Pretty much all of us are using Zoom for classes now. It’s got multiple ups and downs (of course, the whole situation is a down in the first place). There are technical problems galore before and during meetings, scheduling issues, and the difficulty of trying to have as much quiet as possible during class.
The most important thing I can say about using Zoom is to start setting up early. Turn on your computer ten to fifteen minutes before and start looking for that Zoom link immediately. You don’t have to be super diligent; do other stuff while you’re waiting if you haven’t received a link yet, but refresh your email or Canvas about every five minutes or so. Once you see the link, click to join right away. This gives you time to sort out any issues you may have entering the meeting, and if there aren’t any issues, you’re early to class. Mute yourself until class starts, do other stuff while you’re waiting, and click back over once class starts.
If your Wi-Fi drops, try toggling it (that is, turn it off and on again). Usually that will work. I recommend using laptops or desktops over mobile whenever possible, as I find that they’re generally more reliable. In terms of desktops, if you have an internet cable that plugs in, when you have issues with the internet, try removing the cable and plugging it back in.
If you can get into a room you can be alone in, lock the door and put a sign up saying that you’re in class. Definitely try to use comfortable headphones or earbuds to avoid as much distraction as possible. Also, keep a bottle of water on hand!
When you’re eating, drinking, or doing another loud activity, please, please, please mute your microphone. Everyone will appreciate it. If you have pets in the background, be aware of them and mute if they start making noise, or if you have to get up to take care of them. I generally have my mic muted until I speak to avoid interrupting the meeting with any noises I might make myself (sneezes, yawns, coughs and the like).
When you get a link to a Zoom meeting, check the time. Sometimes there are issues if military time (twenty-four hour clock) is used to schedule the meeting. This could push the meeting into the wrong time if missed. Notice the time zone as well, especially if you’re an out of state student. Alert your professor if you notice any mistakes in the timing..
In some ways, Zoom can actually be more exhausting than a physical class meeting. It certainly takes time to get used to, and we have all had to adapt at a moment’s notice. We’ll all get the hang of it, but until then, it’s a good idea to start adopting certain habits regarding Zoom classes.