Zoom: Participant Guide

Overview

The Zoom online classroom environment may include a content window and multiple audio and webcam (video) broadcasts. There are different roles available within the online classroom, too. As a Participant in the meeting, you may have access to broadcast your audio and webcam, add text chat in the Chat window, and display non-verbal responses during the meeting.

Information

An online classroom can include multiple broadcasting microphones and webcams, shared content, Breakout Rooms (small groups), as well as an on-screen text chat tool. Please keep the following in mind as you progress with Zoom as a Participant in a meeting.

• We recommend attending from a desktop or laptop for the best experience in the Zoom online classroom, and to have the latest version of Zoom installed. Zoom is compatible with mobile devices like tablets and phones, yet these versions may not have the same tools and features that are available in the desktop app. 
• Be prepared to interact with others when you attend the online classroom. Interactions can include audio, webcam (video), and chat tools.
• Test your device before classes start by attending a Zoom Test Flight. These sessions are usually offered before the start of the semester and are open to all students and instructors. Visit this page for more information about Zoom Test Flights and for details on System Requirements. We also provide a page with more details about Best Practices for Participants.

The Meeting Interface

A Zoom meeting can include several broadcasting features simultaneously. For example, the leader (or host) and participants can engage audio and video, and also view content and send text chats in real-time. As the meeting starts, the interface may look similar to the image below. In this example, the participant has opened the Participant and Chat windows, which are now docked to the side of the content window, and both the instructor and the student (participant) have added to the text chat.

The Meeting Toolbar

As a Participant in a meeting, there are several icons on the toolbar that can assist you during the meetings. Please review the items below and for more information, select this link for details on the Participant role in a meeting.

• Audio (microphone) – Start/stop your audio broadcast. If a red line is through the Audio or Video icons, the broadcast is not active. Select the icon to start broadcasting.
• Video (webcam) – Start/stop your webcam broadcast.
• Participants – Select this icon to dock the Participants window to the right of the content window. The Participants window will contain a list of who is online with you at the time.
• Chat – Open the meeting text chat window.
• React - Select this icon to raise your virtual hand in the meeting or share non-verbal communications like a green check to indicate yes.
• Leave – Select Leave to exit the online classroom.

Best Practices for Participants

Please note that the leader (host) may activate or deactivate the use of some online classroom tools, including audio and video (webcam), at any time during the meeting. 

• Before attending your first online classroom, be sure to review the System Requirements. Attend a Zoom Test Flight to test your device in the Zoom online classroom interface before classes start.
• Visit our UT Zoom page and activate your UT Zoom account. While an account may not be necessary to attend all classes, instructors can engage a meeting security setting that requires a UT Zoom account for attendance.
• Visit our Best Practices for Participants page for more tips on getting started with the LiveOnline@UT (Zoom) online classroom.