Zoom Best Practices
To explore best practices when accessing and using Zoom for your classroom, click the tabs below.
Video, Audio, and Internet Connection
- For the best experience in Zoom, use the latest version of Chrome or Firefox web browser when joining a meeting. Be sure to download and use the latest version of Zoom as well.
- Close all unnecessary browser tabs and computer applications to ensure that your Zoom meeting runs smoothly.
- Connect 15 minutes before the meeting start time to check your audio, video, and internet connection.
- Consider using an external microphone or USB-connected headset for better-quality audio.
- Have a backup plan ready in case you have trouble connecting with remote participants. Examples of a backup plan include an extra laptop or mobile phone device you can use to start the Zoom meeting.
- Address internet disruptions with participants. If they experience freezing or lagging, suggest that they use their computer to access video, while dialing in by phone for the audio.
Staging Your Environment
- Stage your video area. Be mindful of what may appear in the background, such as a pile of laundry on the floor. Make sure your environment is quiet, clean, professional, and work-appropriate. You may even consider using virtual background options provided by UCLA.
- Make sure there is enough light in the room to ensure the best video quality. Consider placing a light source, like a lamp, in front of you if the video is too dark.
- Frame your camera shot in a way that feels natural and allows you to look directly at the camera. Sit at eye level with the camera.
Zoom Presentation Skills
- Practice using Zoom in advance. Make sure you have access to the Zoom meeting features that you'll need, and hold a practice run to test these features.
- Prepare materials in advance. If you plan to share content during the meeting, have your presentation, files, and links ready to go before the meeting begins.
- Display a meeting agenda at the start of the class so students know what to expect of their shared time together. You can also add it to your modules so students can reference lecture or meeting details in advance.
- Ensure all students have equal access to content by sharing content within the Zoom meeting.
- Consider recording the meeting and uploading the file into your Canvas course for later viewing.
- After the meeting, send a Canvas Announcement or create a Canvas page that summarizes the lesson. Consider including presentation files and resources that were discussed/shared live during the meeting.
Communication and Engagement
- Encourage students to have their audio and videos turned on. Ensure all participants can see and hear each other at the start of the meeting.
- Have participants mute their audio if their location has excessive background noise or when they are not speaking.
- Share a communication plan. Let students know when and how they can get your attention during a meeting.
- Will you be checking the chat window?
- Should they unmute themselves to ask questions?
- Should they hold questions until the end of a presentation or during a break?
- Encourage students to use Nonverbal Feedback during a meeting to share visual and verbal cues, such as raising hands, answering “yes” or “no” questions, or icons like thumbs up, etc.
- Use active learning and collaboration tools to engage students by asking questions, soliciting feedback in chat, and using Zoom features such as polls, breakout rooms, screen share, and annotation.
- Be the last one to leave the meeting. This ensures students get in final words or questions before the meeting ends.
Security Considerations
- Avoid sharing your meeting link on public sites. Create all Zoom meetings via Canvas for your enrolled class to avoid unwelcome participants joining the meeting room.
- Have an understanding of various security settings that can help you manage participants and secure your meetings.
Zoom Meeting Etiquette
To explore general rules of courtesy to ensure a successful experience for all participants accessing and using Zoom, click the tabs below.
Dress to impress.
Your colleagues and students expect you to have a professional appearance. Wear work-appropriate clothing for your Zoom meetings the way you would for any in-person meeting.
Look into the camera when speaking.
We tend to look at the video feed instead of the camera. This makes it seem like our attention is elsewhere. Direct eye contact with the camera gives students the impression that you're looking at them and listening to them.
Think about your actions on the camera.
Always remember that everyone in the meeting can see you. Pay attention to distracting movements or behaviors that can disrupt the class (e.g., filing your nails, biting into a sandwich).
Pay attention to your students.
Don’t get distracted by checking emails, looking at your phone, and working on other tasks while students are speaking or presenting. Stay in the present moment so that your students feel respected and valued.
Be punctual for all your meetings.
Don't keep students waiting. Open the meeting space 15 minutes prior to the start time so you can help students through any technical issues or questions they may have.
Mute your microphone when not speaking.
Most microphones can pick up minor background noises, like typing, coughs, or sneezes. These sounds can easily distract students from learning.