12 Zoom Web Conferencing
Zoom is a video conferencing software that enables remote communication and collaboration.
Your course(s) may include live online sessions using Zoom or other web conferencing tools (see the Detailed Course Schedule for dates and times).
To participate in these sessions, you will require the following:
- A stable internet connection
- A speaker or headphones
- A working microphone
- A webcam (optional)
Live Sessions
Your instructor will record all live sessions. If you are unable to attend a session, your instructor will provide you access to the recording by posting a link to the recording in the Live Session Recordings module.
Account Setup via Web Portal
To configure your account, start a meeting, or connect to a meeting in progress, visit:
https://mcmaster.zoom.us/
Sign in with your MacID@mcmaster.ca and your MacID password to activate your zoom license account.
The McMaster Zoom Web Portal is a website that allows you to manage your Mac Zoom account and settings. To navigate the Zoom Web Portal:
- Log in: Go to the McMaster’s Zoom website (mcmaster.zoom.us/) and select “Sign In” in. Enter your MacID email address and MacID password to log in to your account.
- Access settings: Once you’re logged in, select on “Settings” in the left-hand menu. This will take you to the main settings page.
- Manage settings: On the settings page, you can manage various settings related to your account, such as your profile information, scheduling settings, and meeting settings. Select on the tabs at the top of the page to access different settings.
McMaster Zoom Portal Orientation
For more information about the McMaster Zoom Portal, check out the orientation video below:
Navigating the Zoom Web Portal
Student Zoom Access
Students may be a participant in any Zoom meeting to which they are invited without any time restrictions and without the need for a license. Students who need to organize and host meetings with classmates or instructors are encouraged to use Microsoft Teams as the tool of choice.
Joining a Zoom Meeting
To join a Zoom meeting, follow these steps:
- Get the meeting link: You will need the link to access the meeting. The meeting link may be provided by the meeting host via email or posted on Avenue to Learn as an announcement.
- Select the link: Click or tap on the meeting link. This should take you to the Zoom meeting page.
- Download the Zoom software: If you are joining a Zoom meeting for the first time, you will need to download the Zoom software. Follow the prompts to download and install the software.
- Join the meeting: Once the Zoom software is installed, you will automatically join the meeting. If the meeting has not started yet, you may need to wait until the host starts the meeting.
- Adjust your settings: Before joining the meeting, you may want to adjust your audio and video settings. Make sure your microphone and camera are working properly and adjust the audio and video quality as needed.
- Enter your name: Once you have joined the meeting, enter your name as you would like it to appear to others in the meeting.
That’s it! You should now be able to participate in the Zoom meeting.
In-Meeting Navigation
Here are some tips on how to navigate a Zoom meeting:
- Mute and unmute yourself: When you’re not speaking, mute your microphone to prevent background noise. To unmute yourself, click on the microphone icon in the bottom left corner of the Zoom window.
- Turn your camera on and off: If you want to turn your camera off, click on the camera icon in the bottom left corner of the Zoom window. To turn it back on, click the same icon again.
- Share your screen: If you need to show a presentation or document, click on the “Share Screen” button in the bottom centre of the Zoom window.
- Use the chat function: If you have a question or comment, you can use the chat function to communicate with the other participants. Click on the “Chat” button in the bottom centre of the Zoom window to open the chat box.
- Use reactions: You can use the reactions feature to indicate agreement or applause without interrupting the speaker. Click on the “Reactions” button in the bottom centre of the Zoom window to open the reactions menu.
- Leave the meeting: To leave the meeting, click on the “Leave Meeting” button in the bottom right corner of the Zoom window.
Remember to be respectful of other participants and follow the meeting host’s instructions. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
Technical Support
If you need assistance troubleshooting technical issues, chat with University Technology Services (UTS) using the 24/7 chat bot or log a service ticket by visiting https://uts.mcmaster.ca/contact-us/.
Additional Resources
For more information on getting started on Zoom, visit https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360034967471-Quick-start-guide-for-new-users.
References
McMaster University. (2020, June 29). Zoom at McMaster. MacVideo. https://www.macvideo.ca/playlist/dedicated/168494501/1_d2wmlxij/1_b9ofn39y
McMaster University. (2022, September 21). Zoom. UTS. https://uts.mcmaster.ca/services/computers-printers-and-software/zoom/
Zoom. (2021a, December 12). Basic in-meeting navigation. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Dcd6nNmtGo0
Zoom. (2021b, December 12). Joining a zoom meeting. YouTube. https://youtu.be/pAMDxH_H_Cs
Zoom. (2021c, November 10). Navigating the zoom web portal. YouTube. https://youtu.be/sZO7P61h8Mc