Zoom

About this article

This article provides an overview of the features and functions of the Zoom web conferencing system. It is intended for all WSU students and employees interested in conducting or attending online meetings using Zoom.

What's Zoom?

Zoom is a full-featured web conferencing tool that can be used on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. It supports video and audio over the Internet, document and screen sharing, and more. Meeting hosts can create meeting sites, provide access to those rooms through a URL, and then use the tools available in the room to facilitate engaging online meetings with anyone in the world via a web browser. WSU employees can create and host Zoom meetings. WSU students can create and host their own Zoom rooms for 1:1 or group meetings. Most faculty and staff use Zoom to support online meetings (e.g., remote classes, virtual office hours, exam review sessions), but it can also be used in a face-to-face meeting or classroom to support communication and collaboration.

What is the difference between a meeting and a webinar?

Zoom's Meeting and Webinar platforms offer similar features and functionality, but have some key differences.

Meetings are designed to be a collaborative event with all participants being able to screen share, turn on their video and audio, and see who else is in attendance.

Webinars are designed so that the host and any designated panelists can share their video, audio and screen. Webinars allow view-only attendees. They have the ability to interact via Q&A, chat, and answering polling questions. The host can also unmute the attendees.

For more details, refer to the Meeting and Webinar Comparison article in the Zoom Support site.

Virtual meeting best practices

It’s important to keep in mind that even though this is a virtual meeting your location and surroundings are important. Here are some basic things to remember to create a professional virtual environment.

• Background – Check the background and rid the space of any clutter or distractions. You also want to make sure you are not positioned in front of a window as this can cause you to appear like a shadow. Keep your background simple.
• Noise – Is there background noise that could prevent participants from hearing clearly? It is recommended to conduct the webinar in an office or quiet room. Make sure to shut the door and hang a sign stating you are in a virtual meeting asking people not to enter or knock on the door. Also keeping your mic muted when you are not talking can help cut down on excess noise.
• Lighting – Double check the lighting when you launch the meeting and the video has started. Make sure more light is on your face than coming from behind you. You might also need to adjust where you are sitting so the light is not right above your head and within the camera framing.
• Framing – As an additional consideration be aware of your distance from the camera (not too close, not too far). You want to try and have the camera at eye level.

Support

Contact TLT with any questions regarding Zoom. Email TLT at TLT@Winona.edu, please include Zoom in the subject line. Phone support is available by dialing 507-457-5240, option 2 Monday-Thursday 8:00am-8:30pm, Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

If you would like to set up a testing session with a TLT staff member please send a request to TLT@Winona.edu.

More information

Zoom training

• Zoom Help Center
• Activate your Minnesota State Zoom Pro Account
• Zoom training from Linkedin Learning
• From the Zoom Help Center:
  • How do I invite others to join a meeting?
  • My Account (account configuration, password reset, meeting-link creation, meeting, scheduling, ...)
  • Managing Video Breakout Rooms

Related Wiki Topics

• Student daily tips
• Instructor daily tips
• Draft:Article layout basic
• Send incoming Zoom Phone calls to voicemail
• Launch Zoom on startup
• Zoom Phone settings
• Zoom Phone preparation checklist
• Zoom Phone FAQ
• Zoom Phone
• Blended meetings

For a complete listing of topics, select from the category list below.