The following notes are to assist members who are new to Zoom. It is not a definitive help guide or technical support document (a link to zoom user guide is at the foot of the page) Thank you.
Some of our demonstrations use the Zoom platform. Zoom is an on-line meetings application for people who work remotely, but it works well in this context. The tutor presents to a camera in their own environment, and multiple audience members can watch and ask questions from the comfort of their own surroundings. Session are often recorded and can be viewed (using a link emailed to all members) for up to 1 week after the event.
This note explains what zoom is, where it can be obtained and what you need to do before joining a zoom session.
WHAT DO I NEED?
To participate in a zoom demonstration, you need to have the zoom software installed on your computer or smart device. This can be found by visiting the Zoom website: (link below) or a smart device version is also available on Google Play and the Apple App store. The software is free.
https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0060928
You will need to have sound enabled on your device, and a microphone if you want to ask questions or contribute to the event. You will also need a camera to be seen by other participants when you speak, but this is not essential. You will ideally have a reasonably quick internet connection and good screen resolution on your device. If you are able to stream TV or movies, then you’re sure to be ok. Download capability above 40Mb/sec is generally adequate provided no other users in your home are on-line at the same time.
HOW DO I JOIN A SESSION?
The session will be advertised well in advance, and a link to join will be sent to all members whose email address has been provided to the membership secretary. Just click on the link about 10 minutes before the session is timed to begin.
CAN I ASK QUESTIONS?
Yes, if you have a microphone enabled. However, the host may mute microphones during the presentation and arrange a slot for questions at the end, or at a convenient break point. This is to avoid chatter / unwanted background noise during the presentation.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
If your device is battery powered, make sure it is charged, or plugged in before starting.
Make sure your device is working properly before you join the session. There won’t be any formal “help desk” although some members who are more proficient in IT may be able to assist. However, the session will not be held up to sort out participant technical problems as a courtesy to the tutor.
Try to be in a well lit space, but avoid being sat in front of a window or a well lit wall. You may appear to others as a silhouette if you do that. You can disable your video camera if you wish, but it is nicer for everyone to be able to see who is speaking.
Make sure the volume on your speakers is at an appropriate level before you start, and that you position your microphone away from the speakers to avoid feedback. Also check that your microphone can pick up your voice if you want to ask questions (ie you’re not too far away from it).
A user guide can be found on the Zoom site if you want to explore other possibilities with using zoom for your own purposes. https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0061316