Online teaching: Using Zoom to connect with learners (Coursera)

In this course, you’ll explore the Zoom functions that are relevant to teaching a live online class, such as Zoom’s class management tools, break-out room function, chat, screen-sharing and the poll function. More importantly, this course will provide practical real-world examples of how to use these functions successfully in a live class setting, as well as provide an opportunity to design, develop and create your own Zoom lesson plan.

The course is suitable for anyone who designs or delivers synchronous or live online Zoom classes.
Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, you’ll:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic functions of Zoom

2. Recognise the Zoom class management tools

3. Evaluate the ways Zoom can be used to deliver engaging live online class activities

4. Design, develop and create a Zoom lesson plan

Course 3 of 3 in the Online Learning Design for Educators Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Essential Zoom settings and controls for educators

Welcome to Week 1! This week we will explore how Zoom can be used to create a virtual or online classroom environment. We will take time to familiarise ourselves with Zoom, the license or plans that are available, and the resources that can be accessed via the Zoom resource center. We will then focus our attention on learning more about the appropriate Zoom controls, settings, and preferences for an educational context.

WEEK 2

Prepare your virtual classroom on Zoom

Welcome to Week 2! This week we will focus on creating a safe and supportive space for learners and will explore privacy, security and accessibility in more detail. We will investigate Zoom's settings in an applied educational context, which will help you to confidently set up your virtual class so it is appropriate for your cohort of learners.

WEEK 3

Zoom tools for learner engagement

Welcome to Week 3! Understanding what Zoom fatigue is can help you as an educator design virtual lessons that will prevent this feeling for you and your learners. This week we will explore techniques to assist with this and introduce the four main Zoom functionalities to increase learner interaction and lessen Zoom fatigue.

WEEK 4

Creating engaging and interactive online lessons

Welcome to Week 4! This week we will continue to build your technical confidence and skills by diving deeper into Zoom tools that can facilitate learner engagement (as polls, chat, reactions, whiteboard, screen sharing) and learner collaboration (breakout rooms). Using these Zoom tools can assist you, the educator, in reducing the perceived distance between you and your learners and ensuring they are engaged and connected to their learning.

WEEK 5

Zoom lesson plans and 3rd party application integration

Welcome to Week 5! As you have now discovered there is a range of Zoom tools that educators can use to create and deliver an engaging and interactive lesson. From a technological perspective, knowing how to use these tools is important, however, the real skill is knowing how to strategically select and use tools that are appropriate for your learners and the purpose of the lesson. This week we will explore designing an online lesson plan using Zoom.