We recommend using Zoom on your computer for the best experience, but you can also download the application on your phone or tablet.

You can also use Zoom inside an internet browser on your computer if you have problems with the application.

To use Zoom on your computer, you'll need the following:

• Internet connection: Wi-Fi, cellular data (3G or 4G/LTE), or a wired Ethernet connection

• Speakers and mic: built-in, USB plug-in, or Bluetooth

• Webcam: built-in or USB plug-in

• Power source: plug in your laptop as Zoom will deplete your battery

• For more detailed system requirements, see this link.

1. Download and install the Zoom app from https://zoom.us/download.

2. Zoom has both an application and a web interface. 

• Use the application to join Zoom meetings and configure user preferences (e.g. profile picture and audio/video settings).

• Use the web interface to configure other Zoom options

  • • Click here to sign into the web interface with your Zoom account.

    • Feel free to ignore these settings if you're just joining Regent classes, as they're primarily for users who are hosting their own meetings.

Please familiarize yourself with Zoom before using it for class. 

• To test your Zoom setup, visit https://zoom.us/test.

• For an overview of Zoom's features, see Zoom's page on Getting Started.

• Check out Zoom's free training webinars at https://zoom.us/livetraining.

Zoom consistently releases updates to its application in order to upgrade its security and features.

When an important updated has been released, Zoom will often automatically update when the application is opened. If your application needs to be updated, this can delay your attendance in class.

Therefore, we recommend that you check the app for updates at least once a week to ensure that you can connect to your class.

To check for updates:

1. Launch Zoom's desktop app and sign in.

2. Click your profile picture in the top right of the application, then click Check for Updates.

3. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the update.

We have surveyed several hundred Regent College students for their advice on how to approach online courses.

Please click the following link to read their recommendations on how to succeed in online courses at Regent:

• How to Approach Taking Online Courses

• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or connect directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.

• Turn off your video

• Open Zoom's settings, click on the Video tab, and uncheck Enable HD. 

• Check your internet connection speed at Speedtest.net. 

  • • You'll need a 1.5mbps download/upload speed to use Zoom's "Gallery View" function. 

    • Click here to see Zoom's bandwith requirements.

• Check to see if other devices/users are connected to and using your internet connection during class. 

  • • If possible, ask them to refrain from heavy usage during that time.

• See Zoom's help page for more tips.

• Check that your webcam is turned on and plugged into your computer.

• Check the camera icon in the bottom left corner of the Zoom app. If there's a red line across the icon, click Start Video (see screenshot below).

1. Once you join a meeting, you can test your speakers and microphone before entering it.

• • Join a Zoom meeting, then click Test speaker and microphone (see screenshot below).

  • Note: this will only work if the setting to Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting is unchecked (see screenshot below).

1. While you're in a Zoom meeting, click the arrow next to the microphone icon to view its settings (see screenshot below).