Technical Tips for using Zoom

You may already be familiar with Zoom, but if not there are a number of features you should be aware of, and confident in using and explaining, in order to teach a class.

The first thing to remember is that Obby online classes are live. We want to encourage interaction and engagement between teachers and students (and students with other students!) during the class. This means you want students to be comfortable in their environment, which in this case is Zoom.

A number of students may be brand new to using Zoom, and more familiar with other video chat tools. Or they could be totally new to using a video chat at all (so may you be!), so you need to be able to help them if they have issues during the class. We have provided some basic tools for customers, but don't expect them to know it all - that's where you can help.

To keep your class running smoothly, there is a format you can follow to start the class:

Welcome joiners and say hi as they come in (allow up to 10 mins from the start time of your class for students to join). You should have your screen on "Gallery view" for the entire class.
When everyone has joined, explain that they can view others on the class by selecting "Gallery view" (on a desktop) or by swiping right (on a mobile).
Ask them all to make sure they are on "Speaker view" and mute all students. Then introduce yourself and the class and invite all students to introduce themselves one by one by un-muting each student in turn. This creates a great sense of community to start.
Once everyone has got a chance to see everyone, tell students to remain on "Speaker view" and either keep them all muted (so you remain the main video on their screen while speaking) or use the "Spotlight video" feature if you wish students to be un-muted.
Keep this view enabled for the majority of the class, telling students to swap to "Gallery View" if you want to invite any group discussions during the class, or at the end of the class if you want to open the discussion to feedback or final questions.

Managing Students

Views and Spotlight Video:

When students join, the default layout for their video will be the "Speaker View". This view means that the video feed for whoever is speaking (or making sound) will take up the full screen. This view will work for classes that require you, as the teacher, to demonstrate what you are teaching:

However, you can ask your students to swap to "Gallery View" which means they can see all the participants, and you the host, at once in a tile format. This will work for classes that involve group discussion:

On a desktop, the button to switch between "Speaker View" and "Gallery View" is on the top right of your screen (see in screenshots above). For iPhones, iPads, Tablets and Androids, you need to touch anywhere on the screen first, and then select which view on the left or right hand side of the screen (depending on the device).

As the host, you will want to keep your students on a "Gallery View" but most likely want to ask them to keep their screens on a "Speaker View" so you take up their full screen (just make sure you are the only person speaking/making noise, and use the mute button when necessary).

You can also use the "Spotlight Video" feature that will enable you, as the host, to force your screen to be the largest on "Speaker View" even if others are speaking or making noise. To use this, go to the "Manage Participants" tab at the bottom of the screen and right click on yourself - then select "Spotlight video".

Here's a handy video from Zoom on how to manage participants:

Raise Hand:

Using the "Raise hand" feature is a good way to allow students to ask a question when muted. They can use this by clicking the "Participants" tab at the bottom of the screen (it will only say "Manage Participants" for you as the host), and selecting their name. They can then click "Raise hand" to get your attention.

Video Techniques

What device to use:

As the host and instructor, you should be using a desktop if you can. This will give you full meeting controls at all times during the class in Zoom, and will ensure that your video shows more of you than a tablet or iPhone.

How to best use your device(s):

It's a good idea to set up your desktop on a raised table (use some heavy bookings to prop it up!) about an arms length away from you.

If you will be particularly mobile during the class, or need to show students what you're doing at a closer angle, you can use your phone your tablet as an additional camera.
To do this, you should invite yourself to join the class at the very start. Click "Invite" and send yourself an email. Go to the email on your additional device and join the meeting (make sure you have first downloaded the Zoom app on your additional device).
You will now have two video feeds in the class, one from your desktop which should be directed at you face, and one that is mobile using your phone or tablet, that you can move around as you wish!

We've also looked into some handy accessories you can buy to up your game.
Click here to see our technical accessory recommendations for teaching on Zoom.