One last post regarding all things Zoom…
Recording in Zoom
I created two new documents regarding recording in Zoom:
- Recording Zoom Meetings to the Cloud – Instructors
- Updated 3/30/20: added reference to cloud recordings in Canvas
- Recording and Uploading Zoom Meetings – Students
- Updated 3/30/20: fixed broken link to IT Services document.
- Note that instructors can record to their computer too, so much of these could apply to instructors as well.
Zoom in Canvas
Also note that Zoom is now integrated into Canvas. This is basically just a way to make it easier to schedule meetings, and for your students to find those meetings and their associated cloud recordings. Please see the video below. (Again, clicking the ‘View in Panopto’ arrow, then clicking the double arrows to swap views might make the screen content easier to see.)
Security and Privacy in Zoom
Lifehacker has a very useful article with some tips to prevent worst-case scenario shenanigans within Zoom. Some examples of ways to make meetings more secure:
- Scheduling meetings, either within Canvas or within the Zoom app, rather than always using your personal meeting room.
- Requiring a password.
- Lock meeting, once everyone has arrived.
- NOT enabling ‘Join before host.’
- ‘Only host can share.’
- Disabling ‘virtual backgrounds’ (though these backgrounds have other benefits.)
If you’re not familiar with any of these, a quick Google of Zoom and the relevant keywords (e.g., “join before host in Zoom”) should get you to the Zoom support page quickly.
Bottom line, in my opinion: Scheduling course meetings through Canvas and letting students know your expectations should establish a base level of privacy and security. You can then implement more strict measures as needed.
Other Advanced Features in Canvas
Recording in Breakout Rooms: the document linked above has some information for students recording in breakout rooms, but be sure you’ve enabled local recordings if you want your students to record them; then you must allow one student from each room to record. It’s probably a good idea to read through all of the Breakout Room documentation.
Waiting rooms: this is a useful way to control the flow of who is entering your room. Read up on it here and try it out with me or your colleagues.
Attention tracking: this is a somewhat controversial way to monitor who is paying attention. Here is Zoom’s documentation. If you choose to use this feature, I strongly recommend you let your students know.
Reading Zoom’s documentation and help pages
As you strike out on your own to learn more about these Zoom features, two tips:
1. These pages often talk about enabling/disabling features for either accounts, groups, or users. You should always go straight to the user section.
2. Some pages offer different instructions for different devices or operating system. Be sure to click on Windows/Mac (or whatever is appropriate for you) to see all the information relevant to your device.