Teaching online with Zoom is straightforward once you understand the basic features. This guide will walk you through setting up a class, using key teaching tools, and managing your students effectively. 💻

1. Setting Up Your Class
First, you need to schedule your class.

Schedule a Meeting: Open the Zoom app and click "Schedule."

Name the Meeting: Give your class a clear title, like "Math 101 - Algebra Basics."

Set Time and Duration: Choose the date, start time, and how long the class will last.

Generate a Unique Link: Under "Security," make sure the Passcode is enabled. This ensures only your students can join.

Save and Invite: Click "Save." Zoom will generate a unique meeting link. Copy and paste this link to share with your students via email or a learning management system.

2. The Classroom Experience
Once you and your students are in the meeting, you'll use these tools to teach.

Mute Your Mic: Click the Microphone icon to mute yourself when you're not speaking to prevent background noise.

Start Your Video: Click the Camera icon to turn on your video. It's best to keep your video on so students can see you and feel more connected.

Share Your Screen: This is the most crucial tool. Click the green Share Screen button at the bottom of the window. You can choose to share your entire desktop, a specific application like a PowerPoint presentation, or a whiteboard.

Whiteboard: Zoom's built-in whiteboard is great for writing notes, drawing diagrams, or solving problems in real-time, just like a physical whiteboard. You can use annotation tools to highlight and write on the board.

3. Managing Students and Engagement
Keeping students engaged and the class orderly is essential.

Use the Chat: The Chat box is a great way for students to ask questions without interrupting the class. You can answer questions directly or have them answered by a teaching assistant.

Raise Hand Feature: Students can use the "Raise Hand" feature to signal they have a question. You can see who has their hand raised in the "Participants" list.

Polls: The Polling feature lets you create multiple-choice questions to quiz students, take a quick survey, or check for understanding during the lesson.

Breakout Rooms: For group work, use Breakout Rooms to divide students into smaller virtual rooms. You can visit each room to check on their progress and then bring everyone back to the main session.

4. Tips for Success
Test Your Equipment: Before every class, check that your microphone, camera, and internet connection are working properly.

Keep it Interactive: Avoid lecturing for long periods. Use polls, ask questions, or have students share their screens to keep them engaged.

Record Your Sessions: Always ask for permission and then record your sessions. This allows students who missed the class to catch up and provides a resource for everyone to review the material later.