With the move to virtual instruction, we will be using the Zoom video meeting platform to facilitate the synchronously interactive components of our course: discussion sections, office hours, and consulting hours. Students will need to become comfortable with Zoom software in order to effectively participate in these elements. This guide will help you prepare for using Zoom in CS 1110.

Accessing the software

Simply clicking on a link to a Zoom meeting from your device of choice will prompt you to install the appropriate software, or automatically launch the software if it’s already installed. But for more flexibility, there are actually four different ways students can join Zoom meetings. Here’s a breakdown of the options, with installation instructions if you want to get ahead:

1. Install the Zoom software on your computer (laptop or desktop). Visit https://zoom.us/download to download the Zoom Meetings Client. This is the most flexible way to join zoom meetings.
2. Install the Zoom app on your mobile device (smartphone or tablet). Install “ZOOM Cloud Meetings” from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
3. Use the web client from any web browser (no installation required). Click on a Zoom meeting link, then look for the link that says “If you cannot download or run the application, start from your browser” (you may need to wait for the link to appear).
4. Dial in via phone. Call 1-646-876-9923, then enter the meeting ID (the number at the end of the meeting link) on your keypad and press pound (#). This method is not recommended as there is no video and others will not know who you are, but it allows you to participate via audio if you do not have internet access. (Note that this is different from joining the meeting using software while getting the audio part via a phone. See Audio options below.)

Signing in

All Cornell students automatically have Zoom accounts associated with your NetID, and you will need to sign into this account in order to join meetings for our course. To make sure your account is activated, visit https://cornell.zoom.us/signin and sign in (you only need to do this once). To join meetings with this account, select “Sign In” when the Zoom app opens, then choose “SSO”. Enter “cornell” as the “company domain,” and you will be taken to the usual NetID login page. Enter your NetID and password there (and only there), and you’ll be good-to-go!

Audio options

For most students, “Computer Audio” or “Internet Audio” is the preferred setting--that will use whatever microphone/headset/speakers are connected to your device. However, if your computer lacks a microphone, you can use any telephone for audio instead. The “Call Me” option is easiest and recommended, but if you’re unable to receive calls, then the “Phone Call” option lets you dial out.

If you have trouble with audio on a computer, reveal the bottom toolbar in the Zoom meeting and click the arrow next to the microphone icon. This will let you choose between different speakers and microphones or switch to phone audio instead.

Zoom meeting concepts/features

Chat

Zoom has a primitive chat room built in, allowing you to communicate with text without using audio. It supports both group chats (“Everyone”) and private chats; make sure the “To:” option is set appropriately before you send. Group chat can be useful if you have a question but don’t want to interrupt the speaker (or if your audio is broken), but avoid using it to carry on side conversations during a presentation.

Participants panel

The participants panel shows you who is in the meeting with you. It also has options for voting yes/no, raising your hand, etc. (you may need to click “more” to see the options); the meeting facilitator may ask you to use these tools to provide non-verbal feedback.

Screen sharing

Zoom allows you to share your device’s screen so that others in the meeting can see it. This feature may be disabled by default (as it’s been abused at other institutions), but the meeting host can quickly re-enable it if you need to show something to them. You have the option of showing your whole desktop or just a single application (e.g., Atom); the latter offers more privacy, but note that pop-up windows like dialogs won’t be shared that way.

Waiting room

Sometimes when you join a meeting you’ll be placed in a “waiting room” until the host admits you (expect to see this for office hours). This helps prevent you from accidentally butting in on ongoing conversations. The host will see that you are waiting and will let you in when they’re ready.

Breakout rooms

Video discussions are awkward with big groups, so your TA may split your section into smaller discussion groups via “breakout rooms” (be sure to join class on time so you’re not left out!). Here you’re encouraged to chat with the others in your room about the current topic. The host may visit your room to join in on your discussion; you can request that the host swing by with the “ask for help” button. When the host is ready to address the whole class again, they’ll close the breakout rooms and you’ll be redirected to the main room.

What if things go wrong?

Try turning off your video (especially if your internet connection is flaky) or change your audio settings. If chat is functioning you can use it to ask for help. Otherwise email cs1110-staff and specify which Zoom meeting (whose and when) with which you had trouble.

Hosting meetings

There may be times when you’re asked to host your own meeting. You can create a new meeting by starting the Zoom app, or you can visit https://cornell.zoom.us and sign in for even more options. Once you’ve started your meeting, the “(i)” icon in the upper-left will show you a meeting URL that you can send to others.

Tips and etiquette

• Find a quiet location from where to join meetings--this is often the most important factor in successful video meetings!
• If you’re in a large meeting or your environment is noisy, then mute your microphone when you’re not talking. On a computer, you can stay muted and just hold the space bar whenever you want to talk to temporarily unmute. If you get interrupted in your real (non-virtual) environment, mute immediately and if necessary temporarily turn off your video.
• Wearing headphones is recommended, as they help avoid audio feedback issues. They are essential if you’re in the same room as someone else in the same meeting.
• Be aware of delays. When you unmute, it may take half a second before your audio starts flowing, so pause before you speak. Also avoid saying very short phrases (like a single word), as they could get missed; speak your thoughts with a few more words to increase the chance it’s understood. And remember that there is latency--people may not hear you until a second after you’ve spoken, so you're more likely to talk on top of one another. Relax, slow down, and things will go smoother.

Other resources

• IT@Cornell: Working Remotely with Zoom
• How to use Zoom as a Student [YouTube]

[Special thanks to Professor C. Muhlberger (CS1112, Spring 2020) for writing this Zoom guide]