“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” - Terry Pratchett
There were a few good things that came out of the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these must be the boom of Zoom during 2020 where 300 million daily users were suddenly holding Zoom meetings leaving Skype pretty much in the past.
You may have heard of it or not and been sure about how to download Zoom or wondered about the cost of a subscription.
We’ve got the answers, keep reading.
Zoom Features that Made It Popular
During Covid and the 2020 lockdown restrictions, how to download Zoom must have been one of searched for items on the internet, however, the app, which was developed in the US has been around since 2011. Today, it is used all over the world by individuals and professionals who wish to connect through video calls and have meetings with multiple participants at the same time.
Besides the many impressive Zoom features, it has gained popularity because it is simple and quick. Not only that you can talk to more people than you can on Skype, even if you are using the free version. Of course pricing for Zoom can differ depending on what you need, but in reality, the cost of Zoom is minimal by comparison to what it offers.
As a tool that is really useful for online teaching, you could make use of the following functions and Zoom features.
- Audio calls with smartphones and computers.
- Video calls with smartphones or webcam.
- File-sharing capability and text chat.
- Screen sharing.
- Digital whiteboards (multi-user).
- Session recording.
- Up to 100 meeting participants.
The app's offerings are diverse and depending on your needs the pricing for Zoom is adjusted accordingly. Whether you want to chat to friends, host business meetings or attend online lessons, it is possible to download Zoom on Mac, Windows, Linux and Android.
There are many ways to make use of the Zoom features by simply scheduling a meeting or subscribing to the Zoom Room service.
This is where Zoom pricing comes into play.
While a Zoom meeting can be free, Zoom Room is a paid-for service that meets the need for video conferencing that is mainly used by large organisations.
Zoom pricing is directly proportionate to the Zoom features you need to use.
Why don’t you download Zoom for free, consider your needs, and then take a look at the various pricing for Zoom options below to make your decision.
Zoom Free
Like most videoconferencing platforms, Zoom has a free option that is extremely popular.
Zoom features on the free plan are generous and well suited for personal use. You can host an unlimited amount of one-on-one meetings, for a duration of no longer than 40 minutes. To host longer meetings, you will need to look at the cost of Zoom packages that are on offer.
If your needs are business orientated, you may not want the call to end just because you have reached a time limit. In the free version, you will also not get to record your meetings.
Find out how Zoom features can help your online tutorials.
Pricing for Zoom Premium Plans
There are a number of Zoom pricing plans for users. You could start with a free account and depending on what Zoom features you need to upgrade to a monthly or annual subscription to take your online business or tutoring to another level.
The Cost of Zoom Pro
The Zoom Pro plan is available for around R250-R300 per month depending on the exchange rate.
Features in this version will allow you to create personal Zoom meeting invites, record your meetings and back them up to the Cloud or your computer. It provides up to 30 hours of group meeting time.
The Cost of Zoom Business
Another option is the Zoom Business Plan for around R320 per month depending on the current exchange rate. The features and Zoom pricing of this plan is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses who want to incorporate their own websites and company branding.
But that is not all. The Zoom pricing for this plan includes recording transcripts of meetings with are recorded in the Cloud. For those who loath minute-taking, this feature makes it well worth the cost.
The Pricing for Zoom United Business
For the largest organisations, Zoom United Business for around R550-R600 per month (depending on the rate of exchange) is the preferable option. Here you can host meetings for up to 300 people and enjoy unlimited Cloud recording. For these plan holders, there are also further discounts on other Zoom features as well services like Zoom Rooms.
Using Zoom Rooms
Zoom Rooms are mini-conference rooms that are available for about R790 per month depending on exchange rates.
You can also download Zoom Rooms on a 30-day trial.
As a service, Zoom Rooms allow you to access conference calls with one click. Users simply enter as though they were really there. For large organisations, Zoom Rooms has been perfect as a seamless transition towards using a company’s pre-existing meeting infrastructure.
The service also includes up to 12 interactive whiteboards for participants to share notes and brainstorm ideas.
Check out these tips for Zoom tutoring.
Which Zoom Plan is Right for You?
As you can tell, there are a few ways to use Zoom, but which plan is right for you and is it worth the investment?
Zoom Free
Once you download Zoom, it won’t take you long to see that even the free version is a powerful tutoring tool. There are easy to use meetings and video calls that are compatible on almost any device with several users at once.
You can also mute the audio, turn off the camera and share your screen.
Premium Zoom Plans
Some of the benefits for premium Zoom plans include the following:
- Syncing Zoom with your calendar.
- Saving meetings.
- Spending longer than only 40 minutes in group meetings.
In a nutshell, premium versions have many benefits for professional use, but the free version is perfect for personal calls, short meetings and personal calls with friends and family.
Discover the pros and cons of online tutoring with Zoom.
The Best Plan for Online Private Tutors
When it comes to private tuition online, Zoom’s free version is an excellent option. One-on-one calls are not limited and there are no major limitations from a tutoring point of view. Of course, this depends on what tools you will need and there are certainly features in the premium versions that could increase the quality of your tutorials.
There are many other services and apps like Google Meet, Skype or BigBlueButton which offer videoconferencing tools for both teachers and students. The best idea is to download Zoom to check out the free features and then compare them with others.
If you are thinking about learning with a private tutor you could make use of Superprof’s thousands of qualified and experienced tutors all of whom are able to teach a huge selection of subjects, not only in South Africa but all over the world too.
There are three distinct options when it comes to private tuition: in-person, group or online classes. Each option is characterised by its own unique pros and cons. It all depends on your needs, budget and personality.
In-person tuition is the most expensive but most effective option because lessons are individually tailored to the specific needs of the student. Here, the tutor will often travel to the home of the student but this convenience for the student can load the cost.
As mentioned, online tuition has saved the day for many students and tutors since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has also opened up private tuition to more people by eliminating travel costs and making it more affordable for everyone. Online lessons can be extremely effective especially if the student is determined.
For those on a budget, group tutorials are also a good option and, thanks to software like Zoom, are more accessible than ever before.
Remember to try and choose a tutor who comes recommended or even endorsed by an organisation. This is important and could save you both time and disappointment down the line.
There’s always the option of doing a random internet search to find a tutor, however, when you head straight to Superprof you will have tutors for just about every subject imaginable located on one platform. Not only that, the credentials of each have been pre-verified for your peace of mind.
Finally, most Superprof tutors offer their first lesson at no charge. This provides a great opportunity to get to find out more about their background, teaching style and experience. It’s good to remember that ultimately the success of private tuition is largely dependent on a good personality fit between the student and the teacher, so choose wisely.
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