While the University of Virginia (UVA) does not use the exact Learning Management System that we do, we can learn much from a look at the recommendations about online teaching that they've shared with UVA faculty. One resource from UVA's help site for their LMS is an excellent article with tips for teaching online with Zoom. We realize that many of our faculty have been using Zoom for a while. However, there may be some information in this article that even an experienced user would find helpful!
You can view the article at https://uvacollab.screenstepslive.com/m/integrations/l/1214518-tips-for-teaching-online-in-zoom, but below are some of the critical points from UVA:
- Install the Zoom client on your device. This suggestion is something we also recommend for Zoom users at UHCL. While it is possible to use Zoom in a browser, it works much better and is easier to navigate within the client app. You should already have the client installed on your UHCL computers, but if not, you can email the Support Center to request that Tech Services install it on your device. For personal devices, log in to go.uhcl.edu and then click on the Zoom card. Under "Resources" near the top of the page, you should see the Download Center, where you can download the client.
- Join a practice session. If you're not familiar with Zoom, it is always a good idea to create a meeting and practice using the controls, check your microphone/camera set up, and check your surroundings that will be on camera before it's time to hold your class. Doing so will ensure a smooth start to your class meeting.
- Record your meeting. You can set your meeting to record automatically upon scheduling. If you do this or start recording while you're in a meeting via the Meeting Controls, be sure to select the option to record to the cloud. This will make it easier to locate the recording once it has been processed. An additional note: At UHCL, we also have Echo360 integrated with Zoom. If you intend on doing a lot of recording in Zoom, or if you know that you will want to keep a Zoom recording long term, be sure to activate your Echo360 account before you record in Zoom. When you save your Zoom recordings to the cloud, it will also save a copy of that video to your Echo360 library. Zoom's cloud storage space is finite, and OIT deletes Zoom recordings at regular intervals (recordings from the current semester will not be deleted during that semester). On the other hand, Echo360's cloud space does not have the same limitations, and you will be able to keep recordings there long-term. If you need assistance activating your Echo360 account, don't hesitate to contact the Support Center, and a member of our team will be assigned to assist.
