How to Tell Students About Zoom

Syllabus

Let's start at the beginning with the syllabus.  Make sure that it's clear from the get-go that you and the class will be meeting together on Zoom.  Here is some sample language that you can use in your syllabus:

The quarter starts on <insert day and date> and ends on <insert day and date>.  Our final is scheduled for <day, date, time>.  We will be meeting during our scheduled time <date/time> in our Zoom classroom  <link to the class Zoom room>. To join, at our class time, click on that link using any web-enabled device with a camera/mic. 

      1. Install the Zoom app on your phone or tablet (use the app store) or your computer. Here's a link if you want to install it on your computer: Download and install Zoom Client for Meetings. Please do this as soon as possible to ensure you're ready for class. 
      2. Go to this website to test Zoom.
      3. Just before class time, click this link <link to the class Zoom room>. This will allow you into the virtual room where you will be able to see and hear me and everyone else in the class.
      4. When we meet, it would be great if you had headphones (ideally with a built-in microphone) or were in a relatively quiet space. If neither are possible for you, that's okay! We can work with whatever technology or space you are in. 

I will be recording our class sessions and making the recordings available to you via Canvas. These recordings will only be available to the members of this class, and I ask that everyone be respectful and not allow others to view the recordings. At the end of the course, the recordings will be deleted. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about recordings.

Let me know if you're having trouble getting the Zoom app or if you have any questions about anything else related to our class.

If you're not able to join us at class time, please let me know. We'll figure it out together. 

Follow Up with Announcement or Message

As we know, our syllabi are not read word-for-word.  So even when you have language in your syllabus about where and when to meet on Zoom, it's a good idea to remind students.  Before your first class on Zoom, send a message or announcement to the class.  Here is a sample announcement or message that you can customize and send to students to help them prepare for your Zoom meeting:

Hi Everyone,

We're going to meet online at our usual class day and time: <insert day and time> using an app called Zoom.  You will need to install the app on your phone (it's free in the iPhone App Store and in Android's Google Play) or your computer.  You will be able see and hear me using Zoom, and I will explain the assignments that are coming up.

Here are your next steps:

      1. Install the Zoom app on your phone or tablet (use the app store) or your computer. Here's a link if you want to install it on your computer:  Download and install Zoom Client for Meetings Links to an external site.. Please do this as soon as possible to ensure you're ready for <insert date and time>.
      2. Go to this website to test Zoom Links to an external site..
      3. Click the following link at <insert time, day, and date>. This will allow you into the virtual room where you will be able to see and hear me: <insert the URL and hyperlink to your Zoom room>
      4. When we meet, it would be great if you had headphones (ideally with a built-in microphone) or were in a relatively quiet space. If neither are possible for you, that's okay! We can work with whatever technology or space you are in. 

Let me know if you're having trouble getting the Zoom app or if you have any questions about anything else related to our class.

I will be recording our class sessions and making the recordings available to you via Canvas. These recordings will only be available to the members of this class, and I ask that everyone be respectful and not allow others to view the recordings. At the end of the course, the recordings will be deleted. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about recordings.

If you're not able to join us, please let me know. We'll figure it out together. 

I will see you on <insert day and time> (on Zoom)!

Day of Reminder

It is a good idea to send your students a last reminder day before or the day of the Zoom meeting. Here is a sample follow-up that you can customize and send to students to help them prepare for your Zoom meeting:

Hi everyone!

Please remember that we will be meeting on Zoom at <insert time, day, and date>.  Here is the link to the meeting:  <insert the URL and hyperlink to your Zoom room>.  If you're having any trouble with Zoom or don't have the means to connect, please email me, and we'll figure it out together.
I'm looking forward to seeing you soon. 
This Zoom announcement was adapted from "Zoom Announcement" by Prairie Brown, Highline College is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.