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Basics of Canvas and Zoom for ATSU Students

What is Canvas?

The Canvas Learning Management Platform allows schools to build the digital learning environment that meets the unique challenges faced by their institution. Canvas simplifies teaching, elevates learning, and eliminates the headaches of supporting and growing traditional learning technologies.

Canvas is made up of a powerful set of highly integrated learning products that allow institutions to get all of the functionality they need and none that they don’t.

Here are a few steps to get started:

Here are some great Canvas Video Tutorials:

Need More Help?

  1. View Canvas Student Guide – Table of Contents.
  2. Contact the ATSU Service Desk.

What is ZOOM?

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms.

  • Web, audio & video conferencing
  • Used for online meeting
  • Group messaging
  • Screen sharing

What can Zoom be used for?

Zoom can be used to do many things outside of a regular classroom. Try using Zoom to…

  • Meet with group members for projects and assignments
  • Work on homework with classmates
  • Record a presentation
  • Schedule online tutoring
  • Host a meeting for a club or organization

What devices can I use Zoom on?

  • Laptop/computer (PC/Mac) — recommended
  • Tablet (Apple iOS, Android)
  • Smartphone (Apple iOS, Android)

Preparing for a Zoom Meeting

Days Before

  • Remember to download and install the Zoom launcher (PC/Mac) or the app (iOS/Android) in advance, as it can take several minutes to complete.
  • Review Zoom instructions here or via the external Zoom link found in your Canvas course. More information can also be found at Zoom’s Getting Started page.
  • Join a Zoom Test Meeting (found by clicking here) to confirm your computer or device’s capabilities. 
    • In your test meeting, practice using the Zoom features listed below under “Views to Choose From” and “The Zoom Menu.”
  • Contact the Service Desk to resolve any technical issues if your test meeting fails.

15 Minutes Before

  • Find a quiet space with strong WiFi that is free of distractions. You can test your internet connection speed by visiting Zoom’s suggested third party bandwidth tester, Speedtest. 
  • Open Zoom via the downloaded program, app, or through the Zoom module link in Canvas.
  • Test your headphones, microphone, and camera to make sure the class can hear and see you (and vice versa).
    • To test your microphone, click “Test Computer Mic & Speakers” in the pop-up window that appears when first opening a test meeting or beginning your scheduled meeting. More information on audio testing can be found here.
    • To test your camera, just look at the Zoom window to see that you are clearly visible, non-pixellated, and can move and speak without noticeable delays. Click here for more video testing tips.
    • You may need to give Zoom permission to access your camera and microphone beforehand. Typically, the request for permission will appear in a pop-up window the first time you open a Zoom Meeting, and will carry over to future meetings. If you declined permissions in the past, you will need to go into your PC or Mac’s settings to allow Zoom to access your camera and microphone. You can contact the Service Desk to assist you in this process, or find information on the internet for your specific device.
  • Close any windows or programs open on your device that are unrelated to your meeting. This focuses your device’s power to provide the best Zoom meeting experience possible, and prevents potential embarrassing moments if you happen to share your screen. Do you really want your professor to know how many cat videos you actually watch?

During the Zoom Meeting

  • Click Start Video to begin broadcasting from your webcam. 
  • Click the Chat bubble to ask questions via text, share links to websites, and keep up with the class’s back-channel discussion. You can chat to everyone in the meeting, or just the professor, or a specific person. 
  • Find out who else is in the meeting by clicking Participants. This is also where you can “raise your hand” to ask a question, answer a question, or start an intense philosophical debate. What you do with this power is up to you.
  • Be prepared to share your screen with the class. They can see the tabs you have open. (Italicized for emphasis, fam.)
  • At the end of the class, click Leave Meeting.

No matter how many people are in a meeting, there’s probably someone watching your video at all times. It could be your professor. It could be your classmate’s dog. Doing something embarrassing or distracting, like flossing, eating, or using your camera to see if you have food in your teeth will probably be seen, no matter how quickly you do it. Don’t be that person.

Zoom Etiquette and On-Camera Tips

Video chatting in a professional setting is a new experience for many students. Here are some tips to help you look (and feel) like the most impressive Zoomer in the room.

  • Getting clear video is a lot like taking a good selfie — it’s all about contrast. Light your face more brightly than the background to make it easier to see you.
  • Hold your head high in the picture frame. It conveys confidence.
  • Keep your clothing PG and professional.
  • Be yourself. Move physically and make facial expressions.
  • Microphones pick up all ambient noise, so keep your mic muted until it’s your time to speak.
  • Remember that when on-camera, other activities such as eating, drinking, shuffling papers, etc are extremely distracting (and sometimes unflattering).
  • If you can’t use video, upload a nice profile image of your face to your Zoom Account. Give your classmates something to look at while you speak.
  • Have fun!

Need More Help?

  1. View Zoom Support Center’s Getting Started Resources.
  2. Contact the ATSU Service Desk.