Gerrards Cross Sailing Association

Using Zoom

GXSA Online Events using ZOOM

This page is currently a Work in Progresss. Check back regularly, for updates.

Contents

  1. Structure of a GXSA Meeting, under Zoom
  2. Technical Requirements to join in the Zoom meeting
  3. How to join the Zoom meeting
  4. Using Zoom on your TV
  5. Zoom for Presenters Only
  6. Zoom for Hosts Only

Structure of the evening

This page describes the overall process for attending a GXSA Online Meeting. Our intention has been to emulate the normal GXSA physical meetings online.

  1.         Meetings will open for general chat at 7.45pm.  Depending on numbers, we may decide to use Breakout Rooms so people can have a more personal experience.
  2.          Talks will begin at 8.15pm (for 45 minutes)
  3.          There will be a break around 9.00pm for general chat and refreshments, using Breakout Rooms.
  4.          The second half of the evening will resume at 9.20pm for the rest of the Talk, followed by Q&A.
  5.          The event should finish around 10:00pm
  6. Your Invitation to Attend

 

 

Technical Requirements

The basic requirements are that you need an Internet capble device

You can participate fully, using many types of device:

  1. Phone (Smartphone, Android or iOS) 
  2. Tablet (iPad, Android)
  3. Chromebook
  4. Computer (PC, Mac)

Zoom can be quite greedy on you network bandwidth (or monthly allowance).  It uses about 2.5GB/hour, so be careful if your using a metered connection such as a mobile phone.  You may find your monthy allowance evaporate!!

Zoom can be quite demanding on network speed.  If you have a slow computer and/or slow broadband connection, you may see voices or pictures stuttering.  You may get a better experience if YOU switch off your webcam/camera.  People won’t see you, but you will see them.  However, it not always your fault – sometimes the speaker’s device is the problem.  Generally, if only one speaker is stuttering, it’s their fault, not yours, and unfortunately you can’t do anything about it.

 

Joining the Zoom Session

You will receive detailed joining instructions in an email, including a link to click, with a Joining ID.  Take a look at these two videos; they tell you everything you need.  If you need anything else, please email info@gxsa.org.uk

 “I’ve Never Used Zoom before”

 

 “I’ve never used a Breakout Room before”

 

 “How do I ask Questions?”

 

View

Choose your “View” using the button on the top-right of your Zoom window

Zoom has three distinct perspectives, or views:

  • Gallery View – Great for Breakout Rooms or general chit-chat.  Not so good for presentations
  • Speaker View – Great for presentations, when you want to see the speaker, and aren’t so bothered by what other people are doing
  • Share-Screen View – The default/required view when the speaker is delivering their presentation.  Your Zoom will switch to this automatically when the Speaker is presenting.

Generally:

  • Use Gallery View in Breakout Rooms
  • Use Speaker View when there is one person speaking.  If the Speaker chooses to share their screen, your Zoom will automatically switch to Share Screen View.

The View Control also allows you to go-full-screen, which will improve your Zoom experience.

 

Using Zoom on your TV)

We hear comments that some people find it quite tiring to attend Zoom meetings for extended periods.  We think the trick is to watch Zoom as a TV Programme;  we’re certain that you can watch a TV programme for 2 hours – it’s just a question of adjusting your mental attitude to what’s happening.

You may already have the technology at home to watch the Zoom session on your TV !!!  If you regularly use Netflix on your TV, you can probably watch Zoom on your TV. 

We’ve collected examples of what you need, here: 

You shops you may like to try Curry’s PC World, Amazon, Ebay, 

If you have any other connection requirements (or suggestions), let us know and we will add them to the list.  email info@gxsa.org.uk

You may need some additional components to make it work, but we’re certain that using your TV for GXSA presentations will be a very pleasant experience….  Enjoy !

 

 

Cable Computer to TV

Connection

Cable connections are the simplest connections, but some computers may need additional adaptors to make it work:

 

Once you’ve connected your cables, you will need to make sure that your computer is projecting to the TV (i.e. the computer is broadcasting to your wire).

Windows

Pressing the Windows key and “P” at the same time (Win+P) displays the Presentation Display Mode window, which lets you toggle your laptop’s presentation mode between Computer Only, Duplicate, Extended, or Projector Only.  For GXSA, you will need EITHER “Duplicate” (picture is on both computer and TV) or “Projector Only” (picture is on the TV Only).

Use the “Arrow Keys” on your keyboard to select your preferred mode, then press “Enter” when the mode is selected.

Your screen will go black whilst the computer adjusts its display properties, before the picture appears on your chosen device(s)

PS:  Here is a link to a web-page with some very useful Windows hot-keys (not related to Zoom…Just general interest)

 Chromecast

Chromecast is a Google USB device that connects into your TV’s USB socket, and allows you to project from a device onto the TV.  Look on it as a “wireless cable“.  They are available at many stores for £30, but you could try Argos or Currys PC-World

Wireless connection to Chromecast TV

 

 Amazon FireStick

The Amazon Fire Stick (£39) converts your TV into a Smart TV.  It plugs into an HDMI socket, and performs all the Internet connections that you need.  It provides software and a remote control for interaction.   I don’t have one, but they look pretty good.

 

 Wireless connection to Amazon Fire Stick

Any more questions?  Please email info@gxsa.org.uk

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