Zoom.us is a web-based meeting app which allows us to share computer screens, speak with and see each other. Zoom can also record meetings, which can be very useful for workshops and trainings because you can review the recording and information shared at a later time.
Once a meeting is set up, you will receive a calendar invitation. The basics you need for a Zoom meeting are a computer with internet access and a way to hear and be heard:
- A headset is the best option for sound
- If you don’t have a headset, use a hands-free phone*
- If you don’t have either a headset or phone available, you can use your computer's built-in microphone*
*Note: if several people are joining the meeting from the same room, we recommend using just one central microphone and speaker for your group. This applies whether you are using a hands-free phone, or your computer's speaker and built-in microphone. Using more than one speaker or microphone in the same room can create audio feedback, which occurs when your microphone picks up your voice directly AND picks it up from another person's speaker.
Audio feedback will not happen if multiple people are in the same room but are using headsets, which is why they are the preferred option for audio.
If you plan to have several people join the meeting from the same room, but do not have a single central speaker/microphone or headsets to use, you may be able to avoid audio feedback by adjusting the volume of your microphone or speakers.
Here's an article on how to do this.
When it is time for the meeting, open the meeting in your calendar and click the link the appears under “Join Zoom Meeting.” If this is the first time you have used Zoom, you will be prompted to install it on your computer. From there, follow the prompts for audio and video.