Student learning with Zoom

Owned by Jacqueline Kort Mascort (Deactivated)
Last updated: Feb 22, 2024
2 min read

McGill students automatically have a licensed account, which provides these features:

  • Hosting unlimited sessions with up to 300 participants.

  • 24-hour maximum group sessions.

  • Recording to a local computer.

  • Breakout rooms.

  • Screen sharing.

  • iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets.

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Ten tips for students using Zoom 

These ten tips can help create a positive Zoom experience:

  1. Join on time: Join your Zoom sessions a few minutes early so that the instructor can start class at the scheduled time.

  2. Mute yourself: Keep your microphone on mute to limit background noise during the session.

  3. Keep the camera at eye-level: When you join a meeting with your video enabled, try to position the camera at eye-level (straight-on). Use a plain background and avoid backlighting as it makes it difficult to see you onscreen. You might also consider using a virtual background to personalise your session experience or for privacy reasons. Once your camera is on, do not forget that other participants can see you until you turn off your video or leave the meeting.

  4. Limit distractions: To limit your own distractions, you can close unnecessary browser tabs, silence your mobile device, and avoid multi-tasking. You can also limit distractions for other students by avoiding too much camera movement or a busy background.

  5. Add your pronouns: Consider including your preferred pronouns in your name so that other participants know how to refer to you, for example, Jane (she/hers). If you are a teaching assistant, you might want to add (TA) after your name so the instructor and students can readily identify you from the Participants list.

  6. Come prepared: Prepare for your class by completing ahead of time any homework, reading, or assignments, or reviewing your notes from the previous class.

  7. Be present: Pay attention and keep focused by taking notes by hand, if possible, and by using the many interactive features available in Zoom (e.g., chat, reactions).

  8. Raise your hand: Have a question? Use the Raise Hand button to signal to the session host (e.g., instructor, TA) that you would like to be added to the speaker’s list. This button is found in the Participants tab.

  9. Communicate respectfully: Keep communication respectful to ensure a positive learning environment for all. Remember: follow the instructor’s guidelines for the use of the chat and other communication features, such as the reaction buttons.

  10. Stuff happens! Be prepared to deal with the occasional technical issue. Check out our Zoom resources below for information on Zoom set-up, technical issues, and other helpful tips.

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