Mastering Zoom: Essential Features for a Smooth Online Professional Development Experience

Mastering Zoom

For all of our virtual sessions we use Zoom to connect, learn, and share ideas. To help you navigate the platform like a pro, we’ve created this quick guide to Zoom’s essential features.

1. Change Your Display Name

Having your name displayed correctly allows us to take attendance and helps others identify and interact with you during the session. Here’s how to change it:

On Desktop:

 1. Hover over your video feed and click on the three dots (...) in the upper-right corner.

 2. Select “Rename,” type your name to match your registration, and click “OK.”

 On Mobile:

 1. Tap “Participants,” find your name, and select “Rename.”

 2. Enter your name to match your registration and save.

2. Enable Closed Captioning

Closed captioning makes the session accessible and ensures you don’t miss any details.

 1. Look for the “CC” or “Live Transcript” button in the Zoom toolbar.

 2. Click it and select “Show Subtitles” to see captions during the meeting.

3. Comment in the Chat

The chat feature is perfect for sharing questions, ideas, or resources without interrupting the flow of discussion.

On Desktop: Click “Chat” in the toolbar to open the chat panel.

On Mobile: Tap “More” (usually the three dots), then select “Chat.”

Type your message and hit “Enter” to send.

4. Raise Your Hand

Want to ask a question or contribute to the discussion? Use the “Raise Hand” feature:

On Desktop: Click “Reactions” in the toolbar and select “Raise Hand.”

On Mobile: Tap “More,” then choose “Raise Hand.”

The presenter will see your raised hand and call on you when they’re ready.

5. Control Your Camera and Microphone

Turn On/Off Camera:

 1. Click the “Start Video” or “Stop Video” button in the toolbar.

 2. On mobile, tap your screen and find the camera icon to toggle it on or off.

Mute/Unmute Microphone:

 1. Click the microphone icon in the toolbar.

 2. On mobile, the microphone icon works the same way.

Additional Tips

  • Use headphones to reduce background noise.
  • Test your audio and video settings before the session begins.

With these tools, you’ll be well-prepared to participate and get the most out of the session. If you have questions or need additional help, let us know or email [email protected] before the session starts.

Upcoming Events

Check out our upcoming events: Free monthly PD, Banish Burnout Series and Mentor Evenings!

share:

You Might Also Like...

Responses

connect with the Community

Join our Facebook group "The Hangout" to chat with fellow dayhome providers as well as parents using dayhomes. 

BECOME A MEMBER​

For more information, professional development, resources, ebooks, one-on-one consults and so much more!

Meal Planner

Do you currently make meal plans?

Safety Checklist

Do you already have a safety checklist for your dayhome?

Parent Guide

How much do you know about dayhomes in Alberta?

Child Care Cheat Sheet

How confident are you in knowing what to look for in a dayhome?

Dayhome Guide

Where are you at in your dayhome journey?

Parent Handbook Checklist

Do you have a Parent Handbook for your dayhome?

Dayhome Guide

Where are you at in your dayhome journey?

Mental Health Action Plan

Do you have a mental health action plan?

Authorized Pickup

Do you already have an authorized pickup form?

Incident Report

Do you already have an incident report form?

Illness Notice

Do you already have an illness notice form?

Medication Administration

Do you already have a medication administration form?

Attendance Record

Do you keep a daily attendance?

Evacuation Map

Do you already have an evacuation map for your dayhome?

Emergency Records

Do you have emergency records for your dayhome?

Fire Drill Record

Do you have a fire drill record for your dayhome?

First Aid Checklist

Are you creating a first aid kit or refilling an existing one?

Burnout Guide

Are you currently experiencing burnout?