Attending Class Meetings via Zoom
Each instructor will choose their method of sharing the Zoom link with you. Those options may be one of the following.
- In the Canvas course, your Zoom link may be posted on the Homepage.
- As a link within the announcements area of the course.
- As a link with the conversation Inbox (email) of Canvas.
- As a link to your TVCC email.
Click on the Zoom meeting link provided by your instructor. The first time you use Zoom, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom for your device. The process is seamless and prompts are given to you to accept the download and open the meeting.
If you do not feel confident opening a Zoom session, ask your instructor if there is an option to connect with him/her prior to a required or recommended meeting time. This will give you practice to become familiar with the process.
Audio and Video Setup
- Once you have joined your Zoom meeting from the link provided by your instructor, a prompt will show on your screen to join your audio. It is recommended to "join audio by computer" and utilize your computer's speakers or a headset.
- If you are unable to join by computer, you do have the option to use a phone line.
- Audio and video options can be tested with the settings found in the lower left of the Zoom window.
Mute/Stop Webcam
- To minimize background noise, mute yourself until you have a question or it is your turn to speak.
- To mute yourself or turn on/off your webcam, click the microphone and video camera buttons in the left corner.
Share Screen
- If the host of the meeting allows, all participants are able to share applications or documents using Share Screen. After selecting “Share” from your Zoom toolbar, Zoom will present a list of all active applications and available desktops on your computer. You may also choose to share a whiteboard or iPhone/iPad. When the screen is shared, the bottom navigation menu will move to the top of the screen. To reposition the menu, simply click and drag.
- Annotation tools are available when screen sharing.
- To end the screen share, click "Stop Share" which will be in red (usually at the top of your screen).
If your instructor recorded the meeting, he/she will indicate to your their method of sharing the recording.
Attending Virtual Office Hours and Advising Meetings via Zoom
Virtual office hours are a time to connect with your instructor to ask questions, gather clarifications, and work through problems to identify solutions. To meet with your instructor, he/she will provide a Zoom link and identify the block of time you may enter the meeting.
If your instructor provides office hours via Zoom, he/she will provide the meeting link for the office hours. Your instructor will communicate the hours they are available
To join a meeting, you can join from the Zoom desktop or mobile applications, from a landline or mobile phone, or with a H.323 or SIP device. Please visit how to join a meeting for more information.
When you join an office hour or advisor meeting, you may encounter a waiting room. This allows the instructor or advisor to conduct one-on-one meetings with students. You will be notified you are in the waiting room, and will need to wait for the instructor or advisor to let you in when he/she finishes with the current student in the meeting room. You can also make an appointment with your instructor or advisor prior to joining the meeting to avoid a long waiting time.
Creating Your Own Zoom Meetings
TVCC students can use their TVCC email address to sign up for a Zoom account. Creating an account will allow you to host your own meetings for peer interaction to study or complete group projects. Student Zoom accounts are basic level accounts. For more information about the accounts, visit the Zoom Plans information. Then Sign Up Free. You do NOT need to pay for a Zoom account.
To schedule a Zoom meeting, login to your Zoom account. You will have access to your "Meetings" and have an option to "Schedule a Meeting". For more instructions, visit How Do I Host a Video Meeting?
Troubleshooting
The Zoom Help Center offers a comprehensive tutorial for connecting to Zoom audio on a wide array of different devices: Audio, Video, Sharing Support
If you are not able to hear the audio in a Zoom session, you may need to check your audio hardware and settings on your computer.
Check to make sure your headphones are plugged into your computer. If your headphones are USB headphones and your computer has multiple USB ports, try disconnecting from one port and connecting to a different port. If after reconnecting your headphones an installation process begins, make sure to follow through with all steps of the installation process.
On a windows device, ensure the default audio device is set to your headphones rather than your built-in speakers. Right-click on the sound icon in the taskbar and select "Playback Devices." Right-click in an empty area of the list of devices that show up, and select "Show Disconnected Devices" as well as "Show Disabled Devices." Find your headphones from the list of devices and right-click on them. Click "Set as Default Device."