Video Conferencing at NTS

NTS offers coursed accessible from a distance using the Zoom Video Conferencing platform (http://zoom.us). Zoom is a widely adopted platform by many global education institutions. The functionality of Zoom is similar to Vidyo or Skype, but has additional features helpful for education. Please download and configure Zoom prior to the start of your NTS course. If you need help, the Zoom webpage has 24/7 assistance (http://zoom.us); look for the floating bubble on the bottom right of the page and click to chat with someone at Zoom. Getting Started

You will need an internet capable computer, webcam, and a headset with an attached microphone to

participate in videoconferencing courses at NTS. Your internet connection must be capable of a minimum of

1.5 Megabytes per second in both upload and download speed.

Equipment list:

• Computer. A computer capable of running web streaming applications such as YouTube.

• Software. You need the current version of Zoom software installed and tested on your computer

http://zoom.us.

• Internet. Minimum Internet connectivity of 1.5 MB/sec upload and download speeds which is

typical of a high-speed connection. You can test your internet speed by test from this link:

http://www.speedtest.net/. Wireless connections are often impacted by unwanted interference, so

we encourage a hard-wired connection when possible.

• Webcam. Logitech Webcam or another good quality webcam. Most laptops now have good

webcams. Webcams may be purchased at almost any computer supply store.

• Headset. For quality of audio, we REQUIRE the use of headsets with headphones with an attached

microphone. A USB connection is recommended and preferred.

• For additional system requirements and recommended hardware see:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-

Linux

Software Setup with Zoom for desktops and laptops:

1. Visit https://nazarenetheologicalseminary.zoom.us/ to begin the sign-up process.

2. Click the sign-up button to create a free account.

3. Download the Zoom application by clicking on Download Client and Plugins.

4. Click the download button for Zoom Client for Meetings.

5. Test your zoom connection at https://nazarenetheologicalseminary.zoom.us/ by clicking the test button and following these steps:

A. Once on the Zoom test page, click on the blue Join button to launch Zoom.

B. With Zoom installed, it will open the Zoom window automatically.

C. You will then have the option to Join the Audio Conference by the Computer or to view the details to

dial in by phone. If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting, choose the option Test your

Computer Mic & Speaker.

D. Click Test Speaker and confirm that you can hear the tone. If it does not play, you may need to adjust

the volume or choose a different speaker from the drop-down menu.

E. Click Test Mic and speak into your microphone. Click the button Recording when you are done

speaking and it will play your microphone test back to you. If you cannot hear your microphone

recording, you can select another microphone from the drop-down menu or adjust the input level.

F. Once you've confirmed that your microphone and speakers are working properly, you can close out of

the audio settings window. To continue using computer audio, now choose Join Audio Conference by

Computer. You can also check the option Automatically join audio by computer when joining a

meeting if you want Zoom to automatically connect to computer audio each time you join a Zoom

meeting.

Joining a classroom:

In your Moodle course, there is a link to click to join your classroom. Click on the link that correlates with the

classroom scheduled. Reference the Course schedule (http://www.nts.edu/nts-resources/course-schedules-

and-textbook-lists/) to find the assigned classroom.

To learn about additional functionality and view tutorials, please visit:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials

Prescribed Practices and Etiquette

Here are some things to be aware of while participating in a video classroom:

1. Be early. You will want to dial into the classroom at 5 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin. If you join the classroom late, just be aware that your webcam is displayed in the front of the classroom and there is a sound signaling that you have joined the class.

2. You MUST wear a headset with a built in microphone and have your microphone muted at all times unless you are asking a question or participating in a discussion.

3. Try to position your camera so that it is wide enough to see your head and shoulders, but not so wide

as to see a large portion of the room you are in. We need to see you raise your hand, but too much room is problematic as well.

4. There may be times when you find it difficult to ask a question or enter into the discussion from a

distance. It is appropriate for you to unmute your microphone and politely address the professor or other students if needed. You may say something like, “Professor, may have I have an opportunity to speak? Thank you.”

5. Please make sure that the background/wall behind you is static and pleasing, so as to not distract the other students.

6. Make sure your webcam is not facing a bright window or light. The backlight will cause the class to only

see a dark shadow rather than your face.

7. It is beneficial for you to reboot your computer before your class and try to limit any other programs running during the class session. Sometimes connections like this can be sensitive to any configuration or connectivity issues, so a clean startup and fewer other programs running may help you avoid any connectivity complications during class.

8. Treat your presence in the classroom just as you would if you were in the physical classroom. Avoid

unnecessary coming and going, as well as, excessive movement in front of the camera.

9. Please note that if your participation in the course becomes a major distraction due to connectivity problems or not following the prescribed practices, you may be dropped from the course.