Joining an online class via Zoom
Zoom, zoom, zoom. Not long ago, we associated 'zoom' with camera lenses or with cars. Now it has a whole new meaning, as a noun, a verb and an adjective. Such is evolution in our current world. And, it's become such a common part of our everyday lives that everyone knows how to do it. Or do they? We get a lot of questions from students about yoga via Zoom. Here's a step-by-step guide. We hope you find it helpful.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a tool that lets people collaborate in an online environment. There are many such tools, but Zoom is one of the most popular ones, and it's the tool used at Yoga Toronto 196.
How does Zoom work?
The teacher sets up a session, students connect via a link, the teacher can see you and you can see the teacher. You do yoga. That's the short story.
Connecting to Zoom
The link for the class can be found in your confirmation email or in 'My Bookings'. Click on the link, as shown in the images below.
If you've never used Zoom before, you'll be prompted to download and install the application (2 in the image below left). You only need to do this once. Thereafter, once you click on the link, Zoom will start automatically.
Check your setup
Until the teacher opens the session, you'll be asked to wait (1 in the image above left). This is a perfect time to check that your audio and video are working properly and that the teacher can see you properly. Click on 'Test Computer Audio' (3 in the image above left). In the list that pops up, click on video, as shown in blue in the image on the right. What you see in the box is what the teacher will see. Make any adjustments to your camera/computer and yoga setup needed to ensure the teacher can see your entire body and yoga mat. You may need to move the camera up, forward or back. You may also need to adjust the lighting.
Connecting to the class
When the teacher opens the session, you can join. See the image and blowups below. Click on 'Join with Computer Audio'. If you show up as a black box showing your name, you need to start your video connection manually. Check the video icon in the bottom left and click on it to start your video. Your image should appear, with your name at the bottom edge of the image.
Using the 'View' icon at the top right corner, set your view to 'Speaker'. This will result in the teacher showing full screen and students in a filmstrip along the side or top.
Communicating with the teacher
Once the teacher opens the session, you will be able speak until the class starts. If you wish to communicate privately, use the 'chat' function in the bottom band, as shown in the images above and below. Be sure to select 'teacher' (or name) from the drop-down, then type in your message.
Enjoy your class!
Tell us about your yoga journey - Send us your contributions at yogatoronto196@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.