How to use Zoom (Student Guide) How to use Zoom (Student Guide)

How to use Zoom (Student Guide)

SPC utilizes Zoom's video conferencing software in various ways, including as the primary mode of meeting for our Live-Online classes. If your class uses Zoom to connect, you will be provided with a link to the Zoom meetings either in MyCourses or by email from your instructor. This tutorial reviews how students use Zoom at SPC.  

Display Name

When you join an SPC Zoom meeting, you may be asked to enter your first and last name. Please enter both your first and last name as this is the name faculty use to take attendance. You can also rename yourself in a Zoom meeting via the participant list by hovering over your name, then selecting "more".

Note:  Signing up for a basic Zoom account is free. If you would like to create a Zoom account, visit zoom.us to sign up.

What can Zoom be used for?

Some SPC classes, like Live-Online classes, use Zoom to host weekly course meetings. For fully online or in-person classes, instructors may use Zoom occasionally to meet with a student one-on-one or as a group. As a student, you can also use Zoom outside of a regularly scheduled classroom meeting. Examples include meeting with group members for projects and assignments, working on homework with classmates, or recording a presentation to share with others.


What devices can I use Zoom on?

-  Windows or Mac OS Laptop and Desktop computers (recommended)

-  Apple IOS or Android Tablets and Smartphones

Prepare for a Zoom Meeting:

Days Before:

  • Remember to download and install the Zoom launcher (Windows, Mac, Apple iOS, or Android) in advance, as it can take several minutes to complete.

  • Join a Zoom Test Meeting to test your device settings and confirm it is working properly. In your test meeting, practice using the Zoom features, for a complete list of visit Participant controls in a meeting.

  • Review Zoom instructions found in your Zoom course or an email link. More information can also be found on Zoom's Getting Started page.

  • If you have a disability and need accommodations, contact SPC's Accessibility Services for support. You will need to contact them several days before your meetings to schedule the appropriate accommodation or service.

Minutes Before: 
  • Find a quiet space with a strong uninterrupted internet connection and free of distractions. You can test your internet speed using sites like SpeedTest.net or Fast.com.

  • Close any windows or programs open on your device that are unrelated to your meeting. This focuses your device's power to provide the best Zoom meeting experience possible and can prevent potentially embarrassing moments if you happen to share your screen. 

  • Open the Zoom app to test your audio, microphone, and camera settings. You may need to give Zoom permission to access your camera and microphone beforehand. Typically, the request for permission will appear in a pop-up window the first time you open a Zoom Meeting. You may need to adjust your device's permissions. 

  • Adjust your Audio/Video Settings. See the Zoom - Getting Started guide for more information on settings.

During the Zoom Meeting: 

  • Click the Start Video button to begin broadcasting your video from your webcam.

  • Click the Chat bubble button to ask questions via text, share links to websites, and keep up with the class's back-channel discussion. You can chat with everyone in the meeting, a specific person, or just the professor.

  • Click on the Participants button to see a list of classmates or meeting participants. This is also where you can "raise your hand" to ask and answer questions.

  • If you are presenting be prepared to share your screen with the class. Note: They can see any browser tabs you have open when you share.

  • At the end of the class, click Leave Meeting

  • No matter how many people are in a meeting, there's probably someone watching your video at all times, if you have it on. Be mindful when you are on camera and refrain from embarrassing or distracting actions that may be noticed.

 Have Questions? Contact the SPC Technical Support Center at onlinehelp@spcollege.edu or call 727-341-HELP (727-341-4357) (Mon.- Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Eastern). Chat: Live Chat with Support

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