Getting Online // Zoom explained

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Using Zoom

 

Zoom is free & easy to use. To join one of our STUDIO SOMA classes via a Zoom conference call, you simply have to follow the steps outlined below. If you have any problems please do not hesitate to contact us.

  • When you are ready to join your class, click on the Zoom link you have been sent in your Booking Confirmation email, then click on ‘open Zoom.us’ to be taken to the conference call.

  • If this is your first time using Zoom, you may wish to leave a little extra time. When you click the link you may be asked if you would like to download the Zoom app onto your device. Follow the prompts to download the app so that you can use Zoom on your computer, laptop, phone, or tablet. This download is free & you do not have to set up an account to simply take part in a conference call. You will only have to complete this step the first time you use Zoom on your device. If you are not automatically prompted to download the app you can also download it by going directly to the Zoom website

  • If asked, allow Zoom to use your microphone (‘computer audio’) & camera, so that your teacher will be able to see & hear you.

  • If asked, enter the password. This will also have been included in your Booking Confirmation email.

  • Once you click the link, you will arrive into a ‘Waiting Room’ which will be open for 5 minutes before the class starts. When the teacher is ready to begin the class, you will automatically be transferred through into the Zoom conference call.

  • Once inside the Zoom conference call, you will see small video squares on the screen, each of which shows one of your fellow-learners. In the top right corner you can click to switch between ‘gallery view’ (where everyone is shown in the same size box) or ‘speaker view’ (where your teacher - or whoever else is speaking - will be bigger, taking up most of the screen)

  • On the bottom left of the screen is a ‘Mute’ button - an icon of a microphone. When the icon has a red line through it your audio is muted & no-one can hear you. To unmute yourself simply click on the button, & click again to re-mute. Your teacher can also mute the sound of class participants. Most often, all participants will be muted during practical explorations, so that the teacher’s instructions can be heard clearly & there is no distracting background noise.

  • Also in the bottom left corner is a ‘Stop/Start Video’ button - an icon of a video camera. If this icon has a red line through it you will not be able to be seen by others in the call: click the button to start your video. Please note: we ask that your video camera is on & that you can be clearly seen during class, so that the teacher can guide you safely through different movement explorations.

  • In the bottom centre is a ‘Chat’ button - an icon of a speech bubble. Click here to bring up a messenger window on your screen. Here you can type a message in the bottom box (where it says ‘type message here’). Press enter to send the message. This will automatically go to everyone in the call, unless you click ‘to’ & select a specific recipient. Click ‘Studio Soma’ to send a private message to your teacher.

  • When your class is over, or you need to leave early for some unexpected reason, simply click the ‘Leave Meeting’ button in the bottom right corner to finish your Zoom session.

Need more guidance?

Then check out this clear and simple online video tutorial on getting started with Zoom (nb. For those who don’t want to watch the whole video: the host explains downloading the Zoom App at 3 mins 25 secs into the video; & talks about joining a Zoom meeting at 5 mins 19 secs). You can also click here to experience a test meeting, if you’d like try out Zoom before joining one of our live classes.