How to Zoom

Download Zoom

You can download the latest version of Zoom here: Zoom.us/download

Sign In to Zoom

When using Zoom for ISM you'll need to sign in using your ISM gmail account. Simply click the "Sign In with Google" button. This button will appear on the Zoom application or on the Zoom website: Zoom.us/signin

Join a class/meeting

You can join a Zoom meeting on a Laptop, Phone or iPad. Before joining a Zoom meeting on a computer or mobile device, you can download the Zoom app from the Download Center. Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click a join link.

You can also join a test class/meeting to familiarize yourself with Zoom.

Zoom Controls

The attendee (student) controls appear at the bottom of your screen if you're not currently screen sharing.

Attendees have access to these features:

Mute / Unmute: Mute and unmute your microphone.

Audio Controls (click the ^ arrow next to Mute / Unmute): Allows you to change the microphone and speaker that Zoom is currently using on your computer, leave computer audio, and access the full audio settings.

Start Video / Stop Video: Turns your camera on or off.

Video Controls (click the ^ arrow next to Start Video / Stop Video): Change cameras if you have multiple cameras, select a virtual background (if enabled), or access your full video settings.

Share Screen: Start a screen share (if the teacher allows). You will be able to select the desktop or application you want to share. Learn more.

Chat: Access the chat window to chat with the class. Learn more.

Participants: See who's currently in the class. The Participants list also gives you access to these options:

  • Rename: Hover over your name and click Rename to change your screen name displayed to the class.

  • Non-verbal feedback icons (if enabled by the teacher): Places an icon beside your name to quickly notify the host. For example, Raise Hand places the raise hand icon beside your name and simulates a hand raise.

Leave Meeting: Leave the meeting while it continues for the rest of the class. Only the teacher can end the meeting.

Virtual Backgounds

The virtual background feature allows you to display an image or video as your background during a Zoom Class/Meeting. This feature works best with a green screen and uniform lighting, to allow Zoom to detect the difference between you and your background. The key is to have a background that is high contrast to your skin/clothing.


Please note that the virtual background require higher processing power and may not function on all computers.