Zoom Tips- For the Student and Educator

Zoom is a virtual chat/ video conference software that is seemingly taking over the educational experience during COVID-19. It is used for countless variations of meetings ranging from classroom meetings, business meetings, and even the NFL Draft. Such usage can effective if executed properly. Here’s what ya need to know about completing a successful Zoom meeting!

1. Professional Background

Chances are, you’re meeting in a semi-formal setting. A professional back ground such as a plain wall creates a professional setting for the Zoom Meeting.

2. Minimal background noise

Background noises are obnoxious and distracting!

3. Limit distractions

Your distractions will more than likely distract others in the meeting, too.

4. Limit food, drinks, and gum

No one wants to see that up-close and personal!

5. Proper lighting

Allow your peers to see you clearly with proper lighting.

6. Charged device

Don’t let your phone, computer, etc. die! You might miss something important.

7. Comfortable seating

Zoom meetings can last a while. Make sure you’re comfortable!

Matthew Varn

At-home Instruction: With Limited Internet/Technology Access

While schools are temporarily shut down due to COVID-19, many turn to the internet for online instruction. But what about those who do not have internet access at home? Fortunately, most students probably have internet access at home- but some do not. How can educators level the playing field so every student has an equal chance at an education? Every student deserves an equal chance at an education. A few solutions are provided below.

1. Take home packets

Many educators use software such as google classroom for their online instruction. Through this, students have access to various worksheets to fill out and complete. Such assignments can be virtually submitted upon completion. To level the playing field, educators can print off the assignments that can be found in “virtual classrooms”. Take-home packets can be prepared for the upcoming week, and can be picked up every Monday. When the student comes to school or where ever the meeting place may be, they can turn in the previous week’s take home packet too.

2. FaceBook Live

Not every student may have internet access at home, but chances are someone living in the house has a FaceBook account! Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Educators can host “class meetings” via FaceBook live or FaceBook Messenger. This method is pretty self-explanatory, which takes us to our next solution.

3. House Calls

No internet? How about a phone call! Chat with students on the phone while schools are temporarily closed. Many would argue that students care more about their education when they know someone else cares about them. Be that someone! Check on students, internet connection or not. Let them know that you care and you are there for them. That will go further than any fun activity your class participates in.

Matthew Varn

With the COVID-19 pandemic, school everywhere has closed their doors and classrooms to alleviate the spread of the virus. However, this causes issues for the millions of American students that do not have access to the internet or technology. Here are some tips that will help educators stay in touch with these students.

1. Phone Calls

If a student does not have access to internet, their teacher can call them frequently to answer questions and offer support. This is also a great idea to implement to check up on any student, regardless if they have internet access or not. Just be sure to set clear boundaries with your students and their parents or guardians to prevent mental exhaustion.

2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a phone app that can be used to text, free with a phone plan. Educators can use this app to frequently check up on their students as well as copy and paste assignments, lessons, or assessments to send to their students. Even if a student does not have internet, they can use their parent’s phone and phone plan to communicate with their teacher and participate in assignments, lessons, and assessments.

3. Television Broadcasting

Though this may seem like a long shot, many districts across the nation has partnered with radio stations to create opportunities for distance learning via T.V. programs. Districts began working with their local PBS stations to provide an educational television show that aligns with their state standards.

4. Provide Handouts

Back in the old days, there were handouts, textbooks, and workbooks. Now that we are hundreds of years

that, they are out of practice and classrooms. Educators can bring these back to benefit students with little or no internet/technology access. These can be sent home in weekly packets for all students.

5. USBs or DVDs

Educators can send USBs to students that included assignments, rubrics, video lessons, etc. If the student has no access to use a USB, educators can send home DVDs of them teaching lessons and explaining assignments.

Briana B.

Virtual Meetings Gone Wrong

Virtual meetings have become popular now that we have to do everything from home. Here is a compilation of hilarious mishaps that happen on camera for everyone to see during these virtual meetings!

I think we could all relate to this one...

I wish something as funny as this would’ve happened during one of our zoom meetings! Ha!

This person’s “new coworker” video called her boss! Woops!

That mute button will get you every time!

Needless to say, we’re all human here. Hopefully, we can all laugh together at our failures or mistakes and understand that we are all still learning. We are all still trying to adapt to our new way of life and it’s okay if something doesn’t go right. Always try to look at the positive side of things! Also, remember that everyone, and I mean everyone, has had some kind of embarrassing experience on a virtual class/work meeting, so you are not alone! Laugh it out and move on ~

-Mallory Beach