We started using Zoom due to COVID-19, and we plan to continue to use it so MAPS members can attend our meetings either in-person, or via zoom. After all, we have members in all parts of the US.
Zoom is an Internet based video conferencing tool that allows users to meet online. Decide which device you will be using to connect with during our presentation: your phone, tablet, notebook or desktop computer. Then download Zoom (free) to that device before the meeting.
For our purposes, we will have a couple of presenters and a lot of attendees. The presenters will provide the normal announcements and our program, and the attendees will only be able to watch and listen. You will see the presenters on the screen and hear them as well, but no one will see or hear the attendees. Attendees will be able to submit questions or comments by typing them in to the Chat feature in Zoom, making the meeting interactive. We certainly hope you’ll join all of us!
Below outlines what you need, the testing process, and the live program.
This may sound a bit complicated, but knowing our members, it will go smoothly.
What’s Needed
If you haven’t joined a zoom meeting before, don’t be intimidated. It couldn’t be easier!
As an attendee, you will need a phone, tablet, notebook or desktop computer, with access to the Internet. Since you will only be watching and listening, and possibly typing, you don’t need a camera or microphone to attend.
We recommend that you install the Zoom software on your device. It’s available at all the usual places, such as Google Play, and also at Zoom.com under Resources.
You do not need to create a Zoom account, but some people prefer to do so.
Testing
Once you’ve installed the Zoom software, you can connect to a test Zoom session by going to http://zoom.us/test. This help article will walk you through the process https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115002262083-Joining-a-test-meeting.
If you have trouble, we can attempt to answer emails, assuming there aren’t too many. Contact Bob Duke at bob.duke@outlook.com. We suggest checking with friends or grandchildren as an alternative.
Live Program
We will send out a Zoom link for the monthly program a day in advance. Clicking on the link in the email will take you to our meeting. This is for MAPS members only, so please do not share it.
We suggest connecting to Zoom 15 minutes ahead of the start time…so 6:45 PM on Monday. We will have a test pattern displayed and a moderator talking so you will know that your system is working properly.
Tips & Tricks
We are going to collect and publish tips & tricks from our members on this web page. If you have any that are not covered, send them to Bob Duke at bob.duke@outlook.com.
- This page can be printed!
- Bob’s Screen Setup
- Closed Captioning
