose a quiet environment with good lighting.
2. Use earbuds with headphones or microphone.
3. Always notify students of zoom meetings.
4. Create guidelines and share them with students.

Conclusion

Zoom is ideal for remote teaching, but the overall success of a virtual class depends on the instructor. Instructors should use the information in this article as a guide whenever they hold online classes.