Zoom — how to join a lesson

MS Masters uses Zoom for online classes. It is a secure tool: meetings are password-protected and waiting rooms are on by default, so participants join only once the host admits them. Hosts can also control who joins, disable a participant’s camera or microphone, and prevent screen sharing.

Zoom’s advantages include: free use (Zoom Meetings), easy operation, HD picture and high-quality audio, breakout rooms, several video feeds at once, joining from conference terminals, inviting others, recording, chat, muting participants and screen sharing.

What you need

• a computer, laptop, tablet or phone,
• a stable internet connection,
• your coursebook, notebook and pen — whatever you would bring to a class at school.

Joining from a computer or laptop

1. Go to www.zoom.us.
2. In the dark bar at the top right, hover over „Resources” and choose „Download Zoom Client”.
3. On the Download Center page, find „Zoom Client for Meetings” and click the blue Download button.
4. Install the program.
5. A window should open automatically after installation (if not, start the program). Click „Join a Meeting”.
6. Enter the meeting ID you received from your teacher and your name. Tick „Remember my name” and leave the other boxes unticked, then click Join.
7. The first time, accept the terms by clicking „I Agree”.
8. You have now joined. When asked, click „Join with Computer Audio” and allow video.

Joining from a tablet or phone

1. Download „ZOOM Cloud Meetings” from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app, tap „Join a Meeting”, enter the meeting ID from your teacher and your name, then tap Join.
3. You will see the waiting room. Wait until the teacher admits you, then tap „Call using Internet Audio”.
4. Make sure your camera and microphone are on — neither icon in the bottom bar should be red.

Tips and house rules

1. On a phone, switch on „do not disturb” and charge the battery fully.
2. Sound is clearer with headphones.
3. If you are late, do not worry — you can still join.
4. Zoom works best with other programs and apps closed.
5. Recording the class or capturing it in any other way (including photographs) without the written consent of everyone taking part is not allowed.
6. Classes are for MS Masters students only.

Good luck!