Preparing for a Zoom session (Host)

Zoom is an application based webinar tool which can be used on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices with a maximum of 300 participants at one time. 

Technical requirements

At a minimum it is recommended that moderators have the following hardware and software available:

• An internet-connected desktop or laptop computer;
• An up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari; see Zoom's system requirements including Browsers);
• A USB headset with combined headphones and microphone. Use of an internal laptop microphone can result in poor quality audio and should be avoided if possible;
• A webcam (optional). A laptop or inbuilt camera is sufficient.

Develop a session plan

As with face-to-face teaching it is advisable to develop a session plan or structure; plan might include:

• Itemised learning activities inclusive of their function and methodology/tool used;
• Those responsible for their delivery;
• Any resources needed to deliver them;
• The amount of time you expect to spend on them.

An example session plan template is available for download. You might like to publish an excerpt from the session plan before it is due to take place so your students know what to expect or how to prepare.

Set expectations for participation

It is important to set expectations for your participants within a session. You may wish to inform your participants about:

• How you will communicate within the session;
• When students are expected to participate and how this will be managed, e.g. with simple 'hand raising' functionality;
• How students are expected to participate, e.g. with use of visual cues, and verbally or within the text chat;
• Whether the session is being recorded.

You may wish to do this as part of communications around the session, e.g. within a Moodle Announcement forum post, or by using 'housekeeping' slides to introduce the session. Example slides are available to download in PowerPoint format.

Find a suitable location

Think about where you will deliver the session. A good quality audio device will mitigate some background noise, but try to find a reasonably quiet location with a wired internet or strong WiFi connection and where you will not be interrupted.

(Optional) Preassign breakout rooms and create your polls.

You can preassign breakout groups and create polls in advance of your Zoom session to free up your time and focus during the session. 

The video below provides an overview of this optional step.

If you don't get around to setting up breakout groups and polls in advanced, you can still assign breakout groups and create polls during a session if you are the Host.

Complete the Moderator Checklist

The most important tasks involved in delivery of a Zoom session are flagged in the Moderator Checklist.

Try it out

A permanent test Zoom session is available in which you can test your hardware and software setup and experiment with the platform.