Zoom Student Guide

This article guides students using Zoom for courses, meetings, and other academic activities. It covers how to access Zoom, recommended system requirements, preparation steps before attending a meeting, and where to get technical support.

Detailed Information

Overview

This course uses the Zoom web conferencing system, which allows students, faculty, and guests to meet synchronously over the Internet. Zoom supports live communication through audio, video, and text chat, and allows participants to share their computer screens. Zoom sessions may also be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing.

Joining a Zoom Meeting

Students should review the provided instructional video for step-by-step guidance on how to join a Zoom meeting.

How to Join a Meeting

Download and Install Zoom

Students should ensure they are using the most current version of Zoom.

1. Download the latest version of Zoom using the official Zoom download link. 

Download the Latest Version of Zoom Here

2. Zoom will prompt you to install the Zoom application if it is not already installed on your device.

Students may test their Internet speed using an online speed test tool before joining a Zoom session. It is recommended that you test your computer prior to attending a meeting. You can do this by going to: https://zoom.us/test. You will be prompted to download and install the zoom.us.app.    
 

Technical Requirements and Recommendations

Recommended Hardware

• A personal computer (laptop or desktop) is recommended. Please view the recommended minimum hardware specifications. IOS and Android options are available but not recommended for coursework.

•  A Microphone Headset (for example, this Logitech headset)

•  Webcam/Video Camera (for example, this Logitech webcam)

•  Recommended bandwidth for Zoom Users: DSL/cable (wired connection recommended) for Zoom. Satellite or Dial-up modem connections WILL NOT be adequate.  A wireless connection is not recommended for the best performance.

• Click here to test your speed  (For group video calling: 600kbps/1.2Mbps (up/down) for HQ video. )

Test Your Computer Before the Meeting

It is strongly recommended that students test their computer and Zoom setup prior to attending a scheduled meeting.

Visit the Zoom test meeting page.

Follow the prompts to download and install the Zoom application if necessary.

Confirm that your audio, microphone, and camera are working properly.

Environment

• Zoom web conferencing system

• Student-owned laptops and desktop computers

• Supported operating systems: Windows, macOS

• Mobile platforms (iOS, Android) are supported but not recommended

• Wired internet connection (DSL or cable recommended)