The Zoom web conferencing platform is the most common and feature rich tool available at CBS for all remote teaching and video conferencing needs. The most up to date Zoom client can always be downloaded from https://zoom.us/download. Zoom offers free Basic accounts that allow meetings lasting up to 40 minutes. CBS faculty and staff can request a Zoom Pro account by contacting the MultiMedia Group.
Running Zoom
- Requirements:
- Most laptops/desktops purchased in the last four years will be sufficient, including any CBS-issued computer still within it’s expected life cycle
- An HD webcam, either integrated in the computer or attached via USB. ITG recommends Logitech webcams.
- A headset or earphones of some kind (ITG strongly recommends against using computer speakers to avoid echo and feedback)
- A stable internet connection (3.0 Mbps up/down, see below)
- A full list is available here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux
- Recommendations:
- A room where you have control of the environment and can prevent extraneous interruptions to the greatest extent possible.
- A relatively quiet space with minimal other sources of noise or echo
- If you tend either to be soft spoken or to move around, a headset with a built-in microphone is ideal
- The primary light source in the room should be in front of you as you face the webcam, not behind you
- Install Zoom ahead of time and try it out first by logging into this Zoom test room: https://zoom.us/test
- Zoom allows you to see up to 49 participants on screen at once, so with a large enough monitor you will be able to see most of your class or attendees
- Check out the Zoom Help Center for a wealth of information on how to use the platform.
- Custom CBS Backgrounds
- External Relations has created a collections of images that can be used as custom backgrounds, including a custom CBS Background Generator
- Download CBS_Zoom_Backgrounds.zip and extract it to a convenient location on your computer
- You can add the images one at a time, either from within a meeting
- Click ^ next to the video camera logo
- Click "Choose Virtual Background"
- Click the + icon and select a file from the folder you created above
- For full information, please consult Zoom's help page on virual backgrounds
On Internet Connections
As a rule, wired is always better than wireless. Most residential broadband wifi (in the US lower 48) is likely to be acceptable, but bear in mind that residential bandwidth can vary widely depending on what’s happening in your local area. ITG recommends against using shared or open wifi networks such as Libraries or coffee shops. On Columbia’s campus, any wired connection will be more than sufficient. If videos are a part of your class lecture or meeting, these do not always present well depending on a number of factors. Consider sharing links in the chat to the videos you’d like the participants to watch, or having the participants watch them a-synchronously. As above, Zoom recommends having at least 3.0 Mbps up/down. To run a speed test on your internet connection:
- Go to Google.com.
- Search for internet speed test.
- Tap or click Run Speed Test
(Source: https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6283840)
Secure Use of Zoom
Columbia University's Information Technology team has provided an excellent list of resources on their Zoom site > Privacy & Security on how you can secure your Zoom meeting and prevent the growing issue of "Zoombombing" (where an uninvited and unwelcome third party joins a Zoom meeting with the goal of disrupting it). Zoom also offers a number of in-meeting security options.
Zoom also offers a definitive Best Practices guide for securing your meetings.