Zoom

Videoconferencing juggernaut is reliable, flexible

Learning rating

Community rating

Not yet reviewed
Based on 0 review

Privacy rating

Expert evaluation by Common Sense

Grades

3–12

Subjects & Skills

Communication & Collaboration

Great for

Classroom Management, Instructional Strategies, Productivity

Price: Free, Paid
Platforms: Web

Pros: Reliable performance. Screen-share and record easily.

Cons: Facilitating complex events can be challenging/awkward.

Bottom Line: This is a better option than some key competitors, but while it's easy to get going, it requires some exploration and practice to use well.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Zoom is one of the more reliable options for teachers to host videoconferences -- whether with students, families, or colleagues and administrators. Its uses for conferencing and teaching are pretty clear: chatting by video and text and sharing screens. However, there are more layers to Zoom that would be worth checking out. For example, it's also a great, convenient tool for screen recording. Just fire up a meeting (where you're the only attendee!) and record it. Share your screen during the recording to walk students through a tool or teach a concept. 

We all know that video-based teaching, especially in distance/virtual/remote classrooms or workplaces, can be exhausting. Zoom has some features you can use to mix things up and keep people engaged, though. Try out the breakout rooms feature to split people off into smaller groups for pair and share-style activities. Use the polling feature to give students choice over a lesson. Also, make sure to check out the expanding library of apps and integrations Zoom offers. These apps greatly expand the possibilities and might match up with tools you and your students are already familiar with.

Learning Rating

Overall Rating
Engagement

While the design is effective, it's got a ways to go before students see Zoom as a compelling place to learn. 

Pedagogy

Makes it easy for teachers to facilitate live instruction or record their screens. Features like breakout rooms or polls allow for some variety.

Support

There are robust support FAQs to help problem solve. Offers real-time transcriptions; although, they're not ideal. Teachers can set up permissions for rooms and moderate, but it requires some practice.

Community Rating

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Privacy Rating

Data Safety How safe is this product?

  • Users can interact with trusted users.
  • Users can interact with untrusted users, including strangers and/or adults.
  • Profile information must be shared for social interactions.

Data Rights What rights do I have to the data?

  • Users can create or upload content.
  • Users retain ownership of their data.
  • Processes to access or review user data are available.

Ads & Tracking Are there advertisements or tracking?

  • Personal information is not shared for third-party marketing.
  • Traditional or contextual advertisements are displayed.
  • Personalised advertising is not displayed.

Continue reading about this tool's privacy practices, including data collection, sharing, and security.

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