If you are using a smartphone or tablet, you will be asked to download an app from the App Store. If using a laptop or PC, you will be asked for permission to run the program the first time you use Zoom. Once you grant permission or download the app, you will simply need to follow the prompts to join a meeting. It is recommended to join using Computer Audio.

Full detailed instructions for the device you will be using may be found in the “Getting Started” section of the Zoom Help Center: Click here to visit Zoom Support

Numerous, extremely helpful video tutorials may also be viewed by clicking here!

A meeting invitation, containing a link, meeting ID, and password will be emailed to you prior to the start of each course session.

The exact steps for joining a meeting/online course session may differ depending on the type of device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, PC) you are using and/or the internet browser (e.g. Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer/Edge, etc.) installed on your device.

Please refer to the “Joining a meeting” support page for instructions on how to join a meeting depending on the method you will be using: Click here for tutorials

You may also click here to “Join a Test Meeting”.

1. Microphone/Audio: Used for muting and unmuting your microphone. When your microphone is muted, a red line will be drawn diagonally through the icon. To access more audio controls/settings, click on the ^ symbol to the right of the Microphone/Mute icon.
2. Camera/Video: Used for turning your camera on and off. When your camera is turned off, it will appear as above with the red diagonal drawn through the icon. To access more video controls/settings, click on the ^ symbol to the right of the Camera/Start/Stop Video icon. For most courses, it is preferable to have your camera turned on so that you can be most engaged in the course experience.
3. Invite: As registration is required for all Chilliwack ElderCollege courses, the option to invite other users will not be utilized.
4. Participants: Used for seeing a listing of all participants currently participating in the meeting. The list can be viewed as a sidebar on your Zoom meeting screen or a pop-out window. The Participant window allows for further functions such as raising/lowering your hand, and audio or video controls.
5. Share Screen: Used for sharing your screen or a document. Depending on your course, you will likely not need to use this function as it will be primarily used by your instructor or ElderCollege administrators.
6. Chat: Used to open the in-meeting chat window. You can send messages to one participant or the entire class. This may be used if a participant’s microphone or camera is not functioning. Please follow guidelines from your instructor as to if or when the chat function will be used.
7. Record: Used to record the meeting as a file to your device (if you have permission to record).
8. Reactions: Used to give a thumbs up or wave to others in the meeting. This may be used if a participant’s microphone is muted and/or video are not functioning.
9. Leave/End Meeting: Click here to leave or end the video meeting.

Full detailed audio and video instructions may be found by visiting the Zoom Help Center. Click here to visit the Zoom “Audio, Video & Sharing” Support page.

Once you have joined a meeting session, you can choose between displaying participants in Active Speaker View (displays the person speaking as one large video image) or Gallery View (displays all participants in a row or grid of video images). 

Video layout options may be changed by clicking “View” in the top-right corner, and then selecting “Speaker” or “Gallery”

Please ensure that your name displays as your proper first and last name so that the instructor and other participants may identify you easily.

If you need to change your display name after you have already joined the session, please follow these steps:

• Open the “Participants” panel/window by clicking on the Participants icon on the in-meeting control bar

• Hover your cursor over your name on the participants list and click “More >” beside where your name appears.

• Click “rename”

• Type in your full name (first and last)

• Make sure the box below that says “remember my name for future meetings” is checked

• Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection.
• Ensure that you have a device with a functioning microphone and camera. Please test your audio and video settings in advance.
• Ensure that you are in a quiet, comfortable location for each course session. 
• Be close to a power outlet and/or have your device fully charged before each course session.
• Thoroughly read through and watch all tutorials on the Zoom Support pages, and practice using the Zoom app prior to your course start date. If possible, consider joining your course session a few minutes early to test your audio and video connections.
• If you are using a smartphone or tablet, it is best to hold your device in a landscape format to maximize visibility and ease of use for in-meeting controls.
• If you are experiencing background noise, consider using a headset (or earbuds) instead of the built-in speakers and microphone on your device. The connection may sound fine to you, but speakers and a microphone may generate too much feedback for others.
• Mute your audio unless you are speaking to prevent unintentional background noise from disrupting the conversation.