Covid-19 remains a menacing threat world-wide, yet the show must go on. 2020 came with several surprising happenings, and this pandemic specifically changed the norm of everyone’s lifestyle. Today, students attend remote classes, companies hold virtual meetings, and events are all held online, if not cancelled. Amidst the challenges we initially faced once quarantine struck, one video communications software went viral: Zoom.
Popular for its free access and multitude of features including screen-sharing, break-out rooms, private chat boxes, and virtual backgrounds, nearly all transitions during quarantine were made to this platform. While there is added comfort in meeting through Zoom, we must go the extra step to compensate for the lack of true interaction. Below, I share key zoom etiquettes students must know to manage learning successfully in this foreign setting.
1. Insert Full Name and Profile Picture.
The first tip is to write your full name and insert a presentable profile picture of yourself for your Zoom account. When attending classes, you want to ensure your teacher or professor is easily able to identify or locate you. Teachers already face a challenge to instruct large classes without physical interaction, and this small step can help the class run more efficiently.
2. Turn on Camera.
Yes, it’s quite tempting to keep your camera and microphone off the entire Zoom class session. No doubt, you will have more freedom to work on other homework, explore Instagram on your phone, snap pictures of your friends in “class”, and take a quick nap. However, these Zoom sessions are equivalent to traditional classes. Your grades still matter, teachers still share vital coursework, and you still need college recommendations. Do your best to show your continued commitment to academics and build a relationship with your instructor.
3. Dress up!
Dress up for “school”. This sounds cliche, yet so many individuals resort to wearing comfortable sweats, pajamas, and unpresentable attire for Zoom sessions. Although your appearance shouldn’t be the main focus, dressing up even at home can vastly prevent you from falling asleep and encourage you to take each class seriously. When you look presentable, you feel confident. When you change for class, you already set boundaries between rest time and school time.
4. Keep Water Next to You.
As you would in a normal class setting, keep a bottle, cup, or glass of water next to you. The last thing you want is to have a parched throat, be called for a question, and speak with a breaking voice while the class is recorded. Prevent such issues by preparing before class starts. In addition, I recommend you refrain from eating your meals during class. It can be distracting for your classmates, and it may seem rude to teachers who want students paying their utmost attention to the subject material.
5. Join Class 5 Minutes Early.
You’ve probably heard this tip way too many times, yet do you actually act upon it? Imagine these 5 minutes being a part of your passing period at school. Unlike real school, however, you may encounter technical difficulties or delays when you attempt to enter class right on time. By joining class at least 5 minutes earlier, you provide yourself ample time to fix sudden issues and also grant time to mentally prepare yourself before class starts.
6. Rid ALL Distractions.
With no one keeping you accountable, it’s extremely easy to doze off with distractions around you. Keep your phone away from you, as you would leave your device in a backpack at school. Furthermore, if available, attend class in a quiet and personal space. Pre-inform your family or roommates to not barge into your room during the day.
7. Say Thank You.
Finally, take a few seconds at the end of class to show appreciation for your teacher’s time and lesson. With all aspects of education being completed online, subtle acts like these can go a long way in uplifting the virtual classroom energy and supporting your hard-working instructor.
We are living in historical, unprecedented times. For all of us, there are daily battles to overcome as we slowly adapt to our strange situations. StarryScholar is proud of your proactivity and effort in constantly exploring and learning how to polish your remote skills as students. Reading this article right now proves your dedication to learn. Keep up the hard work, and remember “your challenges of today make a stronger you tomorrow.”
We hope you enjoyed this article. For more content on how to find your academic success, check out some of our articles here on Starry Scholar. If you have any questions/comments, feel free to leave them in our “Community Discussion” tab, or email us at @[email protected]! Remember, you got this ☆
1. Insert Full Name and Profile Picture.
The first tip is to write your full name and insert a presentable profile picture of yourself for your Zoom account. When attending classes, you want to ensure your teacher or professor is easily able to identify or locate you. Teachers already face a challenge to instruct large classes without physical interaction, and this small step can help the class run more efficiently.
2. Turn on Camera.
Yes, it’s quite tempting to keep your camera and microphone off the entire Zoom class session. No doubt, you will have more freedom to work on other homework, explore Instagram on your phone, snap pictures of your friends in “class”, and take a quick nap. However, these Zoom sessions are equivalent to traditional classes. Your grades still matter, teachers still share vital coursework, and you still need college recommendations. Do your best to show your continued commitment to academics and build a relationship with your instructor.
3. Dress up!
Dress up for “school”. This sounds cliche, yet so many individuals resort to wearing comfortable sweats, pajamas, and unpresentable attire for Zoom sessions. Although your appearance shouldn’t be the main focus, dressing up even at home can vastly prevent you from falling asleep and encourage you to take each class seriously. When you look presentable, you feel confident. When you change for class, you already set boundaries between rest time and school time.
4. Keep Water Next to You.
As you would in a normal class setting, keep a bottle, cup, or glass of water next to you. The last thing you want is to have a parched throat, be called for a question, and speak with a breaking voice while the class is recorded. Prevent such issues by preparing before class starts. In addition, I recommend you refrain from eating your meals during class. It can be distracting for your classmates, and it may seem rude to teachers who want students paying their utmost attention to the subject material.
5. Join Class 5 Minutes Early.
You’ve probably heard this tip way too many times, yet do you actually act upon it? Imagine these 5 minutes being a part of your passing period at school. Unlike real school, however, you may encounter technical difficulties or delays when you attempt to enter class right on time. By joining class at least 5 minutes earlier, you provide yourself ample time to fix sudden issues and also grant time to mentally prepare yourself before class starts.
6. Rid ALL Distractions.
With no one keeping you accountable, it’s extremely easy to doze off with distractions around you. Keep your phone away from you, as you would leave your device in a backpack at school. Furthermore, if available, attend class in a quiet and personal space. Pre-inform your family or roommates to not barge into your room during the day.
7. Say Thank You.
Finally, take a few seconds at the end of class to show appreciation for your teacher’s time and lesson. With all aspects of education being completed online, subtle acts like these can go a long way in uplifting the virtual classroom energy and supporting your hard-working instructor.
We are living in historical, unprecedented times. For all of us, there are daily battles to overcome as we slowly adapt to our strange situations. StarryScholar is proud of your proactivity and effort in constantly exploring and learning how to polish your remote skills as students. Reading this article right now proves your dedication to learn. Keep up the hard work, and remember “your challenges of today make a stronger you tomorrow.”
We hope you enjoyed this article. For more content on how to find your academic success, check out some of our articles here on Starry Scholar. If you have any questions/comments, feel free to leave them in our “Community Discussion” tab, or email us at @[email protected]! Remember, you got this ☆