If you are booking a 1-to-1 virtual workshop via Encounter Edu or one of our learning partners, Zoom may be the preferred method of delivering the workshop. If you are booking a scheduled live lesson rather than a workshop, please see the advice on Getting Started with live lessons.
Zoom is a free video-conferencing software. We host our one-to-one experiences on this platform as it provides good video and audio quality, is rich in functions, and is simple to use.
All you need to be part of a Zoom webinar on a desktop or laptop is the correct web browser specification and an internet connection. Although having a working webcam is not essential it can add to students’ experience.
An additional feature of Zoom is the ability for multiple groups of people to participate at the same time. This means that you can choose either to host the event with all students in a large space, such as the assembly hall, or have each class in their respective classrooms. This can be achieved by sharing the Zoom link with all teachers of classes who are participating.
Zoom allows students to meet experts from far and wide. Zoom also has several features which improve engagement and interaction such as a live Q&A chat. During the webinar the host or expert may ask you and your class questions. Using these features, you can respond and generate real and meaningful dialogue.
Many students and teachers enjoy having their webcam on so students can see themselves on the screen – even if just for a short time. If you have concerns regarding privacy you can nominate one or several students to represent your class or offer students who do not wish to be on the video discussion to sit out of sight of the class webcam.
To run a live lesson event using Zoom you will need to make sure it is not blocked by your school's internet firewall and the computer or laptop you will be using has the correct web browser specification.
Check Zoom is accessible on your school's computers. If not, contact IT and ask that it be made available.
It is preferable to download and instal the Zoom app (see the list of downloads on the Zoom website). For most schools, this will involve downloading the Zoom Client for meetings for Windows, the top option.
Internet Explorer 10 or higher
Microsoft Edge 38.14393.0.0 or higher
Google Chrome 53.0.2785 or higher
Safari 10.0.602.1.50 or higher
Firefox 49.0 or higher
As with all video streaming in the classroom, a good internet connection, good speakers, and the ability to show the video on a large screen, will all enhance the learning experience.