Birds of a Feather

Technology Notes from My Nest to Yours | April 13

Choose Your Own Zoom Work Room

Looking to implement a new twist on break-out rooms? Along with one of the last Zoom updates, the ability to have participants self-select their own Breakout Rooms was introduced.

Let's break this idea down a little further! I recently attended a PD session where I learned about "Choose Your Own Work Room!" The "work rooms" are based on learning styles and provide each student the opportunity to choose how they would like to continue their learning.

Main Room/Group 1: I have a question and would like to talk to Mrs. Fikac.
Open Work Room/Group 2: I want to turn on my mic & camera and talk about what we learned today with others.
Quiet Work Room/Group 3: I want to review today’s learning, but ask questions and share ideas in the room quietly using the chat.
Quiet Work Room/Group 4: I want to review today’s learning in a quiet room by myself.

Feel free to use this template (see the image above) as a tool to help get you started.

Don't forget, you'll first want to make sure your Zoom is updated and that you have turned on Breakout Rooms in your Zoom settings.

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To Chat or Not to Chat?

Did you know that you have the ability to turn on the chat feature in Zoom with just one click? I know what some of you are thinking, I have tried the chat feature with my students and I'm never going to do that again. But how about using the chat feature to share a link with students rather than having to redirect them back to Schoology? You can quickly drop a link to a learning resource in the chat, have the students click on the link, and then turn off the chat to keep students focused on the lesson.

First things first, you need to make sure you have the chat feature enabled on your Zoom settings. From your Zoom account, navigate to Settings and scroll down to the In Meeting (Basic Settings) and turn on Chat.

Now, let's talk about how you can turn that on and off during your Zoom meetings. In your Zoom meeting, look for the Security button on your Zoom Control Panel. When you click on this button, you will notice that you have the in-meeting option to enable/disable the chat during a meeting. Yep, it really is that easy! Turn on the chat when you are ready to share the link and then turn it back off after students have all accessed it.

Just like all things technology, there is a time and a place for everything. It's also important to lay the ground rules and expectations for any tools you use with your students, especially the chat feature. This is a great opportunity to talk to your students about being good digital citizens and the NISD Acceptable Use Policy.