SSI ZOOM FAQs
Simple answers to questions from non-experts …
(Updated June 10, 2021)
Q 1. I know nothing about Zoom. Is it difficult to learn?
Like a car or a refrigerator, you can use Zoom, without having to ‘learn’ about all its bells and whistles. But, it’s important to know some Zoom basics that will improve your experience and not detract from others in your classes. (See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUxzrgZvZQ )
Q 2. Do I need a Zoom app on my device in order to join (i.e.., take) a class?
No, you do not have to have a Zoom account or app to attend a Zoom meeting. After clicking on the course web-link you’ll receive from the SSI team, you will be prompted to click ‘open Zoom meetings’ which allows you “in”. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate.
Q 3. Do I have to pay for a Zoom app?
No, the free version is all you need to take a course.
Q 4. I’m worried about security. Is Zoom safe?
Zoom is the software that many schools, colleges and universities are using for online teaching. While nothing is perfect or airtight, it is considered to have adequate security measures.
Q 5. Are classes recorded, for viewing at a later time?
Yes, unless the instructor decides that they do not want the class recorded. Links to each recording that is on our YouTube Channel are listed after the class description in the Schedules section of this website.
Q 6. I’m using a PC desktop. Does it make any difference what device I use?
Zoom can be used across a variety of devices. Desktop PC’s and Macs are optimal and tablets, iPads, smartphone, etc. are also fine, but the positioning of certain icons will differ and may limit the viewing area.
Q 7. Does Zoom work on a Macbook or iPad?
Yes, but the Zoom icons may be in locations that differ from their locations on a PC. Also, on a smaller screen, only a limited number of class participants can appear at the same time. Move your cursor to the left or right to bring ‘missing’ participants into view.
Q 8. Does Zoom work with my smartphone?
Yes, but the visual is less desirable on a tiny screen. If this is your only option, work with a coach to check out the options..
Q 9. Do I need extra equipment, like a microphone, camera, etc.?
Most laptops and iPad devices now come with built-in microphones and cameras. If yours doesn’t, you can buy headphone devices with built-in mics ($30-$40) which provide higher quality audio. For devices that don’t have a built-in camera, you can buy a plug-in web camera accessory ($30-$70 or more). Otherwise, others won’t be able to see you during Zoom classes.
Q 10. Do I have to print lots of handouts?
That’s up to you. Some instructors will send out notes or ‘handouts’ ahead of class, which you can read on screen or make copies of, whichever you prefer.
Q 11. What happens if I “join a session” a little bit late? Can I still be admitted?
Yes, but it might take a few minutes for the host to admit you from Zoom’s ‘waiting room’.
Q 12. Is there a way that participants can chat with each other before class starts … or after the Zoom class has ended?
Access to the Zoom class session will begin once participants are admitted from the Zoom Waiting Room approx. starting approx.10-15 minutes before the Instructor starts class. Once admitted participants could use this time for limited social interaction among attendees. Once the class ends, the Host typically will end the Zoom session.
Q 13. The name on my picture is not correct. Can I change it?
Yes. Outside of class, participants can revise their Zoom account profile to change their name. During a class session, Hosts and Co-Hosts could “rename” participants upon request.
Q 14. I don’t want to be on screen. I’m worried about how I…or my room… will look. Can I just listen in, like on a podcast?
Yes. After you have joined the Zoom session, you can turn-off your video with a click. Instead of a picture box, your box will only show your name on a black background unless you uploaded a photo when (if) you set up a Zoom account. (see Q 15) You will still be able to participate, ask questions, etc.
Q 15. I’m uncomfortable about how my room will look. What can I do about that?
To modify your background, you can either tilt or move your computer or you can set up a virtual background from Zoom’s default collection or use your own photo. Check the SSI website for a list of Zoom training videos or the internet for instruction videos.
(See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sg-XaGGl2I )
Q 16. My face is showing up too dark, or too bright or too pale. What can I do about that?
The lighting in your room is important. Be sure that light is coming from in front of you, not behind you, which puts your face into shadow. Either close the shades of any window behind you or move your computer around so that the light is on your face instead of on your back.
Q 17. My video is working, but my sound is muted. What can I do about that?
The course Facilitator will mute all class participants at the beginning of class to minimize distracting background noise. S/He will explain the procedure for comments or questions at that time.
Q 18. I only see my face, or one other face on the screen. How can I see everybody’s picture at the same time?
Move your cursor around the edge of the screen to locate an icon showing up as Gallery. Click on that to get everyone on your screen in their picture boxes. When someone is speaking, his/her picture box will be highlighted.
Q 19. Once the Instructor’s presentation begins, I prefer not to see images of all the other participants. How can I make that happen?
From Gallery view (where everyone’s image is on screen), change to Speaker view. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to locate the Speaker view icon. Click on that to see only the person speaking.
Q 20. How can I make the audio louder?… Or softer?
Use the volume controls on your device to change the sound volume.
Q 21. The sound is working fine, but my picture does not appear, just a blank drawing. What can I do about that?
Move your cursor around the edge of the screen to find a video icon, which might have a line across it. Click on that icon to start your video.
Q 22. If I have to step away for a moment, must I log off? … And then log back into the Zoom meeting?
No, but it is good etiquette to turn off your video and be sure that you are muted while you’re away. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to find the video icon. Click there to turn it off. You will still be able to see and hear the class. (OR, put a sticky note over your computer’s camera lens.)
Q 23. What do I do if the screen seems to freeze and maybe becomes fuzzy?
Sometimes the quality of the audio or video deteriorates due to internet bandwidth variability that we have no way to control. These issues come and go. Or, you may have an unstable internet connection, which also might clear up on its own. On the other hand, if the connection suddenly drops, go back to the original message with a link to the class and re-join.
Q 24. Can I do something else while class is on (such as practice yoga, eat lunch, do my exercises)?
Yes, those things are possible BUT these activities can be distracting to other participants, so it is good class etiquette to turn off your video; and be sure you are muted. You will still be able to see and hear the class. For additional tips, see our “Zoom Etiquette” page.
Simple answers to questions from non-experts …
(Updated June 10, 2021)
Q 1. I know nothing about Zoom. Is it difficult to learn?
Like a car or a refrigerator, you can use Zoom, without having to ‘learn’ about all its bells and whistles. But, it’s important to know some Zoom basics that will improve your experience and not detract from others in your classes. (See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUxzrgZvZQ )
Q 2. Do I need a Zoom app on my device in order to join (i.e.., take) a class?
No, you do not have to have a Zoom account or app to attend a Zoom meeting. After clicking on the course web-link you’ll receive from the SSI team, you will be prompted to click ‘open Zoom meetings’ which allows you “in”. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate.
Q 3. Do I have to pay for a Zoom app?
No, the free version is all you need to take a course.
Q 4. I’m worried about security. Is Zoom safe?
Zoom is the software that many schools, colleges and universities are using for online teaching. While nothing is perfect or airtight, it is considered to have adequate security measures.
Q 5. Are classes recorded, for viewing at a later time?
Yes, unless the instructor decides that they do not want the class recorded. Links to each recording that is on our YouTube Channel are listed after the class description in the Schedules section of this website.
Q 6. I’m using a PC desktop. Does it make any difference what device I use?
Zoom can be used across a variety of devices. Desktop PC’s and Macs are optimal and tablets, iPads, smartphone, etc. are also fine, but the positioning of certain icons will differ and may limit the viewing area.
Q 7. Does Zoom work on a Macbook or iPad?
Yes, but the Zoom icons may be in locations that differ from their locations on a PC. Also, on a smaller screen, only a limited number of class participants can appear at the same time. Move your cursor to the left or right to bring ‘missing’ participants into view.
Q 8. Does Zoom work with my smartphone?
Yes, but the visual is less desirable on a tiny screen. If this is your only option, work with a coach to check out the options..
Q 9. Do I need extra equipment, like a microphone, camera, etc.?
Most laptops and iPad devices now come with built-in microphones and cameras. If yours doesn’t, you can buy headphone devices with built-in mics ($30-$40) which provide higher quality audio. For devices that don’t have a built-in camera, you can buy a plug-in web camera accessory ($30-$70 or more). Otherwise, others won’t be able to see you during Zoom classes.
Q 10. Do I have to print lots of handouts?
That’s up to you. Some instructors will send out notes or ‘handouts’ ahead of class, which you can read on screen or make copies of, whichever you prefer.
Q 11. What happens if I “join a session” a little bit late? Can I still be admitted?
Yes, but it might take a few minutes for the host to admit you from Zoom’s ‘waiting room’.
Q 12. Is there a way that participants can chat with each other before class starts … or after the Zoom class has ended?
Access to the Zoom class session will begin once participants are admitted from the Zoom Waiting Room approx. starting approx.10-15 minutes before the Instructor starts class. Once admitted participants could use this time for limited social interaction among attendees. Once the class ends, the Host typically will end the Zoom session.
Q 13. The name on my picture is not correct. Can I change it?
Yes. Outside of class, participants can revise their Zoom account profile to change their name. During a class session, Hosts and Co-Hosts could “rename” participants upon request.
Q 14. I don’t want to be on screen. I’m worried about how I…or my room… will look. Can I just listen in, like on a podcast?
Yes. After you have joined the Zoom session, you can turn-off your video with a click. Instead of a picture box, your box will only show your name on a black background unless you uploaded a photo when (if) you set up a Zoom account. (see Q 15) You will still be able to participate, ask questions, etc.
Q 15. I’m uncomfortable about how my room will look. What can I do about that?
To modify your background, you can either tilt or move your computer or you can set up a virtual background from Zoom’s default collection or use your own photo. Check the SSI website for a list of Zoom training videos or the internet for instruction videos.
(See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sg-XaGGl2I )
Q 16. My face is showing up too dark, or too bright or too pale. What can I do about that?
The lighting in your room is important. Be sure that light is coming from in front of you, not behind you, which puts your face into shadow. Either close the shades of any window behind you or move your computer around so that the light is on your face instead of on your back.
Q 17. My video is working, but my sound is muted. What can I do about that?
The course Facilitator will mute all class participants at the beginning of class to minimize distracting background noise. S/He will explain the procedure for comments or questions at that time.
Q 18. I only see my face, or one other face on the screen. How can I see everybody’s picture at the same time?
Move your cursor around the edge of the screen to locate an icon showing up as Gallery. Click on that to get everyone on your screen in their picture boxes. When someone is speaking, his/her picture box will be highlighted.
Q 19. Once the Instructor’s presentation begins, I prefer not to see images of all the other participants. How can I make that happen?
From Gallery view (where everyone’s image is on screen), change to Speaker view. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to locate the Speaker view icon. Click on that to see only the person speaking.
Q 20. How can I make the audio louder?… Or softer?
Use the volume controls on your device to change the sound volume.
Q 21. The sound is working fine, but my picture does not appear, just a blank drawing. What can I do about that?
Move your cursor around the edge of the screen to find a video icon, which might have a line across it. Click on that icon to start your video.
Q 22. If I have to step away for a moment, must I log off? … And then log back into the Zoom meeting?
No, but it is good etiquette to turn off your video and be sure that you are muted while you’re away. Move the cursor around the edge of the screen to find the video icon. Click there to turn it off. You will still be able to see and hear the class. (OR, put a sticky note over your computer’s camera lens.)
Q 23. What do I do if the screen seems to freeze and maybe becomes fuzzy?
Sometimes the quality of the audio or video deteriorates due to internet bandwidth variability that we have no way to control. These issues come and go. Or, you may have an unstable internet connection, which also might clear up on its own. On the other hand, if the connection suddenly drops, go back to the original message with a link to the class and re-join.
Q 24. Can I do something else while class is on (such as practice yoga, eat lunch, do my exercises)?
Yes, those things are possible BUT these activities can be distracting to other participants, so it is good class etiquette to turn off your video; and be sure you are muted. You will still be able to see and hear the class. For additional tips, see our “Zoom Etiquette” page.