Technical Requirements & Best Practices

Equipment & System Requirements

See a full list of equipment and system requirements at the Zoom Requirements website including requirements for:

  • Headset (preferred by GSC), microphone and speakers, or phone
    • A headset with a built-in microphone is preferred to minimize audio feedback. Typical headset models cost about $30 and can be purchased at most office supply or electronics store.
    • Choose the option that provides the best quality by testing your audio prior to the meeting.
    • Phone: Zoom allows the use of a phone for audio instead of the computer audio. The number to dial is available after launching the session, see dialing instructions.
  • Webcam (preferred by GSC)

Internet Connection

For best results, use a computer with a direct ethernet cable connection. Using WiFi can result in reduced video and/or audio quality.

Test Your Connection Speed: Visit http://www.speedtest.net/ and complete the connection speed test.  Results will show two numbers: the rate of megabits per second for your download speed (receiving information) and for your upload speed (sharing information). The results will typically be quite different, with download speed being much faster than upload speed. This is generally OK, however, you should check your results against Zoom's System Requirements.

Connection Requirements: Check your results against Zoom's Bandwidth Requirements. Requirements vary depending on how Zoom will be used.

Time Zone
Session times are created using Eastern Standard Time (EST), or EDT if in Daylight Savings Time. If you are logging in from a different time zone, be sure to confirm the conversion of your local time to EST/EDT time.

BEST PRACTICES FOR LIVE SESSIONS

Physical Settings
Choosing and preparing a physical space where the virtual meeting will be launched will provide a great impression on attendees and prevent unforeseen distractions.

  • Location. Choose an appropriate setting to log in from that is relatively free from visual distraction, noise, and other distractions (dogs barking, etc.) so you can fully participate.
  • Camera Angles. Set your camera so that you can be seen clearly in a "portrait" framing, at a level that is as straight on as possible. Avoid setting your camera at odd angles that would be dissimilar to how you would appear in person. Your camera should sit in a way that allows you to look as much into it as possible - avoid looking at yourself while speaking.

  • Lighting. Avoid sitting with strong light behind you because the glare will obscure your face. Ensure you have adequate front lighting so your appearance is as clear as possible.
  • Desk. Use a table or fixture for your computer or camera that is stable and will not wobble or shake. Do not place your computer in your lap unless there is no other surface to place it on.
  • Microphone. Set the microphone of your headset in a way that does not cause your breathing to be heard while you are not speaking.

During a Live Session

  • Mute your microphone while not speaking to minimize audio feedback (remember to unmute when you want to speak!)
  • If calling in with a cellphone, avoid using its speaker as it may cause your sentences to be cutoff at the beginning. Use a connected earpiece/microphone. Be sure to locate yourself someplace quiet and to place your phone on a stable surface.
  • Turn off or mute devices not in use, including mobile and tablet devices unless you are anticipating an important call. If so, please alert your instructor at the outset of the conference as a courtesy and then remove yourself from earshot to do your call.
  • Keep your attention devoted solely to your conference session. It is permissible to briefly focus your attention away from the session to do online research if it is related to your class session.
  • Refrain from eating, chewing gum, trimming fingernails, or anything else that you would not do in a classroom setting with other people.
  • Avoid overlapping your speech with the speech of others to avoid the interaction becoming unintelligible.
  • Chat: The “Chat” icon will turn orange for incoming messages from participants and/or the host. Be sure to click on it to read and respond if needed.
  • Be prepared for your sessions! Review the readings and media and have your notes handy so that you can get the most out of your participation.