In this article
The videoconferencing software platform Zoom has quickly become the stand-out resource for businesses and schools during the COVID-19 global pandemic. With approximately 90,000 schools throughout 20 countries using the service for remote classes, it has helped parents, students, and teachers stay connected in a time of confusion and uncertainty.
Eric Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom, in an online letter to Zoom users, stated, “In March this year, we reached more than 200 million daily meeting participants, both free and paid. We have been working around the clock to ensure that all of our users โ new and old, large and small โ can stay in touch and operational.”
Working through the uncertainty of a global pandemic is difficult as it is, and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy with work and school has been a challenge. For this reason, we’ve compiled a few Zoom tips and tricks to help you navigate the platform.
Zoom basics to help get you started
1. Camera shy? No problem. If you’ve ever been tasked with trying to get a smiling photo of your preteen, you know that some kids just do not want to be in front of the camera. This poses a problem when your child is required to show up virtually for Zoom class meetings. Rather than starting the day off with an argument, there is a simple trick to alleviate this problem. Within the Video tab, simply check “always turn off video when joining meeting,” and your child can rest assured that they will not be seen. This feature is also helpful for parents worried about webcam privacy.
2. Fix that cluttered screen. In Gallery View (more on that below) your child has the option to see all Zoom classroom meeting participants. In Zoom, for some kids, the blank spaces on the screen can be overwhelming. A helpful trick you likely never knew is that you do have the capability to remove those blank spaces. In Video settings simply click “hide non-video participants.”
3. You’re in control. Teachers may choose to use the screen share feature to show pertinent slides or images to the Zoom conference. For some students, not being able to see the teacher’s face as they’re speaking can significantly impact comprehension. Within Zoom, your child can easily click on Options to engage Side-by-Side Mode. This will allow your child to toggle between the slide and the teacher as needed. The participant gallery becomes a pop-up that can easily be moved around the screen as needed by your child.
A note about safety: Zoom has been a learning curve for many, including parents and kids. There’s also the added concern of online safety. With recent news of Zoom-bombers hacking into the site and disrupting meetings, parents have had to take additional safety precautions. Some ways to do this include using the “waiting room” feature to ensure only approved participants can enter the meeting room, disabling screen-sharing by participants other than the host, and locking the meeting to outsiders.
Zoom tips and tricks you never knew
4. Mute when necessary. Zoom etiquette is often a difficult concept for kids navigating the give and take of teleconferencing. Your child’s teacher will have the option to Mute All of the class participants when setting up the Zoom classroom. If you find that the teacher has left the mute button open for your child to control, rather than having to search for it on the screen, simply have your child tap the spacebar to either mute or unmute themselves.
5. A virtual portrait gallery. To allow your child to see everyone on the Zoom call, the Gallery View option is a good tip to use if the screen bouncing back and forth between speakers is distracting. In the upper-right corner of the classroom, simply turn on Gallery View.
6. Got a blank space? When a classmate chooses not to participate in video, their screen will still show up in your View Gallery feature. If your child finds the cluttered screen with blank spaces distracting, you can easily hide classmates that choose not to include their video. This can be done in Settings under the Meetings tab.
7. Sync it up. Older children who may have their own cell phones may consider logging in to Zoom classes via smartphone. One helpful Zoom trick is to sync your child’s classroom schedule and assignment due dates to their smartphone calendar application.
Tips for using Zoom with younger children
8. Simple is best. If your young child smiles wide at the sight of their teacher’s face on their tablet during virtual circle time, you may be tempted to cast the Zoom class to the large family television. Sometimes, however, simple is best with younger children.
Brandi Riley is the mother of a preschooler and a tween. She has been navigating virtual learning with both children. “We were using our Apple TV to project the screen on the big television,” she told Mom.com. “That was really overwhelming for our young son. I know it’s tempting to use the tech gadgets you have, but kids need simple. There’s already enough going on with the tiny little squares and everyone talking.”
9. Building life skills. The biggest tip to remember when it comes to virtual learning is that you and your children are learning technology tricks you likely never knew before. The virtual learning experience has no doubt expanded our skill set as parents, teachers, and students.
Preschool music teacher Kira Morrison has had to pivot these last few weeks when teaching her music students virtually. While all of this is very limiting, she told us, “I have been able to utilize Zoom, screen-sharing, graphic design, and home recording techniques in my teaching more than ever before. I am looking forward to using these new tools at my disposal when we are finally able to get back into the classroom.”
