Here is some helpful information that will make tutoring via Zoom, the video conferencing
platform we use, go smoothly:

Gaining Access to Zoom

1) Get an account: If you do not have a Zoom account, you will need to get one. (With the increased use of video conferencing since March 2020, people now have to have dedicated accounts.) Go to http://www.zoom.us to sign up. It’s free. For reasons of privacy, we suggest using just a first initial and last name.

2) Update Your Internet Browser: Open up Zoom prior to the meeting to make sure it will work with your browser. Make sure that you have the latest version of your internet browser. Older versions of Safari may not work, for example. You can download a recent version of Google Chrome and use that if you cannot get it working on your older browser. Zoom seems to work best with Google Chrome.

3) Testing ZOOM: You can test to see how well Zoom works prior to the meeting. Visit http://zoom.us/test.

1. Click the blue ‘Join a Meeting’ button to launch Zoom.
2. When prompted by your browser, click Open Zoom Meetings.
3. The test meeting will display a pop-up window to test your speakers.
4. If you don’t hear an audio reply, use the drop-down menu or click ‘No’ to switch
   microphones until you hear the replay.
5. If you have problems making Zoom work before or during the meeting, text or email your tutor. Be sure to mention the problem you are having

 

Connecting to your tutoring session

1) A few minutes before the scheduled appointment time, you will be sent a meeting number and password via text or email.

2) Select Join a Meeting then, when prompted, enter the numbers you were sent.

3) While you are waiting for the host to let you into the meeting, remember to ‘Join with audio’. You may want to use a pair of headphones so as not to disturb those around you.

 

Before your appointment

1) Set up your computer at a desk in a quiet area.

2) Gather your books, packets, writing paper and pencils. If you have a stylus, make sure it is on your desk to facilitate ease of writing on the Zoom whiteboard.

3) Give some thought to what you want to cover during the session.

4) Get a drink of water, use the bathroom, have a snack etc., so that you can work without
interruptions. Eating or chewing gum during the sessions is not acceptable.

 

Making the most of your time on-screen 

So that we can come as close as possible to a face-to-face session, both tutor and student(s) are expected to use the video and audio features throughout the session. This will enable us to still attend to body language and have eye contact for a more personal connection. When there is a group session use the gallery view mode so that we can all see each other at the same time, as if we were in the same room together. 

 

Sharing Screen and Using the Whiteboard

To be able to write on the screen or whiteboard, click Settings, then click the Meeting tab and enable annotation tools. If the option is grayed out, inform your tutor. 

 

Accessing Annotation Tools in Shared Screen

While viewing a shared screen or shared whiteboard, click View Options then Annotate at the top.

 

Annotation Tools

You will see these annotation tools:

Note: The Select, Spotlight, and Save options are only available if you started the shared screen or whiteboard.

 

Using Breakout Rooms

If you are in a group session with other students, it may be necessary to use the breakout rooms as a quiet space or for privacy. The adult host will assign breakout rooms as needed. While in a breakout room, use the Ask for Help tab to let your tutor know that you need assistance.