Learning with ZoomAlex LiepinsTeaching and Learning Services (TLS)June 30, 2020

Zoom is a web conferencing tool. It allows instructors to easily convene online meetings with students, chat with or without video enabled, and deliver presentations while maintaining a good quality connection among all participants.

At McGill, Zoom is used for remote teaching and learning in several ways:• Online office hours or drop-in sessions• Real-time lectures, including screensharing, annotating, and digital whiteboarding• Recording lectures, tutorials, videos for later viewing• Whole class or small group discussions• Allow students to give oral presentations

What is Zoom?

McGill students automatically have a Basic license, which includes: • Hosting unlimited meetings with up to 100 participants• 40 min maximum group meeting• Local meeting recordings• Breakout rooms and screen sharing• iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets

Basic equipment:• Computer/laptop/tablet/smartphone with a stable, high-speed internet connection• Headphones, earbuds, and/or speakers• Microphone (a separate microphone can be better than your device's built-in)• Web camera (optional, preferred for face-to-face connection)

Using Zoom

12 Key Features:• Audio/video• Name• Profile picture• Reactions• Chat• Participants menu• Raise hand• More reactions• Screen sharing• Polling• Virtual backgrounds• Breakout Rooms

Getting oriented

Breakout Rooms allow participants to meet in smaller groups within the main Zoom meeting. McGill instructors may use this feature to assign students into groups for a short period of time so that they can hold a discussion.

• In a moment, we will assign you to a breakout room• Enter by clicking the pop-up window: enter breakout room• Once there, unmute yourself, and turn on your video (if you want)• Briefly introduce yourself and your intended program of study• We will call you back to the main meeting session after a few minutes• Return to the main meeting by clicking the pop-up window: leave breakout room*

Breakout Rooms

“In my experience as a student in a graduate class of around 15 students, Zoom proved useful to conduct the lectures almost as usual. The lectures were given in part by a professor moderator in part by an assigned student moderator which were both different each class, and this was conducted very well overall. The main professor made sure that grading was continued in a fair manner, in that a previously assigned presentation was made possible by recording ourselves on Zoom!” [MSc Candidate, Institute of Parasitology]

“I am currently taking a psychology course for the Summer term. Zoom has been especially helpful in facilitating my learning remotely. My professor holds Q&A sessions through the platform, clarifying any misunderstandings we may have about the course material. I find it great that we have the ability to choose how we want to interact: whether it's using the video and audio features or the chatroom.” [U1 Philosophy Major, Cognitive Science Minor]

Student testimonials

1. To maintain a clear and uninterrupted learning space for all, keep your microphones muted throughout your class, unless you have been invited by your instructor to speak.

2. Follow your instructor's direction about use of the "chat" function.

3. Do not share your login or password information.

4. Review the Guidelines for Remote Teaching and Learning.

5. Consult the Remote Learning Resources created by McGill's Teaching and Learning Services.

Zoom for learning tips

Thank you!Upcoming webinars:

Parents: How to Support Your New McGill StudentJuly 14th @ 9AM (EST)July 15th @ 6PM (EST)