Many people get confused, aggravated, or even anxious when it comes to using Zoom.  I want to help you put that to rest and get you on the path to using Zoom so you can get connected.  

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First off, please check out this link if you have the internet available at home: https://youtu.be/9isp3qPeQ0E.  This instructor is fantastic, patient, and very knowledgeable when it comes to explaining how to use Zoom.  It’s on Youtube so your advantage is that you can go back and watch this video as many times as you want or need to.  

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Second, did you know that you can access a Zoom meeting using just your phone?  You don’t need a computer or even a camera on your phone.  You can call in, listen, and/or dialogue back and forth with your Zoom meeting or activity.  For example, look at this test Zoom invitation below.  At the very bottom of the invitation (in bold and italics) there is a “Dial by your location” option.  Based on our time zone call the phone number on your phone that is listed as Chicago:  +1 312 626 6799  Check with your phone/internet provider first.  You may get charged long distance fees if your phone/internet provider does not provide a long distance service.  You will then be asked for meeting id and the passcode, (listed below). The meeting ID and passcode are different for every zoom call.  After inputting these numbers you should be connected to the zoom call.   At this point you should hear other people on the call speaking.  Introduce yourself - listen to the presenter and engage in conversations with others on the call.   No one will be able to see you, but you will hear everyone else and they will hear you. If you have any questions or would like step by step assistance call Jon Gerster at 651-403-8300.

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Jon Gerster is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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Topic: The Council of Elrond

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Time: Nov 19, 2020 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98300735142?pwd=alA3b2lTRFI4dFYxVzRuZUpQWTV4Zz09

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Meeting ID: 983 0073 5142

 

Passcode: Th5P02

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Dial by your location (use Chicago unless you are calling from one of the cities or their respective time zones, below)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

       +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 983 0073 5142

Passcode: 819022

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aDFTE7ZTG

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Lastly, I’m going to give you some basic instructions on how to use Zoom below. 

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Step 1: go to Zoom.com in your web browser.  

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Step 2: If you don’t have a Zoom account yet, you’ll see a big orange button on the right side of the screen called, “SIGN UP, IT’S FREE”.  

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Step 3: Click on that and Zoom will walk you through what you need to sign up.  If you already have an account and you want to sign in, click the “Sign in” button on the right side of the screen.  

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Step 4: you will need to input the email address you used when you signed up for Zoom as well as your password.

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Step 5: Log in to a meeting.  Let’s use a previous example of what a log-in invitation to a Zoom meeting looks like.  See below.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98300735142?pwd=alA3b2lTRFI4dFYxVzRuZUpQWTV4Zz09

Step 6: Click on the link that starts with https://zoom.us.... 

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Step 7: A box will pop up.  Click “Launch Meeting”.  Your Zoom window will open up as well as a smaller window with options for either a Phone Call or Computer Audio.  

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Step 8: For our example, you would click “Join with Computer Audio”.  You will now be on the Camera window for Zoom.  

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Step 9: At the bottom left portion of your camera window, you will have the options to either Mute/Unmute and Stop Video/Start Video.  You can still listen to a meeting and be Muted with Stopped Video.  The person on the other end of Zoom will not be able to see or hear you until unmute and/or start video.  Hope this has helped!

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If you need help or have any questions regarding Zoom, please contact Jon Gerster at 651-403-8312 or email at jonathan.gerster@isd197.org and I will be happy to walk you through it step  by step.