Zoom has become a major portion of the way we function in our normal day-to-day working lives. It is an online video conferencing tool that has meeting and webinar capabilities.
It is highly recommended to sign into the Zoom Workspace Desktop Application using the Single Sign-On (SSO) option, which involves using a UMN internet ID and password. This is important to ensure access to all hosting options during web conference meetings. Additionally, signing in allows for making and receiving phone calls through the VoIP phone system.
Meetings vs. Webinars
- At the University, the max number of participants for meetings is 300 people.
- Meetings and webinars comparison
Breakout Rooms
Breakout Rooms allow a host or co-host to split the meeting participants to separate sessions or rooms for small group discussions.
Recording Zoom Meetings or Webinars
In general, hosts can record meetings on their local computers or to the cloud. Cloud recordings are only available for max 180 days (30 days for Zoom BAA accounts).
For details and more information see Zoom: Record a Meeting or Webinar.
Security
As we share links to our Zoom meetings widely, there is the potential for Zoombombing (unwanted, disrupted intrusion in a Zoom meeting). There are a few steps that can be taken to help prevent this.
Troubleshooting
- Experiencing issues with Zoom not working properly?
- Regularly check that your Zoom Workplace Application is up to date by clicking on your profile picture in the app, and then selecting “Check for Updates.” Keeping the app updated ensures access to the latest features and security improvements.
- Note: These updates need to be done manually, as OIT does not push out these updates.
- Regularly check that your Zoom Workplace Application is up to date by clicking on your profile picture in the app, and then selecting “Check for Updates.” Keeping the app updated ensures access to the latest features and security improvements.
- How to find the Zoom Panel when several windows open or when dealing with several screens?
- Toggle between open programs with Alt+Tab (Windows) or Cmd+Tab (Mac). This is considered one of the most important shortcut keys–give it a try.
- How to make sure to record only the presenter (and not the gallery view)?
- The person who records the meeting should choose “Speaker View.” The presenter can be “pinned” or “spotlighted.”
- How to find the correct audio input (microphone) and output (speaker) for my Zoom meeting?
- Take a minute before the meeting and click on the dropdown next to the microphone symbol in Zoom. Select “Test Speaker and Microphone…” to make sure you have the correct audio input and output selected.
Virtual Backgrounds
Virtual backgrounds allow users to display an image or video in their background. Here are some available options with UMN branding.
- Psychology Backgrounds (Gradient, White)
- UMN Branded Backgrounds
- UMN Libraries Backgrounds
Note: This feature may not work on all computers depending on their capabilities.
Helpline 24-7 Technology Support Chat | 301-4357 help@umn.edu | Munkhtuya (Tuya) Aziz IT Project Manager N237 EltH | 624-7076 tuya@umn.edu | Silke Moeller Academic Technologist N211 EltH | 625-0644 smoeller@umn.edu | Amanda Schmit Office & Communications Manager N218 - 625-2546 amsuchy@umn.edu |