What is Zoom?

Zoom is a type of software that allows its users from all around the world to hold online meetings, free of charge.
All lessons on the SuraPera platform are conducted via Zoom.

Why do we use Zoom?

Lesson starts with a single click

To start your lesson, simply click the Zoom meeting link and start your lesson. You do not need a Zoom account.

Works on any device

You can use Zoom on any type of computer or smart device. Since using Zoom requires only a small amount of data, the connection is very stable and affordable.

Simple but multifunctional

While it is very simple and intuitive, Zoom also includes all kinds of useful functions such as a whiteboard and file sharing.

How to take lessons with Zoom

If you are using a computer

Install the Zoom app (if you are a new user)

In order to start using Zoom, you need to install it first.
* This should only take a couple of minutes.
To download the Zoom installer, visit the Zoom Download Center.

zoom

Sign up for Zoom account (if you are a new user)

In order to use the Zoom app, you need your (free) Zoom account.
You can sign up for your Zoom account from the Zoom site.
https://zoom.us/
Click the SIGN UP, IT’S FREE button on the upper right, then follow the instruction on the screen.

Access the Zoom meeting URL

When it is time to start your lesson, join the Zoom meeting by doing either of the following.

  • Click the line of the lesson in the My Lesson List section on your My Page. On the Lesson Details page, click the Join Zoom meeting button.
  • Click the Zoom link in the lesson start notification email you received.

Start your lesson

When a dialog box appears, click Join With Computer Audio. The headphone icon in the bottom left corner of the screen turns into a microphone icon.
If the camera is turned off, click the camera icon next to the microphone icon.
You are now ready to start! You just need to wait for the teacher to let you into the virtual classroom.

If you are using a smartphone or tablet

Install the Zoom app (if you are a new user)

In order to use a smartphone or tablet for your lessons, you need to install the Zoom app first.
Tap one of the following icons to install the ZOOM Cloud Meetings app.

Sign up for Zoom account (if you are a new user)

In order to use the Zoom app, you need your (free) Zoom account.
Please sign up for Zoom account before you start.
You can sign up for Zoom account by starting the Zoom app, tapping Sign Up and following the on-screen instructions.

Access the Zoom meeting URL

When it is time to start your lesson, join the Zoom meeting by doing either of the following.

  • Tap the line of the lesson in the My Lesson List section on your My Page. On the Lesson Details, tap the Join Zoom meeting button.
  • Tap the Zoom link in the lesson notification email you received.

Start your lesson

If you are taking a Zoom lesson for the first time, the app will request your permission to access your camera and microphone. Tap Allow.
You are now ready to start! You just need to wait for the teacher to let you into the virtual classroom.

A quick guide to Zoom (for computers)

Switching the microphone on/off

In the Zoom application, there is a microphone icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
If the microphone is functioning correctly, you will see the blue bar move up and down when you speak. If the blue bar does not move when you speak, click the arrow (^) next to the microphone icon and check if the correct microphone is selected.
To mute your microphone, simply click the microphone icon. When the microphone is muted, a red diagonal line appears across the microphone icon. To unmute the microphone, simply click the icon again.

Turning the camera on/off

In the Zoom application, the second icon from the left at the bottom of the screen is the camera icon.
When the camera is switched off, a red diagonal line appears across the camera icon. You can switch the camera on or off by clicking the camera icon. If your camera is not working, click the arrow (^) next to the camera icon and check if the correct camera is selected.

Changing your screen name

To change your screen name during a Zoom call, first click the Participants icon at the bottom of the screen. You will see a list of participants on the right side. Hover the cursor over your name and click More. Next, click Rename. On the Rename dialog box, change your screen name.

Changing the video layout

Zoom allows you to switch between two different video layouts (views).

  1. Gallery view: The videos of all the participants appear on the screen in the same size.
  2. Speaker view: The video of the person currently speaking gets automatically enlarged.

Click View in the upper right corner to change the video layout.

Sharing your screen

Zoom allows both students and teachers to share their screens.
This is a very useful function as it allows you to view texts and other materials during your lesson. You can also write comments, make notes, and mark the materials shown on the screen.
To share your screen, click the Share Screen icon at the bottom of the screen and select the contents you wish to share.

Leaving a Zoom meeting

To leave a Zoom meeting, click End in the bottom right corner of the screen, and then select Leave Meeting.

Updating the Zoom application

We recommend always keeping your Zoom application updated. If you continue to use an old Zoom version, you may start to experience issues during your lessons. To update your Zoom version, click your profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen and then click Check for Updates.
If there is a new version available, a window saying Update Available appears on the screen and the update is downloaded automatically.