Shared P
rograms
ost
… for Students.
How to be a Successful Student on Zoom
Be an Active Participant
Your Environment
- Find a quiet location to connect to your class.
- Avoid multi-tasking. Close windows and tabs on your computer, unless needed for class. Turn off email or other distracting notifications. Put your phone on mute and out of sight.
Best Practices
- If possible, use headphones for better audio quality, more privacy, and to avoid disrupting those around you.
- Mute your microphone unless you are talking.
- Only connect with your cellphone as a last resort. Some features may not be available in the mobile app, making it more difficult to actively participate.
- Location considerations – try to find a place to connect that is free from distractions and excessive background noise.
- If possible, connect with a strong internet signal.
Participation
How to participate in discussions:
- When meeting in Zoom, there can sometimes be a short delay in audio. Be careful not to interrupt and allow others to finish speaking before you begin to speak. Speak clearly.
How to ask questions:
- Follow your instructor’s guidelines for how to ask questions during class. They may ask you to unmute yourself and verbally ask questions or they might prefer if you ask question in chat. Some instructors might use the nonverbal feedback icons to indicate that you have your ‘hand up’.
Expectations for Webcam and Microphone Use
- Turning your camera on during a Zoom meeting enhances the classroom experience by putting a name to a face and allowing your instructor to better gauge your reactions during a class. There are several reasons why you may not want to turn on your camera during a Zoom meeting.
- Consider your instructor’s expectations of you when on campus and apply them to the Zoom classroom as well. For example, dress appropriately, as you would for class and avoid eating during class.
- Check your webcam and audio prior to class. For the best appearance, try to arrange your work area so that lighting is in front of you instead of behind you. If you prefer a soft filter, use Zoom’s Touch up my appearance feature.
- Zoom Backgrounds are a great way to maintain privacy when connecting from home. They can also be a fun way to showcase your personality. Penn State has several Zoom backgrounds to choose from as well. If you really want to get creative, you can create your own.