When was the last time you updated your Zoom settings? How many of you were today years old when you realized that you needed to update your Zoom settings? Some of you might still be wondering why you need to update your Zoom settings. Zoom has released quite a few new features and functions over the last few months. If you aren’t updating your Zoom Client on a regular basis you might be missing out on some of the features. Not to mention, the updates also clean up any performance issues that might be occurring. Now, I got your attention!

Did you know that Zoom has an option where you can touch up your appearance? It can be found on your Zoom Desktop Client under Video. Fast forward to 1:25 to see how to turn this on.

So I know some of you may be thinking, but I use Zoom on my iPad or on my Chromebook. You still want to make sure your Zoom Client on your teacher station is current. Zoom functions differently on each device. Your desktop client is the most robust and offers the most features. You can log into your Zoom meetings using your desktop AND still use your iPad for the camera feature.

• NISD: Updating Your Zoom App
• NISD Zoom Resources (To access the site you must be logged in to your NISD account.)

Want to spice up your Zoom sessions? Check out these FREE soundboards created by @candytechideas. You will definitely want to bookmark this resource.

Did you know that you have the option of sharing only audio with your students during a Zoom meeting? What does this mean exactly? If you wanted to use the Soundboard during your meeting and wanted to keep the element of surprise, you could have a tab with the audio files available to use during your meeting. Instead of sharing your entire screen with students, you could choose to share only audio and they would never see your tab open. To share only audio, click on the Share button and click on the Advanced tab, and select Computer Audio. Give it a try!

This next little tip comes from Luanna Gracia from Krueger ES, @kindergracia. During our Winter Summit Panel, she shared how she uses visual cues to help keep students engaged and on task. I know quite a few of you have been imploring the use of visual cues since the beginning, but Luann’s idea “heads” the top of the list. Rather than holding up the visual cue, she uses velcro to attach her visual cues to a headband she wears on her head. What an easy and innovative way to engage your learners.

Want to incorporate visual cues into your Zoom meetings? Here are a few FREE resources available via Teachers Pay Teachers.

• Distance Learning Visual Cue Cards | Tara West
• Distance Learning Visual Cue Cards | Coffee with the Teacher

Elementary Academic Technology Coach

Email: michelle.fikac@nisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/nisd.net/atcelem/welcome
Location: 6632 Bandera Road, Building E Leon Valley, TX, USA
Phone: 210.397.9404
Facebook: facebook.com/NISDAcadTech
Twitter: @TechCoachFikac