“We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works.” - Douglas Adams
The app industry is growing exponentially. In 2020 it was worth around 112 billion dollars which was a 25% increase from 2019. Interestingly, no other app has exploded to the extent that Zoom has. One of the reasons for this is that it is one of the best resources for tutoring online.
That’s not its only use though, besides its use as one of the greatest online tutoring tools, it is excellent for having a drink with friends or meeting with business colleagues.
If you want to know how to teach online, or if you’re searching how to use Zoom app for online classes, keep reading because this article is for you.
Here are the main functions and features of how to use Zoom app for online classes.
One-on-One Meetings
One of the main functions of Zoom is as a video call resource for business or as one of the helpful resources for tutoring online. Not unlike Skype, Zoom is used by most of its users for the video call function. From professionals for business meetings and conferences to teachers who need online tutoring tools, Zoom is about connecting people in real-time.
In the free version, there are an unlimited number of calls that can be made up to a duration of 40 minutes.
Group Meetings
Organising meetings of up to 500 participants is possible depending on which Zoom account you are using.
In the free version, as mentioned, you are limited to 40 minutes, but also only 100 participants. Hosting longer meetings will mean that you need to sign up for Zoom Pro, Zoom United Business Plans or Zoom Business.
Being able to address more than 100 participants is particularly useful if you want to teach online to large groups. But if you only need online tutoring tools for one-on-one lessons you will not need the premium plan versions.
Screen Sharing with Zoom
An important feature of Zoom is that you can share your screen with other meeting participants during your call.
Screen sharing is useful for sharing concepts, presentations, videos and brainstorming. It is possible to do this on tablets, computers or smartphones. There’s also a way to stop screen sharing at any time and also to allow others to share. Simply click on the same button that launched your screen sharing.
Save Meetings on Zoom
Being able to save meetings is the reason why Zoom is one of the best online tutoring tools around. For the student who doesn’t have time to take notes or the business executive who doesn’t want to take minutes, Zoom makes it possible to revisit the meeting via recording.
As a tutor, it’s also really helpful to go back over the session to see what worked and what didn’t.
When it comes to resources for tutoring online, this is a practical one, because you can simply save to the cloud and watch it later.
Recording Transcripts
If you’re looking at how to use Zoom app for online classes, take note that not only will you be able to record the call, but you will also be able to convert your recording into a readable and printable transcript.
Using this option simply means that you will need to sign into Zoom, go to settings and choose ‘Record to the Cloud’.
Plug-ins and Extensions
One of the great conveniences of Zoom is that it is accessible from almost any browser and allows you to start a meeting whenever you want to.
Simply install the extension or plugin. For example, check out the Zoom Outlook plugin which is one of those great resources for tutoring online and will make sure that you never miss a teaching session. Once installed, all you need to do is connect it to your Microsoft Outlook account. An icon will appear where you just click to start the meeting.
Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox also provide extensions. Why not make your life easier and plan your Zoom meetings through your Google calendar?
If this sounds complex, it needn’t be. If you want to know how to use Zoom app for online classes without extensions, it is easy to create a once off link too. For example zoom.us/wc/join/your-meeting-id.
Share or receive the link and simply click on it to join the meeting.
Use Zoom on Your TV
If you are serious about resources for tutoring online, you may find that screen mirroring to a TV screen instead of a small computer or smartphone screen is beneficial.
To do this, you could try the ApowerMirror app and simply broadcast your computer or phone screen onto the TV.
Virtual Backgrounds
If like most people, you are working remotely to teach online, a virtual background can make your set up look very professional. Click on ‘Settings’ and ‘Virtual Background’ to choose an image.
Interactive Whiteboards
Zoom also allows interactive whiteboards which is one of those essential resources for tutoring online.
Each user can see what is written and is also able to write on it themselves.
Another reason why interactive boards make brilliant online tutoring tools is that you can create activities for students to complete in real-time. This way, you can correct them as they make mistakes which is very effective you want to teach online.
To use this function, begin by clicking the Share Screen button and then click the whiteboard to either show or hide the whiteboards.
Zoom’s Features and Plans
If you want to know how to use Zoom for online classes, make sure you do thorough research on the types of plans and costs that are available. The features that you get on Zoom will depend on the type of subscription that you have. For instance, a free account will not provide the same functions as a business account.
There are 4 main types of plans for Zoom users:
- Zoom Basic: You have access to unlimited one-on-one meetings, however, these are limited to 40 minutes. Furthermore, you will not be able to record your sessions.
- Zoom Pro: For only R240 per month, you can create invitations to personal meetings and even stream to social media. Here, you’ll be limited to 30 hours’ worth of group meetings.
- Zoom Business: For about R350 a month (depending on the exchange rate), you could benefit from managed domains, personal company branding, transcript recordings and hosting for up to 300 people.
- Zoom United Business: This plan is suited to larger companies that have over 1,000 employees.
To choose the right plan, start by considering why you want to know how to use Zoom app for online classes.
If you’re considering learning with a private tutor, check out the thousands of qualified and experienced tutors on Superprof. Not only is there a huge selection who can teach on just about any subject imaginable, but if you are willing to learn online you could find someone from another part of South Africa or even the world.
There are three different options concerning private tuition: face-to-face, group, or online lessons. Each possibility is characterised by unique pros and cons which ultimately depend on your budget, personality and personal needs.
Private, in-person tutoring is by far the most effective version because lessons are individually tailored to the unique needs of the student. Often, the tutor will travel to the student’s home which is very convenient but is understandably why it is the most expensive version.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, online tutoring has been able to save the day for many businesses, students and teachers. Using apps like Zoom for online lessons has also opened up private tuition to accommodate more people and make it more affordable for everyone.
For the budget-conscious student, group tutorials are a great option and thanks to Zoom these are much more accessible than ever.
Always try to choose a tutor who has been personally recommended or endorsed by an organisation. Taking this step can save you from disappointment and wasted time down the line.
Of course, in finding a tutor, you could always do a random internet search. However, when you go straight to Superprof, you have the benefit of knowing that all tutors have already been verified.
Finally, when you use Superprof you will also have the opportunity to benefit from a free first lesson. This is a great way to make sure that there’s a good personality fit between you and the tutor, or if you become a Superprof teacher, between you and the student. A good rapport between all parties is one of the secrets to the success of online tutoring.
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