ZOOM!

On your smartphone download the ‘zoom for meetings’ app

From a laptop – go to https://zoom.us/

• You can sign up for a free account or download the app. 

• A Zoom account isn't required to attend a meeting it is only required if you want to host a meeting and invite others

• Anyone can join a meeting using the Zoom mobile apps or desktop applications for Windows and Mac

• When you join a meeting if you haven’t already downloaded the app you will be asked to do so.

• It is best to download the app before the meeting to make joining quicker.

There are also training videos you might want to look at.

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials

 

What do I need to set up use ZOOM?

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with built in speaker or headphones or external speakers

• An internet connection

 

How do I know where to go?

• For the BLACS meetings we will send round a URL link by email

• Click on the link and it will open the zoom site and prompt you to Open Zoom Meetings.

• Click ‘open zoom meetings’

• This will open the app

• It is best to do this five minutes before the meeting time and a dialogue box will appear saying please wait for the host to start the meeting, so just wait.

 

Couple of things with zoom: it’s very busy at the moment with so many people using it -  if you start the meeting 5 minutes in advance then it’s better, as sometimes it takes a while to be able to join. If anyone is having trouble joining (it says sometimes, the meeting will start when the host starts the meeting - even if you have already done it - it’s just too much traffic trying to join) then don’t click off - just wait on the line and it should let you join - eventually

 

Audio and Video options

You then have the option to join with or without video. If you don’t have a webcam on your pc/mac, you can’t join with video

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On a PC/Mac, if you want to stop your video being seen, you can right click on your video and turn it off / and back on again.  Your name will appear instead.  You can also ‘hide self view’ here if you don’t want to see yourself. Others will still see you on this option so don’t forget

You can mute/unmute your audio in the same way.

 

If you’re on a smartphone you can mute your audio, but I don’t think you can turn your video off.

Sometimes if someone is presenting it is a good idea to mute your audio so lots of background noise doesn’t interrupt them.  Just don’t forget to turn it back on if you want to talk

 

On a PC you can change your view from  Speaker to Gallery view. Speaker view shows the person speaking as larger and gallery view shows everyone the same size. Speaker view will be useful when we have a demonstration and gallery when we have a paint along.

 But try both and see which you prefer

You can change your backgrounds if you want.

I’d advise you to sign up, set up a meeting and get used to the controls that allow you to turn audio and video on and off… it’s free and you can always practice with a friend.