# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The introduction of a broad range of social distancing measures since the advent of the covid-19 pandemic, have resulted in a surge in video-calling through services like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and Google Hangouts so that we can all stay in touch with family and friends and participate in meetings and classes. All these platforms have inherent risks, expecially for our children. While this article focuses on Zoom, many of the general recommendations are relevant to all such platforms..

Zoom is perhaps the video-conferencing platform which has been most in the news. It allows users in any geographical location to come together in a live-streamed virtual meeting space, using the built-in video camera and microphone on virtually any PC, laptop, or mobile device. It's basic version is free to use. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom has offered its educational service - normally a paid version - free of charge. However, the application has been in the news in recent weeks due to 'Zoombombing' - this is where an uninvited participant drops pornographic, violent, racist or other inappropriate content onto the screen of a video conference. So if your child or teen is using Zoom, it is important that as a parent you understand how the App works and the security measures you need to ensure are in place to prevent Zoombombing

If you are hosting a Zoom meeting, here are a few things to look out for to be safe online:

1. A public meeting link is public so do not share it with anyone you do not trust.

2. The same with your personal meeting ID. This is like a personal phone number that people can "drop in" on at any time. Make sure to set up a password for participants to verify their entry before accessing the Zoom meeting.

3. When you are in the meeting, you will need to manage screen sharing by ensuring you are the only person in control of the meeting. To do this, click on "Who Can Share?" and confirm that "Host" is the only button clicked.

4. Manage participants by ensuring only signed-in participants can join the all. This way you know who people are if they are behaving badly. .

5. Set two factor authentication, remove unwanted or disruptive participants. You can report unwanted activity, harassment and cyberattacks to Zoom directly.

If you are a participant in a Zoom meeting, the Host of the call may have more powers than you think:

1. Be aware that the host can record the call - if you see a small red dot the call is being recorded.

2. Ask why your host is recording and where that information is being stored. Recorded content should be stored on a secure server to protect from unwanted and unauthorised use of video content.

3. Know that hosts can use the built-in "Attention Tracking" tool, which will allow them to know if you have clicked off Zoom and into another browser window for more than 30 seconds. This is not evident to non-hosts.

4. Consider your personal room privacy and security as well. You can use a virtual background to avoid sharing unnecessary information about your personal space, such as books, posters, windows or any other details that give off information about your preferences, habits or the location of your home.

5. Turn off your microphone and camera when you are not speaking to avoid unwanted tracking of your responses or actions.

Tips if your child or teen is using Zoom:

1. If your child is using Zoom to participate on classes with their teacher, you can expect that the teachers will have put in place precautions such as two-factor authentication with a meeting ID and user password and locking the session so that no new participants can join. If you have concerns, check in with the teacher to see if the session is password protected and the class secure.

2. If your child or teen is using Zoom to chat/meet with friends, take the time to ensure that they understand how to use the App safely and that they are familiar with the security features.

3. Remind your child, that as with any App or online facility, they shouldn't be video chatting with strangers or people they don't know in person and that they should never join a meeting or accept a request from someone you don't actually know.. Also remind them that they should avoid saying or doing anything on video that they wouldn't feel comfortable having shared outside the group.

4. Make sure you and your child consider what background is visible when they are on zoom so as the privacy of other family members and the security of the home is protected. For example, consider using a Zoom virtual background such as Minecraft so that messy rooms or family living areas aren't visible in the background.

5. Explain in an age appropriate way what 'Zoombombing' is and instruct them to tell you or another trusted adult if something happens online that makes them feel scared or uncomfortable.

6. As with any online activity, it's important for parents to monitor their child's video chats. That doesn't mean hovering over their shoulder all day - but it does mean keeping an eye and an ear out at frequent intervals. And now, more than ever, be sure to keep all devices out of bedrooms.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The introduction of a broad range of social distancing measures since the advent of the covid-19 pandemic, have resulted in a surge in video-calling through services like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and Google Hangouts so that we can all stay in touch with family and friends and participate in meetings and classes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With children spending more time at home, it is always a good idea to find ways to keep them connected with their peers. Zoom games for kids will allow them to interact with their friends by doing some fun online activities.

The Zoom games for kids here has a combination of drawing, spelling, reading and dancing.

Some of the games will need adult supervision, while most of them don't.

In this blog we will go through the best Zoom games for kids and how children can play them.

35 Zoom games for kids:

1.Scissor, Paper, Rock

This game can easily be played on Zoom. Scissor, paper, rock is a game that requires you to use your hands to choose between one of those objects.

The fun part if your opponent does not know which one you will choose! The purpose is to choose an object that is bigger than your opponent.

The game just takes a few seconds to play. Your child can be bored after playing this game after 10 rounds.

Hence, you will need to come up with other games after this one. Nevertheless it is a good game to start with.

How to play Scissors, Paper, Rock on Zoom ?

The Player says 1, 2, 3, Go. Then shout which object ( out of the 3) they choose while showing it in their hands.

2. 'Simon Says' Zoom games for kids:

This is an all-time classic dream where one person designated as Simon will give instruction that all the other players must follow.

The players will obey the command that is given by Simon. For example, if Simon says touch your feet all the players must at your feet.

if Simon says turn around all the other players mass turn around.

You can be as creative as you can with this game. It is a lot of fun and if you run out of ideas you can always click on Google and type in Simon Says game and you'll have plenty of prompts options.

Be as creative as you can to get kids moving and jumping when playing this game.

How to play Simon says on Zoom ?

Once all the children are on the call designate one person as Simon.

This can either be the host or anyone else on the call.

The person who become Simon's will start giving instructions on what children should be doing while on the zoom call.

Simon Says has become one of a favourite zoom birthday video call celebration for children.

3. Zoomed in

This game is to encourage children to guess the object or animal. It could be any theme that they choose.

It could even be zooming in to part of a body and then slowly zooming out.

How to play Zoomed in on Zoom?

Pick a theme : It can be flower, bird, body parts, etc

Download the image and zoom your phone on the image.

You can download free images on Pexels. It gives you good-resolution images.

Open the image on your computer. Using your phone zoom closely into the image.

Slowly, start zooming out and get everyone to guess what image it is.

4. Karaoke

This requires a bit of an effort when trying to play on Zoom call.

Each participant will have to have an account with watch2gether.

It is an app will allow everyone to watch the same video at the same time.

If you do not want to download this app, then you can find karaoke songs on YouTube.

Add the word karaoke on the search bar on Youtube. For example if you want to sing a song called 'happy' just type 'happy karaoke' and you will get YouTube karaoke option for this song.

You can sing together at the same time and have a fun Zoom call.

5. 20 Questions

This is a simple and easy game without any preparation to play on zooms.

Children have 20 questions they can ask, to get as many clues as they can to guess the object the opponent chose.

If the object selected is easy, you can even even limit the questions children are allowed to ask.

How to play 20 questions on Zoom?

1. Pick an object, do not tell anyone

2. Players are given 20 questions they can ask to figure out what you pick.

6. Name the tune

without actually singing the song or saying the actual words but by just humming the tune of the song, see if children can guess what the song is.

Set a time limit for them to guess the song.

It is a simple and fun game that can be played on family Zoom calls.

7. Hangman

This is a classic game. Pick a movie title or genre, draw out a series of blacks on the number of words of the movie title is. Children have to guess the title one letter at a time.

The objective of hangman is to guess the word within the time limit.

How to play hangman on Zoom?

1. Use a digital whiteboard and share your screen with the group

2. Think of 2 or 3 words make few dashes to represent each

3. Ask children to fill in the blacks one letter at a time

4. If they guess wrongly, draw the hangman's body part one at a time. If the hangman body is complete means they lose the game. Usually, they get up to 6 guesses.

8. Psych

This is another fun game to play.

In order to play this game participants will come up with fake answers to real trivia questions.

one player will have to choose the real answer among the fake.

You can download the psych app in order to play this game and share the link with people on your Zoom call.

Do keep in mind that this game is more suitable for older children.

9. ISpy

This game is best played with many players. It is usually played outdoors. But it can also be played on outdoor zoom call.

For example, if you have a garden then get our kids to sit on the garden to play the game on their laptop.

Select an item that is visible on the screen ( for example a pink flower). Other children must search the screen for something in pink. Set a timer to make it more competitive.

How to play iSpy on Zoom?

1. Get kids to sit somewhere with an interesting background. For example, a room full of toys, books, or outdoor.

2. Select one item that everyone will be able to see on the screen. Do not say where the item is located.

3. They can shout out colors or shapes of the item. For example, I spy something square.

4. Set the timer and let everyone guess what is the object they are saying.

10. Heads up

This game is more suitable for older children.

Each player will need a mobile phone and download the heads Up app.

One-player will hold up their phone above their head and show the word on the screen.

The other player will try to describe the word. The player with the phone will try to guess what the word is.

This can be fun and entertaining but it can be challenging while playing it on Zoom.

11. Guess the sound

In this game children must make a certain sound. For example, the sound of pouring a glass of water. Basically a sound that others can hear and is familiar with.

Other players must guess what the sound is.

How to play Guess the sound on Zoom ?

1. Mute everyone else on the call so it is not disruptive

2. Create a sound that everyone can hear.

3. Have the object as close to your microphone as possible. But do not show others what it is.

4. Set a timer for others to guess what the sound

5. Don't forget to unmute others when you want them to start guessing the sound.

12. Guess Who

This is typically a board game but can also be played on Zoom calls.

You can create your own list of 'Guess Who' or even buy the board game.

It is played by just two players.

How to play Guess Who on Zoom?

Each player picks a card with a picture of someone in it.

The other person will try to guess who is the person in the picture by asking questions.

For example, does the person wear a hat? Is the person male or female? and so on.

The purpose of the game is to guess who is in the picture.

13. 5 seconds game

This is a simple game that can also be played by younger children.

Give children 5 seconds to name three things that fit a particular category, for example 'name three cartoons', 'name three sea animals 5' and so on.

5 seconds is actually is not much time. This game is definitely a lot of fun

14. Bingo

This is a fun game that kids can play on Zoom. It is essentially a game of luck. The player that gets to complete all the numbers on the card wins the game.

You can download online Bingo templates here.

How to play Bingo on Zoom?

You will need a pen and paper for this game

If players are creating their own Bingo card then get them to create 25 small equal sized squares (5 x 5)

Get them to fill in each square with any number from 1 to 99. Except for the middle square.

As the host start saying the number out loud random in any sequence.

Write down the numbers that have been called out so there is no repitition.

The player than gets to cancel all the numbers out first win.

This game requires honestly from players when playing on Zoom.

Related : How to raise hand in Zoom calls

15. Last word

This is a challenging game which is best played with limited number of players.

Before playing the game establish who is going first, second, and so on.

Type that in the Zoom chat box so children can keep track on when they're turn is.

Pick a subject and a letter of the alphabet, for example chocolates that begin with the letter C.

Set a timer and in the order that is chosen each children will have to list an item relating to the object.

Keep going until the timer goes off.

The last person to name something before the timer is off wins the game.

16. Charades

This is one of the best Zoom games for kids.

The kids will have to guess the object that is being acted out.

The team that guesses most objects wins the game.

You can choose a theme for this game, for example, movies, cartoon, music, etc.

How to play charades on Zoom?

1. If you have many people then random create a group.

2. Pick out a theme

3. Get the player to act out the sentence without uttering a word.

4. Make sure all players keep looking at the camera to ensure they are not typing the answer to their friends privately.

check out the Personalised Growth Mindset Kit designed to raise confident kids growing up with tech

17. Mystery bag

Pick an objects from your home and place it in a bag.

Give children a clue on what is in the bag, for example 'the object is square'.

Let's children start guessing what is the object.

They can ask up to 10 questions.

Let them take turns in asking the questions.

The person who guess the object wins the game

18. Name, Place, Animal

This is a classic old school game that kids can play on Zoom.

They will need a pencil and paper to play this game.

Have kids to start thinking of animals starting with a particular letter. For example, "S".

Then get them to write a place and animal that starts with that letter.

This can be a super fun game to play on Zoom for kids.

How to play name, place, animal on Zoom?

1. Get children to make 3 headings on a piece of paper : Name, Place, Animal

2. Pick a letter

3. Set a limit of 30 seconds

4. All the kids must name one name, place and animal starting with that letter.

19. Draw blindly

This is one of the most fun Zoom games for kids who are looking to do something silly and funny.

Pick an object for example clouds or a house.

Each child should have a piece of paper and then start drawing the object with their eyes closed.

When they are done drawing they can open their eyes and show their drawing to the group.

It is is definitely going to get everyone giggling.

20. Battleship

The objective of this game is to sink your opponent's ship. The trick is that you do not know where the ship is located because you cannot view each other's board.

How to play Battleship on zoom?

1. Each player has 7 ships and each ship occupies a certain number of blocks.

2. You can play the ships anywhere on the blocks and there are not limited to any amount of block. For example, ship 1 can take 2 blocks, ship 2 can take up to 5 blocks.

3. Name each block of your ship and make sure your opponent has the same names too.

4. Once that is done, your opponent will try to guess where your ship is located.

5. In this game you have to be honest. So if a player says D1, and there is no ship on that block you can say "miss"

6. If your opponent hits a block then you need to tell them and put and x on it. He will then need to guess the other blocks where the ship is located.

This game is suitable for older children to play.

The winner is the player that sinks the opponent's ship.

21. Pictionary

The Zoom white board feature has made it possible for kids to play this game on Zoom.

Your kids can use the inbuilt whiteboard feature to draw and image.

Their team mates will have to guess what the drawing is.

A good way for kids to be creative online while having fun together.

How to play Pictionary on Zoom?

Use the Whiteboard function on Zoom.

Tell a player what the word or subject is.

Get him/her to draw it on the Whiteboard. Set a timer so players know the time they have to draw and guess the image.

The team that gets to guess the drawing gets a point.

psst, don't forget to :Download the PERSONALISED THE GROWTH MINDSET KIT helping children to stay calm, confident, and grounded even when growing up around social media.

22. Detective

This is a fun guessing Zoom games for kids that encourages children to be observant.

Choose one child to be the 'detective', that child will have to move mute their microphone and close their eyes.

Another student will be the 'prisoner'. The child that is the 'prisoner' it will start an action for example clapping his/her hands.

All the other children will also start clapping their hands.

When the detective open his eyes and observe everyone clapping their hands he must try to guess who the 'prisoner' is.

When the 'prisoner' sees the detective is looking at someone else he will then change his action, for example touching his ears. All the other children will also begin to touch their ears.

The detective is given 3 chance to guess who is the 'prisoner' in the game.

23. Freeze Dance

This is a super fun game for kids to play on zoom. It will get them shaking, moving and dancing.

A great way to burn off their energy.

Everyone on the video has to keep dancing as long as the music plays.

The moment the music stop, everyone must freeze. This is basically a statue dance.

The host will have to catch the person who is moving.

The music resumes and everyone else carries on dancing.

How to play Freeze dance on Zoom?

Create a playlist of songs and share it with other paricipants.

When the music starts make sure that everyone is off their chairs and actually shaking.

Pause the song and ensure that participants are standing like a statue.

If you catch any player that is moving, they will be eliminated from the game.

Start the music again and repeat the process until you get a winner.

This game is best played with a large group of people.
Don't forget to get this free copy

24. XoXo

This game is played on a grid of 3 squares by three squares.

A player will choose to be either 'X' or an 'O'.

Each player will take turns to put their mark on the square.

The objective of the game is to get three of her shapes ( either an X or O) in a row. It can be either be diagonal or straight across the squares.

This is one of the easiest Zoom games for kids to play using the Zoom Whiteboard feature.

How to play XOXO on Zoom ?

Used to whiteboard feature On zoom to draw squares.

There should be 9 small boxes in a 3 by 3 format.

Plates then decide who is going to be X and who is going to be O.

Take turns in filling in your mark on the squares.

The game is complete when a player manages to get a straight line on the squares.

25. Dots & Boxes:

This is a classic pen and paper game for two or more players. However, this is now a popular Zoom game among students.

The player that gets to make the most boxes at the end of the game wins.

You take turns with your opponent in drawing horizontal and vertical lines to connect the boxes.

The new whiteboard feature on zoom makes it easy to play this game online.

How to play Dots & Boxes on Zoom ?

Open Zoom Whiteboard, and draw a series of dots like the image above.

There is no limit to the number of dots you can draw.

Take turns in drawing single line trying to connect 2 dots.

You can draw the line either horizontally or diagonally.

The player that gets to make as many boxes becomes the winner.

26. Drawing competition

You can never go wrong with this game.

Zoom video calls now can connect children that are not sitting in the same room but to be participating in the same activity.

Get some colour pencils crayons and marker pens and let their imagination run free.

You can either give them a theme on what they draw for example drawing emojis or flowers and then get children to start drawing.

Set a timer so it becomes more competitive and fun.

27. Coloring

Using the Zoom Whiteboard feature children can do some colouring with each other simultaneously.

Create an outline drawing and have all the children on the call to colour together at the same time.

The best thing about the Zoom Whiteboard feature is that children can even colour over each other's drawing.

There are a good number of brushes and colours that children can choose fro m.

How to colour together on Zoom?

Once everyone is on the call, share Whiteboard.

Create an outline of a basic and simple image that all children can colour in with plenty of white space.

Everyone on the call will be able to edit, erase and colour on each other's drawing.

It is a simple and fun activity to have on zoom calls for younger kids.

28. Turth or dare:

This is a classic game played by children and also adults.

Since children are playing this game you have to make sure that the questions are within their limits.

How to play Truth or Dare on zoom?

Create a list of questions then ask the children to choose between truth or dare.

Here are some examples of easy Truth questions: What is your favourite food? What is your favourite subject in school? what are you most afraid of? and many more.

Examples of Dare: Hug your toes, brush your teeth in front of the screen, sing your favourite song to everyone and more.

Give each child a chance to choose between truth or dare

Games to play on Zoom with students:

Here are some fun Zoom games for kids that will get them chatting, thinking and observing. It will help students with their spelling and vocabulary skills while doing something fun online.

Related : Zoom guide for parents & teachers

29. Word Scramble

There are few word related Zoom games for kids. Word Scramble is one of the easiest to play and suitable for younger children.

This is an easy and simple game for children that even younger children can be apart off.

This game is not only fun but it also teaches a children spellings and teamwork.

Have children unscramble words and get the opponent team to guess what the word is.

How to play scrambled words on zoom?

Use the zoom whiteboard featured to write down a few words. Jumbled up the letters.

Get the opponent team to start guessing what the words are.

Set time limit.

The team that spells out the most number of words wins the game.

30. Scattergories:

This is another word based game.

The objectives of the game is to get as many points as you can by naming objects within a set of category.

The initial letter of the objects will be given to them and they will have to guess the rest of the word within that category

Players will have a time limit to make it even more competitive.

How to play Scattergories on Zoom?

Go to Scattergories site.

Share the game link to the people on the Zoom call

Select the number of players.

Start playing

Play as many rounds as you want.

31. Trivia

You can have a trivia evening for children using the Zoom Screen Share feature.

Here are some fun trivia questions that you can ask your children.

You can even create your own multiple choice questions or customise the quiz to your kid's ability.

Zoom trivia can also be based on a theme for example geography, Disney movies, cartoon characters and many more.

How to play trivia on Zoom?

Come up with a list of questions or choose from the list that is already available.

Once you're on the video call start screen sharing so everyone can see the questions.

Trivia can be played as a group or even as individually, don't forget to keep score as the game progresses.

32. First Letter, Last Letter

This is a super fun Zoom game for kids that teaches them spelling and vocabulary.

Choose a category, for example, countries.

The first player will have to name a country for example, Australia.

The next player will then have to name a country that starts with the last letter of Australia- like America than the next player again will have to name a country that begins with the last letter of America and so on.

33. Memory game

Prepare random items for example glass, spoon, books, ruler and more.

Give children about 10 seconds to memorize all the items.

Students are not allowed to write on any of the item or even take a screenshot of it.

The purpose of the game is for them to memorize by just seeing the items.

Move your screen away and start taking one item away and then show your screen to the child again.

Get them to name what is the missing item as fast as they can.

34. Once upon a time

This is one of the best games on Zoom for kids. It is a story building game that everyone can be involved in.

Everyone can say one sentence at a time. For example, a person starts with once upon a time, then the next player says the next sentence.

It is fun to see where the story leads and how creative everyone can be.

How to play once upon a time on Zoom?

1. Decide the order in which each player go

2. Player 1 starts by saying 'Once upon a time..."

3. The next person must then come up with a sentence. For example, Once upon a time, there was a dragon living right next door to me."

4. The next player then continues with the story.

5. Keep the story going until everyone has their chance.

You will be surprised where the story takes you and how creative children can be.

35. Talk show

Encourage your children to put on their own talk show. Give them a time limit on how long they can speak for.

They can choose the subject before hand so they have some time to prepare for their talk show.

For instance, they can speak about the weather, pet, favourite toy, etc.

Get them to even dress up for the talk show.

The purpose is to encourage children to speak on a Zoom call and tell their friends about something they like the most.

How to play Talk Show on Zoom?

Inform your kids in advance about the subject they can talk about

Help them prepare an outline for their talk show

Give them a time limit

This game can be be made for fun by telling children to talk about the subject without mentioning the name and getting their friends to guess what they are talking about.

For example, "I like it when it whenever this happens because I can never go out to play, everything is wet and the sky is dark and cloudy. Sometimes it can even last an entire day and the playground is all wet."

Your child is trying to describe 'rain', without saying the word and her friends will have to guess what she is describing.

We hope you have enjoyed the Zoom games for kids. Let us know if you have any other games to be added into the list.

Don't forget to check out the Growth mindset activities which can be a useful tool for your child to be reminded of how unique and amazing they are.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
35 best zoom games for kids: Fun, creative & engaging

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With children spending more time at home, it is always a good idea to find ways to keep them connected with their peers. Zoom games for kids will allow them to interact with their friends by doing some fun online activities. The Zoom games for kids here has a combination of drawing, spelling, reading and dancing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
.Natalie Martinez
ZOOM Scavenger Hunt

Have fun with your students while doing a zoom chat & doing a scavenger hunt.

"I did a Zoom scavenger hunt with my students one night. It was a Blast! They went around their house to find different items and came back to their computer/iPad to share with me and their peers." ‎ T. Hanson‎

Scavenger Hunt List for Kids
Find Something that.
1. Is Blue

2. Has 4 sides

3. Is Round

4. Is longer than a pencil

5. Is shorter than а toothbrush

6. Has numbers on it

7. Has the letter B on it

8. Smells good

9. Is smaller than you

10. Is smooth

11. Starts with the first letter in your name

12. Is heavier than your shoe

"A scavenger hunt is a game in which the organizers prepare a list defining specific items, which the participants seek to gather or complete all items on the list, usually without purchasing them. Usually participants work in small teams, although the rules may allow individuals to participate". Wikipedia
To print these pictures simply click on each desired picture and then print it once it loads at its full-size!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have fun with your students while doing a zoom chat amp doing a scavenger hunt. I did a Zoom scavenger hunt with my students one night. It was a Blast! They went around their house to find diffe

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If anything is certain when it comes to teaching lately, it's uncertainty. Will we be in-person for the rest of this month, or are we heading for another quarantine? Will snow days be days off, or will we be expected to provide online instruction? Trying to prepare for every possible scenario can be exhausting, which is why it's always helpful to have a toolbox full of online activities ready to go just in case. Here are 20 fun Zoom games for kids that you can use whenever you find yourself planning for virtual instruction.

And, if you find yourself in need of even more great virtual teaching resources, check out the WeAreTeachers Guide to a Happy and Healthy Virtual Classroom!

(Note: WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. Would You Rather (Kid Version)

Given two equally preposterous choices, kids must choose between the options. Hilarious and revealing, your students will love a quick round of this game.

2. Freeze Dance

This is more of a fun activity than a game, but it gets kids up and moving (and grooving!). It's perfect for after an instruction block. Put on some fun music and encourage kids to show off their best dance moves. When the music stops, everyone freezes. Anyone still dancing is out and sits down to watch their classmates.

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

3. First Letter, Last Letter

This is a fun word game that helps reinforce spelling and vocabulary skills. Choose a category-for instance, animals. The first player will name an animal. For example, dog. The next player must name an animal that starts with the last letter of dog-like giraffe. The next player must name an animal that begins with the last letter of giraffe and so on.

4. Mad Libs

Mad Libs are not only a fun way to tell wacky stories; they're a great way to practice parts of speech. Have students fill in one of these online versions and then share with the class!

5. I Spy

Test your students' observation skills with a quick round of I Spy. Choose an object from your onscreen background. For instance, "I spy something green." Students take turns guessing what the object is. You can also choose something from someone else's background. For example, "I spy something in Taylor's background that looks soft."

6. Person, Place, or Thing

This fun alphabet game gives students practice recognizing and naming nouns. Player one starts with the letter A and must name a person, place, or thing that begins with the letter A (note: 'person' can be expanded to include any living thing, if you wish). The next player must say a noun that starts with the letter B, and so on. Play continues, giving each student a turn until you reach Z.

7. Detective

This fun guessing game gives kids a chance to get some of their wiggles out. Choose one student to be "Detective" and ask them to mute their microphone, close their eyes, and count to thirty. Pick another student to be "It." The player who is "It" begins an action, such as patting themself on the head. All the other students follow suit and pat their heads. When the Detective is done counting, they open their eyes and observe the group. When "It" thinks the Detective is looking at someone else, they change the action, such as clapping their hands together. All the other students also change their actions. The Detective gets three guesses to catch the player that is "It."

8. Memory

Prepare a board with random items such as a brush, a pencil, a spool of thread, etc. Tell your students you are going to give them 20 (or however many you think is appropriate) seconds to memorize the items they see. Students cannot write down a list of the items or take a screenshot; they must memorize by sight only. Move the board out of sight and take one item away. Show the board on screen again and see who can name the missing item fastest.

9. Drawing on Your Head

This silly activity takes just a couple of minutes and is sure to get your group giggling. Name an object, for example, a tree or a lion. Each student must put their whiteboard (or a piece of paper on top of a book) on top of their head and draw the named object. When they think they are done, they take their drawings off their head and show them to the group.

10. Rock, Paper, Scissors

Another quick challenge. The object of this version of the familiar game is not to win, but to see how many rounds you can stay in the game vs. the teacher. Play begins with one, two, three, shoot. Everyone makes their choice and makes sure that others can see their choice on screen. If the teacher's choice beats yours, you're out. If not, you keep playing.

11. Mingle

Meeting online has put a damper on spontaneous conversations with and among your students. Spice up the conversation with your students by asking new and interesting questions. Come up with a few of your own, or try this fun card pack from Let's Mingle. Great for building students' social-emotional skills and as a team-building activity.

12. Mystery Person

A lot of teachers start the school year by having their students fill an interest inventory. Here's one example. Email the inventory to each student and have them fill it out and return it to you (ask them to put a star next to anything they would rather you not share). After you receive all the inventories, you can play the game. Share three answers from one student's inventory and give students a chance to guess who you're talking about. If no one can, give one more clue. Continue until someone guesses or the person reveals themself to the group.

13. Story Chain

Start a story with an engaging hook. For instance, "One day I was walking through a shady forest. I thought I was alone, but all of a sudden..." Have students raise their hands if they want to tell the next portion of the story. Choose a student to continue the story (just a line or two) and let them choose the next storyteller in the same way. Continue until everyone who wishes has had one chance to contribute. Feel free to jump back and bring the story to a close if it is floundering.

14. Mystery Sound

This is a fun activity that tests students' power of perception. With your hands out of sight from the camera, make a sound with something. For instance, crumple up a piece of paper, strike a spoon on the rim of a glass, or snap your fingers. Let students take turns guessing what they hear.

15. 20 Questions

This classic road trip game is perfect for online learning. Choose any topic that would be of interest to your students-an animal, an event, something you're studying. Each student can ask only one question and take one guess per turn. Don't let students blurt out the answer-they must wait until it's their turn. To help you keep track, ask one student to keep track of how many questions have been asked.

16. Simon Says

Even though the game Simon Says has been around forever, kids still love it! Have everyone stand in front of their computer and begin the game by calling out actions. As students get out, have them sit down until only one student is left standing.

17. 5-Second Rule

This fun game gives students 5 seconds to name 3 things that fit into a particular category, such as "Name 3 fiction books" or "Name 3 insects." Sounds easy, but five seconds isn't much time! Buy the Five Second Rule Jr. board game or get flashcards from Quizlet online for free.

18. Last Word

This game works best with a small group of students. Before playing, establish who is going first, second, etc. Type the order into the chat box so students can keep track. Choose a subject and a letter of the alphabet. For example, snack foods that begin with the letter P. Set a timer and, in order, have each student list an item. Keep going until the timer goes off. The last person to name something before the buzzer goes off wins the round. Make up your own Last Word game cards or buy the board game.

19. Categories

This game is a more advanced version of the game above and is just like the board game Scattergories. But instead of each student naming one thing in a round-robin manner, each person fills in the blank of a number of categories that begin with a particular letter. Try this online version which generates rounds automatically, for free.

20. Taboo

This game really challenges a person's communication skills. For the game, you will use Clue Cards, which have the Clue Word on the top of the card and the Taboo Words listed below. The object of the game is for one player to prompt a teammate to guess as many Clue Words as possible in sixty seconds, without saying any of the Taboo Words listed underneath. This version of the board game includes kid-friendly cards as well as more challenging ones. Or try this free online version that automatically generates cards.

Plus, a couple of tools to help:

Word Generators

These two websites automatically generate words and phrases for games like Pictionary, Charades, Catchphrase, and more: The Game Gal and RandomWordGenerator.

Name Generator

Most teachers have a favorite method for randomly choosing names so that every student has a chance to participate. Wheel of Names is a fun online tool that spins a wheel (ala Wheel of Fortune) to choose who's up next. Simply entire students' names and give it a whirl.

What are your favorite fun Zoom games to play with kids? Come share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Even though students may be learning at home, they can still have fun together! Try these 20 Fun Zoom Games for Kids with your students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The server has not found anything matching the Request-URL.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are living in extraordinary and unprecedented times and K-12 educators are likewise being asked to do both extraordinary and unprecedented things. As school closures and virtual learning become the norm, how will teachers reach their students?

Many districts are using Zoom/Google Hangouts and other video conferencing software platforms to provide the human interaction that our students desperately need. However, using this technology presents both challenges and obstacles, so classroom management, etiquette and professional development are all important pieces of the process.

A quick Zoom overview

Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool with a local, desktop client and a mobile app that allows users to meet online. Basic Zoom accounts are free and sync with Google. If your district has district-managed Google educator accounts, it's a seamless process, as it takes less than two minutes to sign-up.

The host controls the meeting. A participant is an invitee in a meeting scheduled by someone with a host license. A participant does not require a Zoom account in order to join a meeting. The free plan allows up to 100 participants and one can host an unlimited number of meetings.

Zoom classroom management

For educators to be successful, they need to be able to manage the virtual class. When they are presenting or screen sharing, it's similar to them writing on the board / having their back to the class.

The teacher is the host of the session and needs to take control of the class within the first couple of minutes. The host controls everything and is the key player.

Here are a variety of recommendations at the beginning of each class to make sure it is successful.

Obviously, as the lesson progresses, one can open settings back up and let students talk, chat, etc. If one decides to allow chat, make sure private chat is turned off. Everyone publically is the way to go - no private discussions.

Another key recommendation is "Using the Buddy System." This could be a co-teacher, your instructional aide, an administrator, your BFF, etc. As you run the lesson, your buddy is keeping an eye on everything else. This is a key safety tenet within scouting and definitely applicable in Zoom meetings.

Finally, here are a couple of things that can be done prior to the start of the session:

Test sound and video in a fake meeting prior to going live

Turn off chat, participants' screen share, annotation, etc. in your Zoom settings

Meetings will run much smoother if educators follow the recommendations above. Please note that participant audio and video is an inherent part of Zoom meetings. They can't be turned off in advance - however, the paid plan has a webinar add-on feature.

Zoom participant etiquette

The following participant expectations should be the norm. Students/families that don't follow these guidelines can be removed from the Zoom meeting if necessary.

Mute your microphone if you aren't talking

Turn off video.

Use your real name.

Be on time

Only post chat messages relevant to the lessons

These expectations are really no different than what educators expect in the classroom. Be on time for class, wait your turn to talk, and keep your discussions on topic.

Here is a SAMPLE of what can and should be shown at the beginning of each lesson.

Professional development

Professional Development is also an important piece of the process. Educators should not be expected to use something without being trained. Virtual faculty meetings or conference calls should be held to explain the product and expectations. Virtual training and practice sessions should also be offered before teachers go "live." The proverb "practice makes perfect" definitely holds true here. Educators will need both administrative and tech support to feel comfortable using the product. Zoom also has a robust help system - https://support.zoom.us/ - educators should be encouraged to use it.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this. Your number one takeaway from this article should be as follows: the hosts/teachers are the key players as they control everything. Make sure the host is comfortable using the product. If they aren't, they should pre-record their lessons using Screencastify or Loom.

We are all in this together. Educators connecting with their students and families is paramount at this time. We are their rock and hopefully the glue that holds everything together during these challenging times. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at twilkinson@lumberton.k12.nj.us.
Please note that these are my own personal and professional opinions. They do not represent the opinions of the Lumberton Township School District.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips for Zoom Classroom Management and Etiquette

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are living in extraordinary and unprecedented times and K-12 educators are likewise being asked to do both extraordinary and unprecedented things. As school closures and virtual learning become the norm, how will teachers reach their students? Many districts are using Zoom/Google Hangouts and other video conferencing software platforms to provide the human interaction that our students desperately need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Manage Participants in a Zoom Meeting - Mute, Remove, Moderate Participants in Zoom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Zoom Settings Every User Should Know! (2020 Tutorial)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to use Breakout rooms in Zoom for Teaching and learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Zoom has many built-in features to improve video and picture quality, as well as enhance video with Virtual Backgrounds and filters. These settings allow for a better meeting and webinar experience, as well as allow hosts and participants to add some flair to their video.

This article covers:

Prerequisites

Touch up my appearance, HD video, and Virtual Background features

Lighting adjustment feature

Zoom desktop client for Windows, 5.2.0 (42619.0804) or higher

Zoom desktop client for macOS, 5.2.0 (42634.0805) or higher

Video filters feature

Windows

Zoom desktop client for Windows, 5.2.0 (42619.0804) or higher

64-bit operating system

Central processing unit (CPU)

Intel 4th generation or higher i3, i5, i7, i9 processor

AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 processor

macOS

Zoom desktop client for macOS, 5.2.0 (42634.0805) or higher

macOS 10.13 or higher

Processor (CPU)

Intel 4th generation or higher i3, i5, i7, i9 processor

AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 processor

Touch up my appearance

HD video

Note: Due to recent events with COVID-19, meetings in 720p-quality video are only available to Pro account users or higher, and only for meetings with a maximum of 2 participants; 1080p quality is for special-use cases currently. For more information, please see our requirements for Group HD.

You can enable HD video, to utilize 720p or 1080p for high-quality video when in a meeting or a webinar. To enable HD video in your Zoom client:

1. In the Zoom desktop client, click your profile picture, then clickSettings.

2. Click theVideotab.

3. Click Enable HD.

Note: Even with the setting enabled, your device must meet the bandwidth requirements as well.

Adjust for low light

1. In the Zoom desktop client, click your profile picture then clickSettings.

2. Click theVideotab.

3. Enable Adjust for low light.

4. By default, the setting will be set to Auto. However, you can select Manual, and adjust the setting to the desired effect.

Video filters

1. In the Zoom desktop client, click your profile picture then clickSettings.

2. Click the Background & Filters tab.

3. Click Video Filters.

4. Select the desired filter.

Virtual Backgrounds

The Virtual Background feature allows you to display an image or video as your background during a Zoom Meeting. This feature works best with a green screen and uniform lighting, to allow Zoom to detect the difference between you and your background.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zoom has many built-in features to improve video and picture quality, as well as enhance video with Virtual Backgrounds and filters. These settings allow for a better meeting and webinar experience, as well as allow hosts and participants to add some flair to their video.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Require Registration for a Zoom Meeting by Chris Menard

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

Scheduling a meeting that requires registration will allow participants register with their e-mail, name, other questions, and custom questions, allowing you to capture more information about your attendees. Once this is scheduled, you can manage your registrants, resend confirmation emails, and can also generate meeting registration reports if you want to download a list of people that registered.

Note: Participants joining meetings with registration must use the Zoom desktop client or mobile app. They will not be able to join using the web client.

This article covers:

Prerequisites

Host user type must be Licensed

The meeting you are enabling registration for cannot use your PMI and cannot be a No Fixed Time recurring meeting.

Enabling registration for a meeting

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.

2. In the navigation menu, click Meetings.

3. Schedule a New Meeting or edit an existing meeting.

4. In the Registration section, make sure to select the Required check box.

After scheduling the meeting, the Registration and Branding tabs will appear.

5. Manage attendees: Click View to see a list of people that have registered for the meeting. Clicking on the registrant name will provide addition info about that person.

Customizing registration options

After you schedule the meeting, you can customize registration options:

1. Click the Registration tab.

2. In the Registration Options section, click Edit.

3. Customize these options:

Registration

Automatic Approval: Anyone who signs up will receive information on how to join.

Manual Approval: Anyone who signs up will need to be approved by the host on the meeting management page.

Send an email to host when someone registers: Check this option if you want to receive an email when someone registers for your webinar. Attendees will receive an email when you approve their registration.

Close registration after event date: Check this option if you want to prevent anyone from registering after the webinar date and projected end time. Attendees can still register on the event date and once the webinar starts, as long as it is before the projected end time of the webinar. For example, if you schedule a webinar for 9AM with a duration of 2 hours, the registration will close at 11AM.
Note: If you enable this setting and make your webinar available on-demand, people can use the original registration link to register for the on-demand webinar recording.

Allow attendees to join from multiple devices: Check this option to allow webinar attendees to be able to join from multiple devices, such as computers and phones.

Show social share buttons on the registration page: Provides buttons to share the registration page to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or email.

Questions

You can customize the question fields that appear in your registration page.

1. Click the Questions tab.

2. Check the Field(s) you would like to include on your registration page.

3. (Optional) Check the Required box if you want to make that field required.

4. Click Save All.

Note:

Name and email address are always required.

Some fields like Country/Region and State/Province will appear as dropdown menus for attendees.

Custom questions tab

1. Click the Custom Questions tab to add questions to your registration page.

2. Click New Question to add a question.

3. Choose the type of question: Short answer or Single answer.

4. Check whether the question is required.

5. Enter the question.

6. For single answer questions, enter the answer options.

7. Click Create. Repeat the above steps to create more custom questions.

8. Click Save All to save your customized registration.

Customizing branding

After you schedule the meeting, click the Branding tab to customize branding options for your registration page:

Banner: Click Upload to add an image that appears at the top of your registration page.

Logo: Click Upload to add an image that appears to the right of meeting topic on your registration page. The logo also appears in the email invitation.

(Optional) Click Add Description to add alt text to the image. The description isn't visually displayed on the screen but helps people with visual impairments to access and understand the image.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Scheduling a meeting that requires registration will allow participants register with their e-mail, name, other questions, and custom questions, allowing you to capture more information about your attendees. Once this is scheduled, you can manage your registrants, resend confirmation emails, and can also generate meeting registration reports if you want to download a list of people that registered.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You can easily schedule Zoom meetings in advance on your computer or mobile device.

On your desktop, you can choose to schedule a future event on the Zoom website or desktop app.

You can also schedule meetings in the Zoom mobile app for iPhone and Android devices.

Scheduling meetings is helpful so you can organize your work calendar in advance and keep track of recurring events.

This story is a part of Business Insider's Guide to Zoom.

While it's easy to start a Zoom meeting on the spot, it's also just as easy to schedule one in advance - which may prove extremely helpful for organizing your remote work calendar.

Especially as more businesses and universities start to allow employees and students to work remotely, Zoom is a useful tool for colleagues and classmates to schedule meetings. Thankfully, both individual and team meetings can be booked in advance on Zoom, which is helpful for recurring events such as weekly check-ins or regular classes that meet at the same time and place.

The process looks extremely similar whether you choose to do so online on the website or on the desktop app. Additionally, you can complete the process on your iPhone or Android mobile app.

Here's how to do both.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

How to schedule a Zoom meeting on your desktop - both on the app and on the website

1. If you haven't downloaded the desktop app, you can schedule a meeting through the website. Head to the Zoom website, where you'll need to click on "My Account" in the upper right hand corner of the homepage.

2. Click "Schedule a Meeting" at the top. This will open a form, where you can fill out the meeting topic and description, as well as set the date and time. You'll also have the option to schedule it as a recurring meeting. Edit all of the details and - when you're done - scroll to the bottom and click the "Save" button.

3. If you have downloaded the desktop app, you can click the "Meetings" tab. You'll find a small plus (+) symbol on the left panel. Click this to begin scheduling a new meeting.

4. This will open a pop-up that looks similar to the online form. Enter the meeting name, date, and time. Click the blue "Schedule" button to create and save the future event. Scheduled meetings will now appear on the left hand side.

How to schedule a Zoom meeting on your mobile app

1. Tap to open the Zoom app on your iPhone or Android.

2. On the "Meet & Chat" homepage, tap the "Schedule" option at the top of the screen.

3. Enter the meeting name and set its date and time.

4. Tap "Done."

5. This will bring you to another form, which adds the event to your mobile calendar. Verify the information, add invitees at this time, and choose to set alerts for the event.

6. Tap "Done" on the main page to finish creating the event.

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to schedule a Zoom meeting so you can organize your work calendar in advance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can easily schedule Zoom meetings in advance on your computer or mobile device. On your desktop, you can choose to schedule a future event on the Zoom website or desktop app. You can also schedule meetings in the Zoom mobile app for iPhone and Android devices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zoom offers multiple methods to schedule a meeting. A host has control over the options for their scheduled meetings, except for settings that an administrator has locked for all users in the accou...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

The Security icon in the meeting controls allows the host or co-host of a meeting to enable or disable options during a meeting to secure the meeting and minimize disruption during the meeting. Most of the settings can be controlled from Account, Group, and User settings prior to the meeting. If applied at the Account, Group, or User level, these settings will be applied in meeting by default. The Security icon combines them all in one place for easy access during the meeting.

If the options are enabled/disabled and locked by an account admin, they will not be modifiable in-meeting by the host or co-host.

Prerequisites

1. Start a Zoom meeting

2. Click Security.

3. The following settings can be enabled from the menu:

Lock Meeting: Locks the meeting, keeping new participants from joining the meeting.

Enable Waiting Room: Enables Waiting Room for incoming new participants or to move current participants into the Waiting Room.

Allow participants to:

Share Screen: Allows participants to start Screen Shares

Chat: Allows participants to use the chat function.

Rename Themselves: Allows participants to rename themselves from the Participants panel.

Unmute Themselves: Allows participants to unmute themselves without the host's permission.

Remove Participant: Allows the removal of a participant from a meeting. The participant can not re-join unless Allow removed participants to rejoin is enabled in Meeting settings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Security icon in the meeting controls allows the host or co-host of a meeting to enable or disable options during a meeting to secure the meeting and minimize disruption during the meeting. Most of the settings can be controlled from Account, Group, and User settings prior to the meeting.

# data[].attributes.headline
Best Practice for Securing Zoom Meetings

# data[].attributes.subject
Best Practice for Securing Zoom Meetings

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Zoom Settings Explained | Complete Tutorial for Beginners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Back

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Note: We are experiencing longer wait times than normal due to increased demand. You can still view answers to frequently asked questions or contact us but wait times may be longer than expected. Thank you for your patience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Note: We are experiencing longer wait times than normal due to increased demand. You can still view answers to frequently asked questions or contact us but wait times may be longer than expected. Thank you for your patience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

The following are answers to some of the most common questions or problems account owners and admins ask about managing their Zoom account. We also have frequently asked questions for users, a user quick start guide, and weekly trainings to help you and your users get started with Zoom.

Read common questions about:

Getting started with your Zoom account

How can I add a user?
You can add users individually, by uploading a CSV, or with just-in-time provisioning through Single Sign On (SSO).

I only purchased 5 Zoom licenses. Does that mean I can only have 5 Zoom users?
With 5 Zoom licenses, you can have 5 licensed users on your account. In addition to your Licensed users, you can add up to 9999 Basic (free) users to your Zoom account.

What is the difference between a basic and a Licensed user?
A basic user can host meetings with up to 100 participants. If 3 or more participants join, the meeting will time out after 40 minutes. They cannot utilize user and account add-ons such as large meeting, webinar, audio conferencing, or conference room connector. A licensed user is a paid account user who can host unlimited meetings without the 40-minute limit. By default, they can host meetings with up to 100 participants and large meeting licenses are available for additional capacity. Licensed users can use add-ons and also have additional features such as cloud recording, the ability to customize their Personal Meeting ID, and more.

How do I assign licenses to users?
After purchasing licenses on the Billing page, you can assign them to users within User Management.

How can we brand our Zoom account?
Business, Education, Enterprise, and API plan accounts can set up a custom landing page for users to login, which will also be included in join links, for example yourcompany.zoom.us.

Managing available features

How can disable settings for specific users?
You can disable and lock settings for all users on your account through account settings or you can set up groups and disable settings for a group of users. If a setting is disabled and locked at the account or group level, users will not be able to enable it.

How can I customize which dial in numbers appear in our meeting invitations?
You can customize the global dial-in numbers at the account or group level to customize which phone numbers will be listed. With an audio conferencing plan, you can also add toll-free numbers and toll numbers for additional countries.

Managing the Zoom client

How can I manage the Zoom client for my users?
For Windows devices, you can install Zoom with MSI, with group policy, or registry keys. With Mac, you can push out a mass deployment with a customized plist file. If you're managing Chrome OS devices, you can use the Google Admin console.

Managing my account

How do I manage my users' passwords?
You can set minimum password requirements through the Security page of the Zoom web portal. You can also unlock a user's account if they enter the wrong password multiple times or change their password for them.

Billing

How do I upgrade my existing plan?
You can upgrade from a Pro account to a Business account through the Zoom web portal. You can also purchase add-ons. If you need to add licenses for an Enterprise account, please contact Zoom sales.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The following are answers to some of the most common questions or problems account owners and admins ask about managing their Zoom account. We also have frequently asked questions for users, a user quick start guide, and weekly trainings to help you and your users get started with Zoom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
User Management: How To Add, Edit, or Remove Users

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Millions of people are using Zoom for video calls but you can also learn how to chat on Zoom, so you can send text to your fellow Zoom meeting attendees.

Everyone is using Zoom, one of the best video chat apps and teleconferencing software solutions, while they're staying at home for work meetings or personal calls with friends and family.

While you're in a Zoom meeting, you can chat with other participants. You can send a group chat message or send a private message to an individual. Zoom chat is a great way to share links, clarify something said on the video call or post lists or large blocks of text.

Zoom chat is available unless the host has disabled the function for the meeting or webinar. The host can also set limitations on chat, so that attendees can chat with everyone, with only the host or with a specific set of panelists. Read on for our guide on how to chat in Zoom.

How to chat in Zoom (desktop client)

1. Download the Zoom desktop client for Mac or Windows.

2. Open the client and start or join a meeting.

3. Click Chat in the meeting controls bar at the bottom of the client. The chat window will open on the right.

4. Type a message into the chat box or click on the drop down next to "To:" if you want to message a specific person.

5. When new chat messages are sent, a preview of the message will appear and the Chat button will flash orange. Click the button to view the chat window.

(Image credit: Zoom)

How to chat in Zoom (mobile app)

1. Download the Zoom app for iOS or Android.

2. Open the app and start or join a meeting.

3. Tap the screen to make the controls bar appear.

4. Tap on Participants.

5. At the bottom of the list, tap Chat.

6. Type your message and tap Send. If you want to send to a specific person, tap the arrow next to "Send to:" and choose from the list.

7. When new chat messages are sent, they will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Tap Participants, then Chat to view them.

(Image credit: Zoom)

How to chat in Zoom as a host

As the host of a Zoom meeting, you have control over the chat function. You can disable chat for all participants or disable private chat (so people can't send private messages). You can also set limitations so that participants can message only the host or message a group of panelists on a webinar.

Here's how to set Zoom chat settings on desktop or mobile as a host:

1. Set up and start a Zoom meeting or webinar.

2. Click on the Chat button (desktop) or go to Participants, then Chat (mobile).

3. Click More.

4. In the dropdown menu, choose an option for "Allow attendees to chat with."

5. For meetings, the host can allow attendees to chat with no one, with the host only, everyone publicly or everyone publicly and privately.

6. For webinars, the host can allow attendees to chat with no one, with all panelists (including host), or with all panelists and attendees.

Today's best webcam deals - stock checked every 30 minutes:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Millions of people are using Zoom for video calls but you can also learn how to chat on Zoom, so you can send text to your fellow Zoom meeting attendees. Everyone is using Zoom, one of the best video chat apps and teleconferencing software solutions, while they're staying at home for work meetings or personal calls with friends and family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

As the host, you can control which meeting or webinar participants are allowed to chat with. You can also disable the chat for all participants or disable private chat, so participants cannot send private messages.

This article includes

Prerequisites

Host privileges in meeting or webinar

Zoom desktop client for Windows or macOS, version 4.x for host and participants to control chat access

Zoom mobile client for iOS or Android, version 4.x for host and participants to control chat access

Controlling chat access

Meeting and webinar hosts can control whether participants can chat with everyone, with panelists and the host (for webinars), or only with the host.

1. Start a meeting or webinar as host.

2. Click Chat in the Meeting Controls.

3. At the bottom of the in-meeting Zoom Group Chat window, click More, and then choose an option for Allow attendees to chat with.

For meetings, the host can allow attendees to chat with everyone or with the host only.

For webinars, the host can allow attendees to chat with no one, with all panelists (including host), or with all panelists and attendees.

Disabling in-meeting chat

You can turn chat for all of your meetings and webinars from your Profile Settings, if you do not want to use the chat in your meetings and webinars. This will prevent the host, co-hosts, and participants from chatting for any meetings you host. The Chat option will no longer appear in the Meeting Controls.

You can disable the Private Chat, which will prevent participants from sending messages to individuals instead of the entire group.

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.

2. In the navigation menu, click Settings.

3. Click the Chat and Private Chat toggles to disable in-meeting chat.

4. Click Save Changes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Controlling and disabling in-meeting chat

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the host, you can control which meeting or webinar participants are allowed to chat with. You can also disable the chat for all participants or disable private chat, so participants cannot send private messages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Accessing in-meeting chat

Video only or while viewing a screen share

1. While in a meeting, click Chat in the meeting controls.

2. This will open the chat window. You can type a message into the chat box or click on the drop down next to To: if you want to send a message to a specific person.

3. When new chat messages are sent to you or everyone, a preview of the message will appear and Chat will flash orange in your host controls.

While screen sharing

1. While screen sharing, click More in the meeting controls. Choose Chat.

2. A floating chat window will appear.

3. If you receive new chat messages while screen sharing, the More button will flash orange to indicate the incoming message. You can click on More, then Chat to open the window.

Changing in-meeting chat settings

If you're the meeting host, you can change the in-meeting chat settings.

1. While in a meeting, click Chat in the meeting controls.

2. Click More to display in-meeting chat settings.

3. You can access the following options:

Save chat: Save all chat messages in a TXT file.

Share file in meeting: Send a file in the chat.

Allow attendees to chat with: Control who participants can chat with.

No one: Disables in-meeting chat.

Host only: Only the host can send messages to everyone. Participants can still send private messages to the host.

Everyone publicly: Participants can only send public messages. Public messages are visible to all participants. Participants can still send private messages to the host.

Everyone publicly and privately: Participants can send public or private messages. Public messages are visible to all participants. Private messages are sent to a specific participant

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Video only or while viewing a screen share While in a meeting, click Chat in the meeting controls. This will open the chat window. You can type a message into the chat box or click on the drop down next to To: if you want to send a message to a specific person.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

As the host in a meeting, you can manage the participants. By default, any participant in a meeting can share their video, screen, and audio. If you want to limit who can share their screen, video, and audio, we recommend using the webinar platform. For a full comparison of these options, see our meeting and webinar comparison.

This article covers:

Prerequisites

Host permissions in the meeting, or co-host permission (set by the host)

Join by Zoom desktop client, mobile app, or web*

Some options have additional prerequisites and must be enabled on the web portal or require a specific version of Zoom for full functionality. These features include giving a participant the ability to record locally, assigning a co-host, putting a participant on-hold and using the waiting room.

*Limited controls are available when joining by web.

Order of participants

Names in the participants list appear in the following order:

1. You

2. The host (If you're not the host)

3. Phone numbers with no names

4. Unmuted participants (sorted alphabetically)

5. Muted participants (sorted alphabetically)

Controls for hosts and co-hosts

With meetings, hosts and co-hosts can control the following features:

Mute participants

Request that a participant unmutes

Stop a participant's video

Request that a participant starts their video

Prevent participants from screen sharing

Rename a participant

Put a participant on hold if enabled

Choose to play an enter or exit chime

Lock the meeting to prevent anyone new from joining

Place participants in waiting room or admit/remove participants from the waiting room (waiting room can only be enabled by the host)

Only hosts have access to these features:

Controls for managing participants

Chat: Open the chat window to send messages directly to the panelist.

Stop Video: Stop the participant's video stream so they are unable to start their video. If the participant hasn't started their video, you will see the Ask to Start Video option.

Make Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be the host. There can only be one host.

Make Co-Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be a co-host. You can have an unlimited number of co-hosts.

Assign to type Closed Caption (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to type closed caption during the meeting.

Put in Waiting Room: Place the attendee in a virtual waiting room while you prepare for the meeting. The host must enable waiting room for this option to appear.

Put On Hold: If the waiting room is not enabled, you'll see this option to place the attendee on hold.

Remove: Dismiss a participant from the meeting. They won't be able to rejoin unless you allow participants and panelists to rejoin.

You will also have access to enable or disable these options at the bottom of the participants list:

Click More for these options:

Ask All to Unmute: Display a pop-up notification to all muted participants with option to unmute themselves or stay muted.

Mute Participants upon Entry: Automatically mute participants as they join the meeting.

Allow Participants to Unmute Themselves: Participants can unmute themselves if they want to speak to others in the meeting.

Allow Participants to Rename Themselves: Participants can change their screen name displayed to other participants.

Play sound when someone joins or leaves: Play a sound when participants join and leave the meeting

Enable Waiting Room: Enable the Waiting Room feature. This option is available regardless of the web portal setting.

Lock meeting: Don't allow other participants to join the meeting in progress.

Merge to meeting window: Merge the participants list with the main meeting window. This option is only available if you separated the participants list from the main meeting window.

To prevent participants from screen sharing:

1. In the host controls, click the arrow next to Share Screen and click Advanced Sharing Options.

2. Under Who can share? choose Only Host.

3. Close the window.

Click Manage Participants in the host controls to display the participants list.

Make Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be the host. There can only be one host.

Make Co-Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be a co-host. You can have an unlimited number of co-hosts.

Assign to type Closed Caption (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to type closed caption during the meeting.

Stop Video: Stop the participant's video stream so they are unable to start their video. If the participant hasn't started their video, you will see the Ask to Start Video option.

Put On Hold: Place the participant on hold, removing them from the video and audio conference. The Allow host to put attendee on hold option must be enabled prior to starting the meeting. See Attendee on Hold for details.

Remove: Dismiss a participant from the meeting. They won't be able to rejoin unless you allow participants and panelists to rejoin.

You will also have access to enable or disable these options at the bottom of the participants list:

Click More for these options:

Ask All to Unmute: Display a pop-up notification to all muted participants with option to unmute themselves or stay muted.

Allow Participants to Unmute Themselves: Participants can unmute themselves if they want to speak to others in the meeting.

Allow Participants to Rename Themselves: Participants can change their screen name displayed to other participants.

Mute Participants upon Entry: Automatically mute participants as they join the meeting.

Play sound when someone joins or leaves: Play a sound when participants join and leave the meeting

Enable Waiting Room: Enable the Waiting Room feature. This option is available regardless of the web portal setting.

Lock meeting: Don't allow other participants to join the meeting in progress.

Merge to meeting window: Merge the participants list with the main meeting window. This option is only available if you separated the participants list from the main meeting window.

To prevent participants from screen sharing:

Click Manage Participants in the host controls to display the participants list.

Chat: Open the chat window to send messages directly to the panelist.

Stop Video: Stop the participant's video stream so they are unable to start their video. If the participant hasn't started their video, you will see the Ask to Start Video option.

Make Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be the host. There can only be one host.

Make Co-Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be a co-host. You can have an unlimited number of co-hosts.

Assign to type Closed Caption (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to type closed caption during the meeting.

Put in Waiting Room: Place the attendee in a virtual waiting room while you prepare for the meeting. The host must enable waiting room for this option to appear.

Put On Hold: If the waiting room is not enabled, you'll see this option to place the attendee on hold.

Remove: Dismiss a participant from the meeting. They won't be able to rejoin unless you allow participants and panelists to rejoin.

You will also have access to enable or disable these options at the bottom of the participants list by clicking More:

Mute All / Unmute All: Mute or unmute all participants currently in the meeting.

Mute participants on entry: Automatically mute participants as they join the meeting.

Allow participants to unmute themselves: Participants can unmute themselves if they want to speak to others in the meeting.

Allow participants to rename themselves: Participants can change their screen name displayed to other participants.

Lock meeting: Don't allow other participants to join the meeting in progress.

Merge to meeting window: Merge the participants list with the main meeting window. This option is only available if you separated the participants list from the main meeting window.

To prevent participants from screen sharing:

1. In the host controls, click the arrow next to Share Screen and click Advanced Sharing Options.

2. Under Who can share? choose Only Host.

3. Close the window.

When joining via web, you will have limited functionality in managing participants.

Stop Video: Stop the participant's video stream so they are unable to start their video. If the participant hasn't started their video, you will see the Ask to Start Video option.

Spotlight Video: Place the attendee as the active speaker for all attendees. Learn more.

Make Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be the host. There can only be one host.

Assign to type Closed Caption (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to type closed caption during the meeting.

Remove: Dismiss a participant from the meeting. They won't be able to rejoin unless you allow participants and panelists to rejoin.

You will also have access to enable or disable these options at the bottom of the participants list:

Mute All / Unmute All: Mute or unmute all participants currently in the meeting.

Mute participants on entry: Automatically mute participants as they join the meeting.

Play enter/exit chime: Play a sound when participants join and leave the meeting

Lock meeting: Don't allow other participants to join the meeting in progress.

Tap a participant's name to manage a specific participant.

Mute Audio: Mute the attendee's audio.

Make Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be the host. There can only be one host.

Put in Waiting Room: Place the attendee in a virtual waiting room while you prepare for the meeting. The host must enable waiting room for this option to appear.

Put On Hold: If the waiting room is not enabled, you'll see this option to place the attendee on hold.

Stop Video: Stop the participant's video stream so they are unable to start their video. If the participant hasn't started their video, you will see the Ask to Start Video option.

Make Co-Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be a co-host. You can have an unlimited number of co-hosts.

Remove: Dismiss a participant from the meeting. They won't be able to rejoin unless you allow participants and panelists to rejoin.

You can chat with the participants, invite others, mute or unmute all with the options at the bottom of the window.

To lock the meeting or the screen share, mute participants upon entry, play the enter/exit chime, or put attendees into the waiting room upon entry, tap More then Advanced settings in the host controls.

This will open the additional options for managing participants:

Lock meeting: Don't allow other participants to join the meeting in progress.

Lock Share: Prevent attendees from screen sharing.

Mute on Entry: Automatically mute participants as they join the meeting.

Play enter/exit Chime: Play a sound when participants join and leave the meeting

Put Attendee in Waiting Room on Entry: Place the attendee in a virtual waiting room while you prepare for the meeting. The host must enable waiting room for this option to appear.

Allow Attendees to Chat with: Control whether attendees can with other attendees or only the host.

Tap a participant's name to manage a specific participant.

Make Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be the host. There can only be one host.

Make Co-Host (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to be a co-host. You can have an unlimited number of co-hosts.

Stop Video: Stop the participant's video stream so they are unable to start their video. If the participant hasn't started their video, you will see the Ask to Start Video option.

Remove: Dismiss a participant from the meeting.

Put in Waiting Room: Place attendees in a virtual waiting room while you prepare for the meeting. The host must enable waiting room for this option to appear. Learn more.

Put On Hold: If the waiting room is not enabled, you'll see this option to place the attendee on hold.

Assign to type CC (only available to the host): Assign the attendee to type closed caption during the meeting.

You can chat with the participants, invite others, mute or unmute all with the options at the bottom of the window.

Tap More in the host controls to open the additional options for managing participants:

Lock meeting: Don't allow other participants to join the meeting in progress.

Lock Share: Prevent attendees from screen sharing.

Mute Upon Entry: Automatically mute participants as they join the meeting.

Play Enter/Exit Chime: Play a sound when participants join and leave the meeting

Put Attendee In Waiting List: Place the attendee in a virtual waiting room while you prepare for the meeting. The host must enable waiting room for this option to appear.

Allow Attendees Chat To: Control whether attendees can with other attendees or only the host.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the host in a meeting, you can manage the participants. By default, any participant in a meeting can share their video, screen, and audio. If you want to limit who can share their screen, video, and audio, we recommend using the webinar platform.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Zoom has quickly become a go-to resource, especially for work meetings so learning how to share your screen on Zoom is essential.

More people using Zoom than ever before to communicate with colleagues, family members, and friends. But for many, it's also a new tool that has features you might not easily know how to use.

One of the most important features in Zoom is the ability to share your screen with others. It allows you to collaborate with colleagues on something you're working on or illustrate an activity or anything else you want to show those who are on the other side of the call.

Sharing your screen on Zoom allows you to go through a presentation deck, display images or drawings and highlight items on a spreadsheet or document. Best of all, sharing your screen in Zoom is one of the program's easiest features to use.

Read on for how to share your screen in Zoom in just a few simple steps.

1. Open up Zoom on your computer and make sure you're logged in.

2. On the main page, you'll see the option to join a meeting, host a meeting, schedule a meeting or Share Screen. Select Share Screen.

3. Upon choosing Share Screen, Zoom will ask you to input your Sharing Key or Meeting ID. Input either identifier and you'll immediately start sharing your screen with others in that meeting.

1. Join or start a Zoom meeting.

2. In your meeting, you'll see a selection of meeting controls, including the ability to mute your voice, start and stop video, and more. Select the green Share Screen icon.

3. Choose the screen you want to share. Click the screen on your computer that you want to share.

4. Click share.

Today's best webcam deals - stock checked every 30 minutes:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zoom has quickly become a go-to resource, especially for work meetings so learning how to share your screen on Zoom is essential. More people using Zoom than ever before to communicate with colleagues, family members, and friends. But for many, it's also a new tool that has features you might not easily know how to use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With Zoom, share your screen, desktop, or other content during a meeting, even while your video is on.

Screen sharing during Zoom meetings is designed with a collaborative environment in mind. This feature gives only the users, who choose to share their screen, full control over their own screen and what other meeting participants can or cannot see. Additionally, meeting hosts cannot monitor your screen activities unless you choose to share your screen.

Zoom video conferences allow you to share content including:

Notes:

Prerequisites for video conference sharing

Zoom desktop client

Windows: 5.0.0 or higher

macOS: 5.0.0 or higher

Linux: 5.0.0 or higher

Zoom mobile app

Android: 5.0.0 or higher

iOS: 5.0.0 or higher

Notes:

Linux sessions utilizing Wayland can only share an entire desktop or whiteboard. To share just a specific application, you need to launch your Linux session with Xorg instead.

Ensure that you have Android 10.0 or higher.

How to use desktop screen sharing

Sharing your desktop, screen, or content

To share your screen or content:

1. Click Share Screen located in your meeting controls.

2. Select one of these screen share options:

Users can select multiple desktop programs at once instead of sharing their entire desktop, but all selected programs must be on the same screen to be visible. Only the user employing this feature will need to be on version Basic: Share your entire desktop, specific application windows, whiteboard, or iPhone/iPad screen.
Note: 5.4.3 or higher while viewers can be connected with older versions. Hold the Shift key on macOS or the Ctrl key on Windows to select more than one application.

Advanced

Slides / PowerPoint as Virtual Background: Allows you to utilize a slideshow presentation as your virtual background, providing a more immersive presentation.

Portion of Screen: Share a portion of your screen represented by a green border. The border can be adjusted as needed during the share by clicking and dragging any side or corner.

Computer Audio: Only share your computer's audio (your selected speaker in your audio settings). Select the down arrow to the right of Computer Audio option to view audio options and switch between Mono and Stereo (high fidelity) audio options.

Video: Share locally stored video content through Zoom's native video player.

Content from 2nd Camera: Share a secondary camera connected to your computer; for example, a document camera or the integrated camera on your laptop.

Files: Share a file from a third-party sharing service like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in to the third-party service and grant Zoom access.
Notes:

These options may be disabled by account Admins, so available options may vary.

Alternatively, you can open the file in a web browser then share the browser window. For example, to share a Google Doc, open the Doc in Chrome, then share the Chrome window. The end result is the same as using the sharing options in the Files tab.

3. (Optional) Enable these features, located in the bottom-left corner of the share window:

Share sound: If you check this option, any sound played by your computer will be shared in the meeting. Select the down arrow just to the right of the Share Sound option to switch between Mono and Stereo (high fidelity) audio options.

Optimize for video clip: Check this if you will be sharing a video clip in full screen mode. Do not check this otherwise, as it may cause the shared screen to be blurry.

Share to breakout rooms: Allows the host or co-host to share their screen from the main session directly into all open breakout rooms.

4. Click Share.
When the sharing process is started and 80% of devices acknowledge receiving the shared screen, you will see a notification banner stating Participants can now see your shared screen, or whatever you have chosen to share.

Notes:

Zoom will automatically switch to full screen to optimize the shared screen view. To exit full screen, click Exit Full Screen in the top-right corner or press the Esc key.

To disable automatic full screen when viewing a shared screen, adjust the Window size when screen sharing behavior in your desktop client settings.

If you selected Content from 2nd Camera, click Switch Camera in the top-left corner to switch the shared camera.

Controls when screen sharing

When you start sharing your screen, the meeting controls will move into a menu that you can drag around your screen.
Note: Some of the options detailed below may not be visible due to account admin restrictions or the feature is only visible to the meeting host or co-host.

Mute/Unmute: Mute or unmute your microphone.

Start/Stop Video: Start or stop your in-meeting video.

Security: Accessin-meeting security options.

Participants: View or manage the participants (if you're the host).
Click the down arrow to access Invite, where you can invite others to join the meeting.

Polling: Allows you to create, edit, and launch yourpolls. The options to create or launch polls will open up the Zoom web portal in your default browser. When the poll closes, you can view the results and can download the full poll report. If a poll has already been created, both host and co-host can launch the poll, but only the host can edit or add polls to the meeting.

New Share: Start a new screen share. You will be prompted to select which screen you want to share again.

Pause Share: Pause your current shared screen.

Annotate: Display annotation tools for drawing, adding text, and so on.

More: Hover over M ore for additional options.

Chat: Open the chat window.

Record: Start recording locally or to the cloud.

Meeting Info: Shows the current meeting's ID, host, passcode, invite link, your participant ID, and encryption status.

(only available to the host): If you have enabled Closed Caption / Live Transcript closed captioning and live transcription for your account, click here to access those options.

Breakout Rooms: Startbreakout rooms.

Enable annotation for others: Allow or prevent the participants from annotating on your shared screen.

Show/Hide Names of Annotators: Show or hide the participants' name when they are annotating on a screen share. If set to show, the participant's name will briefly display beside their annotation.

Hide / Show video panel

Hide / Show Floating Meeting Control

Share Sound

Optimize for video clip
Note: Do not enable this setting if you are not sharing a full screen video clip, as it will blur your screen share. This should be enabled/disabled before and after the video you wish to play.

Live on Facebook: Broadcast your meeting live onFacebook.

Live on Workplace by Facebook: Broadcast your meeting live onWorkplace by Facebook.

Live on Youtube: Broadcast your meeting live onYoutube.

Live on Custom Live Streaming Service: Broadcast your meeting live on acustom streaming platform.

End Meeting: Leave the meeting or end the meeting for all participants.

How to show Zoom windows during screen share

By default, the Zoom window is not shared while sharing your screen. Showing the Zoom window during screen share can be useful if a participant is helping you use Zoom.

To show Zoom windows during screen share:

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.

2. In the navigation menu, click Settings.

3. In the In Meeting (Basic) section, make sure Show Zoom windows during screen share is enabled. This setting will allow the setting to appear in the desktop client.

4. Sign out of the Zoom desktop client and sign back in. Alternatively, you can exit the client and re-open it.

5. Click your profile picture then click Settings.

6. Click the Share Screen tab and make sure Show Zoom windows during screen share is enabled.

When using dual monitors

If you are using a dual-monitor setup, you can turn on the dual monitors feature to see the screen sharing on one monitor and participants on the second.

Note: On macOS 10.15 Catalina, you need to allow Zoom access to screen recording to share your screen. You can do this in your System Preferences. Select the Security & Privacy option, click the Privacy tab, scroll down to Screen Recording, and finally check the option for zoom.us.

Share your desktop, screen or content

To share your screen or content:

1. Click Share Screen from your meeting controls.

2. Select one of these screen share options:

Basic: Share your entire desktop, specific application window, or whiteboard.
Notes:

Sharing from an iPhone/iPad is not supported on Linux.

Linux sessions utilizing Wayland can only share an entire desktop or whiteboard. In order to share just a specific application, you will need to launch your Linux session with Xorg instead.

Advanced

Portion of Screen: Share a portion of your screen represented by a green border. The border can be adjusted as needed during the share by clicking and dragging any side or corner.

Music or Computer Sound Only: Only share your computer's audio (your selected speaker in your audio settings). Select the down arrow ˅ just to the right of Music or Computer Audio option to view audio options and switch between Mono and Stereo (high fidelity) audio options.

3. (Optional) Enable these features, located in the bottom-left corner of the share window:

Share Computer Sound: If you check this option, any sound played by your computer will be shared in the meeting. Select the down arrow just to the right of the Share Computer Sound option to switch between Mono and Stereo (high fidelity) audio options.

Optimize Screen Sharing for Video Clip: Check this if you will be sharing a video clip in full screen mode. Do not check this otherwise, as it may cause the shared screen to be blurry.

Share to breakout rooms: Allows the host or co-host to share their screen from the main session directly into all open breakout rooms.

4. Click Share.
When the sharing process is started, you will see a notification banner stating Participants can now see your shared screen, or whatever you have chosen to share.

Notes:

Zoom will automatically switch to full screen to optimize the shared screen view. To exit full-screen, click Exit Full Screen in the top-right corner or press the Esc key.

To disable automatic full screen when viewing a shared screen, adjust theWindow size when screen sharingbehavior in yourdesktop client settings.

If you selected Content from 2nd Camera, click Switch Camera in the top-left corner to switch the shared camera.

Controls when screen sharing

When you start sharing your screen, the meeting controls will move into a menu that you can drag around your screen.

Note: Some of the options detailed below may not be visible due to account admin restrictions or the feature is only visible to the meeting host or co-host.

Mute/Unmute: Mute or unmute your microphone.

Start/Stop Video: Start or stop your in-meeting video.

Security: Accessin-meeting security options.

Participants: View or manage the participants (if the host).
Click the down arrow to access Invite, where you can invite others to join the meeting.

New Share: Start a new screen share. You will be prompted to select which screen you want to share again.

Pause Share: Pause your current shared screen.

Annotate: Display annotation tools for drawing, adding text, etc.

Polling: Allows you to create, edit, and launch yourpolls. The options to create or launch polls will open up the Zoom web portal in your default browser. When the poll closes, you can view the results and can download the full poll report. If a poll has already been created, both host and co-host can launch the poll, but only the host can edit or add polls to the meeting.

More: Hover over more for additional options.

Chat: Open the chat window.

Record on this Computer: Start a local recording.

Record to the Cloud: Start a cloud recording.

Meeting Info: Shows the current meeting's ID, host, passcode, invite link, your participant ID, and encryption status.

Allow/Disable participants annotation: Allow or prevent the participants from annotating on your shared screen.

Show/Hide Names of Annotators: Show or hide the participants' name when they are annotating on a screen share. If set to show, the participant's name will briefly display beside their annotation.

Hide / Show video panel

Audio Settings: Open the audio settings in the client.

Video Settings: Open the video options in the client.

Share Computer Sound

Optimize Share for Full-screen Video Clip
Note: Do not enable this setting if you are not sharing a video clip, as it will blur your screen share. This should be enabled/disabled before and after the video you wish to play.

End Meeting: Leave the meeting or end the meeting for all participants.

When using dual monitors

If you are using a dual-monitor setup, you can turn on the dual monitors feature to see the screen sharing on one monitor and participants on the second.

Note: Some of these options can be disabled in your account settings, under Integrations.

How to share content

To share content:

1. Tap Share in the meeting controls.

2. Tap the type of content that you want to share.

3. Tap one of the following options.

Photos: Share a photo from your file manager or photo apps (e.g. Google Photos). Depending on the apps installed on your Android device, you may see different share options.

Documents: Select a locally stored PDF or image to share it.

Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Microsoft OneDrive for Business: Select a file to share from the selected file sharing service. You will need to grant Zoom access to your account.
Note: Only PDFs and images are supported.

Website URL: Enter a URL to open a browser and share the website.

Bookmark: Share bookmarks stored in the Zoom app.

Screen: Share a view of your phone's entire screen.

Camera: Allows sharing of your video camera or an attached webcam.

Share Whiteboard: Share a whiteboard you can annotate on.

How to share your screen

To share your entire screen, including any application on your Android device:

1. Tap Share in the meeting controls.

2. Tap Screen.
The Android system will display a notification informing you of what the screen share will have access to.

3. Tap Start Now to confirm.
The screen share will start and Zoom will continue to run in the background. You can now choose the app that you would like to share.

4. At the bottom of your screen, tap Annotate to open the annotation tools or tap Stop Share to stop sharing and go back to meeting controls.

How to share device audio

Note: Ensure that the sound generated by the app you're sharing is allowed to be captured by non-system applications. Some apps may block sound from being shared for security and privacy reasons.

To share device audio:

1. Follow the instructions to begin sharing your screen.

2. Tap the Share Audio option, found between the options to Annotate and Stop Share.

3. Tap again to disable or tap Stop Share to end the share completely.

On iOS, you can share the following options:

Screen (requires iOS 11 or higher)

Photos

iCloud Drive

Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Microsoft OneDrive for Business: Select a file to share from the selected file sharing service. You will need to grant Zoom access to your account. Only PDFs and images are supported.

Website URLs

Bookmark

Whiteboard (iPad only)

Note: Some of these options can be disabled in your Account settings, under Integrations. If you need to share your entire screen on an older version of Zoom, see sharing iOS Applications.

How to share content

To share content:

1. Tap Share Content in the meeting controls.

2. Tap the type of content that you want to share.
For example, if you select Google Drive, this will bring up a series of documents that can be shared.

3. Select the document you want to share and then Share in the top right corner.

4. The content is now shared into the meeting.

Notes:

You cannot annotate when sharing your entire screen into the meeting through an iOS device. If you need to annotate when sharing an entire iOS screen, see sharing iOS Applications.

While sharing your screen, you can hide your self-view of your video by swiping the video preview window towards the edge of the screen.

Zoom Community

Join the 83K+ other members in the Zoom Community! Login with your Zoom account credentials and start collaborating.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With Zoom, share your screen, desktop, or other content during a meeting, even while your video is on. Screen sharing during Zoom meetings is designed with a collaborative environment in mind. This feature gives only the users, who choose to share their screen, full control over their own screen and what other meeting participants can or cannot see.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are multiple roles available for a meeting: host, co-host, alternative hosts, and participants.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

Host controls allow you as the host to control various aspects of a Zoom meeting, such as managing the participants.

The co-host feature allows the host to share hosting privileges with another user, allowing the co-host to manage the administrative side of the meeting, such as managing participants or starting/stopping the recording. The host must assign a co-host. There is no limitation on the number of co-hosts you can have in a meeting or webinar.

Co-hosts do not have access to the following controls as they are only available as host controls in a meeting:

Start closed captioning and assign someone or a third-party to provide closed captioning

Start live streaming

End meeting for all participants

Make another participant a co-host

Start breakout rooms or move participants from one breakout room to another

Start waiting room (co-hosts can place participants in waiting room or admit/remove participants from the waiting room)

Co-hosts also cannot start a meeting. If a host needs someone else to be able to start the meeting, they can assign an alternative host.

Prerequisites

Host permission in the meeting, or co-host permission (set by the host)

Zoom desktop client for macOS, PC, Chrome OS or Linux

Zoom mobile app for iOS or Android

The host controls will appear at the bottom of your screen if you are not currently screen sharing.

Security: Access in-meeting security options.

Manage Participants: Opens the window to manage participants and invite others to join the meeting.

Polling: Allows you to create, edit, and launch your polls. The options to create or launch polls will open up the Zoom web portal in your default browser.

Share Screen: Start sharing your screen. You will be able to select the desktop or application you want to share. When you are screen sharing, the controls will appear at the top of your screen, but you can drag it to another location.
Screen Share controls (click ^ next to Share Screen): Select who can share in your meeting and if you want only the host or any participant to be able to start a new share when someone is sharing.

Chat: Access the chat window to chat with the participants.

Record: Start or stop a cloud or local recording.

Closed Caption (only available to the host): If you have enabled closed captioning for your account, click here to access the closed caption options.

Breakout Rooms (only available to the host): Start breakout rooms.

More: Clicking on More will give you access to additional options.

End (only available to the host): Display the following two options.

End Meeting for All: End the meeting for yourself and all participants.

Leave Meeting: Leave the meeting. You will be prompted to assign a host so that the meeting can continue.

The host controls will appear at the bottom of your screen if you are not currently screen sharing.

Security: Access in-meeting security options.

Manage Participants: Opens the window to manage participants and invite others to join the meeting.

Polling: Allows you to create, edit, and launch your polls. The options to create or launch polls will open up the Zoom web portal in your default browser.

Share Screen: Start sharing your screen. You will be able to select the desktop or application you want to share.
Screen Share controls (click ^ next to Share Screen): Select who can share in your meeting and if you want only the host or any participant to be able to start a new share when someone is sharing.

Chat: Access the chat window to chat with the participants.

Record: Start or stop a cloud or local recording.

Closed Caption (only available to the host): If you have enabled closed captioning for your account, click here to access the closed caption options.

Breakout Rooms (only available to the host): Start breakout rooms.

More: Clicking on More will give you access to additional options.

End (only available to the host): Display the following two options.

End Meeting for All: End the meeting for yourself and all participants.

Leave Meeting: Leave the meeting. You will be prompted to assign a host so that the meeting can continue.

The host controls will appear at the bottom of your screen.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Host controls allow you as the host to control various aspects of a Zoom meeting, such as managing the participants. The co-host feature allows the host to share hosting privileges with another user, allowing the co-host to manage the administrative side of the meeting, such as managing participants or starting/stopping the recording.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Overview

The co-host feature allows you to share hosting privileges with another user in a meeting or webinar. This can be useful to allow another user to manage the administrative side of the meeting, such as muting participants or starting/stopping the recording.

Co-hosts are assigned during a meeting and cannot start a meeting. If a host needs someone else to be able to start the meeting, they can assign an alternative host.

Note: By default, meetings hosted by On-Prem users with on-premise meeting connectors, can not assign co-host rights to another participant. This option must be enabled by Zoom support.

This article covers:

Prerequisites

Zoom Desktop Client

Windows: 3.5.24604.0824 or higher

macOS: 3.5.24604.0824 or higher

Linux: 3.5.24604.0824 or higher

Zoom Mobile App

Android: 3.5.24989.0826 or higher

iOS: 3.5.24989.0826 or higher

Pro, Business, Education, or API Partner plan

Enabling co-host

Account

To enable the Co-host feature for all members of your organization:

1. Sign into the Zoom web portal as an administrator with the privilege to edit Account settings, and click Account Settings.

2. Navigate to the Co-host option on the Meetingtab and verify that the setting is enabled.
If the setting is disabled, click the Status toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.

3. (Optional) If you want to make this setting mandatory for all users in your account, click the lock icon, and then click Lock to confirm the setting.

Group

To enable the co-host feature for all members of a specific group:

1. Sign into the Zoom web portal as an administrator with the privilege to edit User groups, and click Group Management.

2. Click the name of the group, then click the Settings tab.

3. Navigate to the Co-host option on the Meetingtab and verify that the setting is enabled.
If the setting is disabled, click the Status toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.

Note: If the option is grayed out, it has been locked at the account level, and needs to be changed at that level.

4. (Optional) If you want to make this setting mandatory for all users in this group, click the lock icon, and then click Lock to confirm the setting.

User

To enable the co-host feature for your own use:

1. Sign into the Zoom web portal and click My Meeting Settings (if you are an account administrator) or Meeting Settings (if you are an account member).

2. Navigate to the Co-host option on the Meetingtab and verify that the setting is enabled.
If the setting is disabled, click the Status toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.

Note: If the option is grayed out, it has been locked at either the Group or Account level, and you will need to contact your Zoom administrator.

Using co-host in a meeting

There are two ways that you can make a user a co-host.

In the meeting, the host hovers over the user's video, clicks on the three dots and chooses Make Co-Host.

Alternatively, the host can make another participant a co-host through the Participants window.

1. Click on Manage Participants in the meeting controls at the bottom of the Zoom window.

2. Hover over the name of the participant who is going to be a co-host, and choose More.

3. Click Make Co-Host.

Once a participant has been made a Co-host, they'll have access to the co-host controls.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The co-host feature allows you to share hosting privileges with another user in a meeting or webinar. This can be useful to allow another user to manage the administrative side of the meeting, such as muting participants or starting/stopping the recording. Co-hosts are assigned during a meeting and cannot start a meeting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Creating polls are a great way for gathering participant feedback from your Zoom meetings. Zoom allows you to create multiple-choice or single-answer polls and even see the live results. Here's how to create polls for Zoom meetings.

Before we get started, there are a couple of requirements for creating polls for Zoom meetings. First, you (the host) need to be a licensed user. Second, you can only create polls for scheduled meetings or for instant meetings where you use your Personal Meeting ID (PMI).

For security reasons, we recommend only using your PMI for personal meetings, such as meetings with friends and family members.

RELATED: What Is Zoombombing, and How Can You Stop It?

Enable Polling for Zoom Meetings

You'll need to enable the polling option before you're able to create a poll. In your web browser, sign in to Zoom and select "Account Settings" under "Account Management" in the "Admin" group of the left-hand pane.

You'll now be in the "Meeting" tab. Scroll down until you find the "Polling" option nearly halfway down the screen. Toggle the slider to the right to enable polling.

With Polling enabled, it's time to create your poll.

Create a Poll

In the Zoom web portal, select the "Meetings" tab in the left-hand pane.

You can now schedule a new Zoom meeting, or select an already scheduled meeting from your meeting list. We'll go ahead and select our scheduled meeting.

Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you'll find a box with text saying you have not created a poll. Select "Add."

The "Add A Poll" window will appear. The first step is to give your poll a name and decide if the answers will be anonymous or not. This means that when you see the results, you'll only see that a "Guest" answered the question instead of the actual user.

Next, type your question (within 255 characters), select if it will be single or multiple-choice answer, then type the available answers. You can have up to 10 answers for each question.

You can add more questions to the poll by selecting "Add A Question" at the bottom of the window, and repeating the above process. Once you're finished, select "Save."

Now that you've created your poll, you can launch it during the Zoom meeting.

Start Your Poll During the Zoom Meeting

Once the Zoom meeting has started and you're ready to launch the poll, select "Polls" found at the bottom of the meeting window.

The "Polls" window will appear. Review the questions and answers, then select "Launch Polling."

You'll be able to see the polling results in real time. Once everyone has voted, select "End Polling."

You'll now see the results of the poll. You can either share the results of the poll with the attendees or relaunch the polling.

If you'd like to go back and view the results later, select the meeting in the "Previous Meetings" tab in the web portal, select "Poll Report" next to the "Report type" option, and generate the report. You can then view the results from past meetings.

Marshall is a writer with experience in the data storage industry. He worked at Synology, and most recently as CMO and technical staff writer at StorageReview. He's currently an API/Software Technical Writer based in Tokyo, Japan, runs VGKAMI and ITEnterpriser, and spends what little free time he has learning Japanese. Marshall Gunnell
Read Full Bio "

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Creating polls are a great way for gathering participant feedback from your Zoom meetings. Zoom allows you to create multiple-choice or single-answer polls and even see the live results. Here's how to create polls for Zoom meetings. Before we get started, there are a couple of requirements for creating polls for Zoom meetings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The polling feature for meetings allows you to create single-choice or multiple-choice polling questions for your meetings. You will be able to launch the poll during your meeting and gather the responses from your participants. You also have the ability to download a report of polling after the meeting. Polls can also be conducted anonymously, if you do not wish to collect participant information with the poll results.

Full details of the poll results, such as each participant's answers and submission times, are contained in the polling reports, which are available after the meeting by default but can also be made available during the live session.

You can also create and launch advanced polls and quizzes.

Creating standard polls or advanced polls in a webinar is also available.

This article covers:

Prerequisites for conducting polls in meetings

*Note: Host can create and edit polls directly on the desktop client with version 5.13.0 and higher.

**Note: Users on the iOS or Android mobile app can participate in polling, but hosts need to be using the desktop client to manage the polls.

Limitations of meeting polls

By default, only the original meeting host can edit or add polls during a meeting. If the host or co-host role is transferred to another user, that user will only be able to launch polls already created. Alternative hosts can add or edit polls if the setting is enabled in the web portal and the host selects the option when scheduling a meeting.

You can create a maximum of 50 polls for a single meeting, with each poll having a maximum of 10 questions.

If a poll is relaunched in a meeting, the poll report will only display the last poll occurrence. If you know you will need to launch the same poll twice and want both sets of data, consider creating a second poll with the same questions as the original to avoid re-launching.

How to add poll questions for a meeting

Polling questions can be created in advance of the meeting, or done during a live session. If you create or edit a poll during a live meeting on version 5.12.9 and lower, you will be directed to the web portal. Hosts on desktop client 5.13.0 or higher will be able to create and edit in the polling window in the meeting.

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.

2. In the navigation menu, click Meetings.

3. Click the topic of your scheduled meeting. If you do not have a scheduled meeting, schedule a meeting.

4. At the top of the page, click the Polls/Quizzes tab.

5. Click + Create to begin creating the poll.
If advanced polling and quizzes are enabled, you will have two options: Poll and Advanced Polls and Quizzing.

6. Select Polls.

7. (Optional) Select the Add to Polls/Quizzes library checkbox.
After your poll is created, it will be saved to a library where you can access it for other meetings.

8. Click Next.

9. Click Untitled Poll to change the name of this set of polls.

10. Click the question area to edit the following details:

Click the Untitled Question area to edit the name of that polling question.

To the right of the name of the polling question, click the dropdown menu to choose the type of question:

Single Choice: Poll participants can select only one of the provided answers.

Multiple Choice: Poll participants can select multiple provided answers.

Click the blank box for each choice to enter an answer for participants to select from.

Click + Add Choice to add additional answer options.

: Delete the current polling question.

: Duplicate the current polling question as it currently is.

11. (Optional) Click Add a Question to create an additional question.
Note: Each question and individual answers for a question can be reordered as needed.

12. Click the More button to access the following options:

Require answers to be anonymous: Poll participants can choose to have their answers associated with themselves or to provide answers to the poll anonymously.
Note: If this option is grayed out, it has been locked at either the group or account level. You need to contact your Zoom admin.

Add to Polls/Quizzes library: Your created poll will be saved to a poll/quiz library, where you can access and reuse your poll again for future meetings. You can go to "Meetings > Polls" to view this item.

13. Click Save.

During the meeting, all questions under a single poll will be asked when launched. You can create additional polls to ask questions at different times during the meeting.

How to use the Polls/Quizzes library

If enabled by an admin, you can manage a central library of polls for meetings. You can create or edit polls and use them for Personal Meeting ID (PMI) and non-PMI meetings. When a poll is marked as available to all meetings, it will appear in the list of polls that can be launched in a meeting.

Notes:

You can only enable up to 10 polls for your meetings.

Accessing polls created in the central poll library when in a meeting requires version 5.10.3 or higher.

Access the Polls/Quizzes tab

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.

2. In the navigation menu, click Meetings.

3. Click the Polls/Quizzes tab.
Note: If the tab is labeled as just Polls, advanced polling and quizzes have not been enabled.

Create a poll in the Polls/Quizzes tab

Create a first saved poll that can be enabled with all your meetings.

1. Access the Polls/Quizzes tab.

2. Select Polls.
Note: If advanced polling and quizzes are enabled, you will have two options displayed: Poll and Advanced Polls and Quizzing.

3. Create a poll.
After your poll is created, it will be displayed in the Polls/Quizzes tab.

4. (Optional) To enable your created polls for all your meetings, under Enable, click the toggle to enable or disable it .

5. (Optional) To create more polls, click + Create.

Multiple polls will display the Name, Type (Polls, Quiz, Advanced Poll), Question(s) (number of questions), and Enable information.

Use actions for individual polls

After creating a poll in the Polls/Quizzes tab, you can select actions for it:

1. To the right of a poll, click the pencil icon to edit your poll.

2. To the right of a poll, click the ellipsis , then select from the following actions:

Duplicate: The poll will be duplicated.

Delete: The poll will be deleted.

Use batch actions for multiple polls

After creating multiple polls in the Polls/Quizzes tab, you can select actions for them:

1. By Name, select the checkbox.
All polls' checkboxes will be selected.
If you do not want to select all polls, you can select the poll check boxes that you want.

2. Select from the following batch actions for the multiple selected polls:

Disable for My Meetings: Under Enable, the toggles for the selected polls will be disabled and unavailable for all your meetings.

Enable for My Meetings: Under Enable, the toggles for the selected polls will be enabled and available for all your meetings.

Duplicate: The selected polls will be duplicated.

Delete: The selected polls will be deleted.

Filter the Polls/Quizzes tab

Click the All Types dropdown menu to display different filters. You can filter your polls/quizzes by Polls, Advanced Polls, or Quiz.

How to launch a poll in a meeting

Polls are not immediately available to meeting participants, as the host needs to launch a poll for participants to respond to. These polls can be created before the meeting starts, or during a live session, but in either case, the poll must be created in the web portal.

1. Start the scheduled Zoom meeting that has polling enabled.

2. In the meeting controls, click the Polls button.

3. At the top of the polling window, select the poll you would like to launch (if multiple polls were created)

4. Click Launch.
The participants in the meeting will now be prompted to answer the polling questions. The host will be able to see the results live.

5. Once you would like to stop the poll, click End Poll.

6. Click the More button to access the following options:

Re-launch Poll: Launches the poll again.
Note: If a poll is relaunched in a meeting, the poll report will only display the last poll occurrence. If you know you will need to launch the same poll twice and want both sets of data, consider creating a second poll with the same questions as the original to avoid relaunching.

Download results: This will launch your default web browser so that you can download the entire poll report, which shows what each participant chose, instead of the percentages of each choice.
Note: To have this feature enabled, contact Zoom Support.

View Results from Browser: Launches your default web browser and displays the same polling results on the web page.

7. Click Share Results to share the results with the participants in the meeting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The polling feature for meetings allows you to create single-choice or multiple-choice polling questions for your meetings. You will be able to launch the poll during your meeting and gather the responses from your participants. You also have the ability to download a report of polling after the meeting.