Frequently Asked Questions

Zoom Questions

How do I join a Zoom meeting?

Join a Zoom Test Meeting (found by clicking here) to confirm your computer or device's capabilities. 

• In your test meeting, practice using the Zoom features listed below under "Views to Choose From" and "The Zoom Menu."
• Contact SPU's  CIS  Help Desk! to resolve any technical issues if your test meeting fails.

Please follow the link Join a Zoom meeting

Do I need to install Zoom?

You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting or interview. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also log in via the SSO option with your SPU account credentials, but that may not be required to participate in a Zoom meeting; that may depend on how your instructor has setup the meeting.

Please see the System Requirements at the following URL to ensure that you are ready to go: How to get started!

How do I download Zoom?

We recommend using the desktop client for the best in-meeting experience, it is not required to join a meeting as you can join directly from a browser. Your instructor may also require you to download and be logged into the client. 

How can I see who else is in the Zoom meeting?

Find out who else is in the meeting by clicking Participants. Participants can react through various meeting reactions. Use Gallery view feature to view thumbnails of all participants.

How do I share my screen?

Zoom allows for screen sharing on desktop, tablet and mobile devices running Zoom. The host and attendee can screen share by clicking on the Share Screen icon located in your meeting tool bar.  Select the screen you want to share. 

Follow the link for more information on screen sharing Zoom Screen share

Can I share my smart phone screen and annotate during a meeting?

If you have an iOS or Android device, you can launch the meeting from the mobile app, and share your phone screen. You can also share your screen through the Zoom desktop application often used for annotating using a touch screen device.

Can I record a class session?

Generally, there are FERPA regulations regarding class recordings.  Talk with your instructor if you want to have a recording of the session.

If you're hosting your own meeting,  you can start recording a meeting and click the Record icon on the Zoom toolbar.  You may only record locally and then upload your recording to a service like Panopto or YouTube afterwards.

Should I join a Zoom meeting from a public location?

Public spaces with free-WiFi may have unreliable connectivity and inherently less secure than your personal WiFi. Be mindful of personal data, or information you share within a public space.

Will Zoom work internationally?

Yes, Zoom works globally.

Can I join on multiple devices?

You can be signed in to Zoom on one computer, one tablet, and one phone at a time. If you sign into an additional device while logged into another device of the same type, you will be logged out automatically on the first device. 

What is a breakout room?

Your instructor may invite you to join the breakout room. Click Join. These are mini group Zoom meetings that allow you talk in smaller groups.  Your groups may be timed and may automatically bring you back to the main Zoom meeting, depending on how your instructor has setup the breakout rooms.  

How can I quickly communicate with other students?

You can use Zoom chat. In your controls at the bottom window, click Chat. If you are on a mobile device, tap Participants, then Chat. The chat window will open on the right side of your screen if you are not in full screen mode.You can type your message into the chat window and press Enter to send your message.

Is the zoom toolbar still accessible when an instructors shares a PowerPoint slide show ?

The toolbar is always accessible but if you don’t set it to always show control bar, it will disappear/hide and you will need to locate again.

What should I do if Zoom doesn't work? 

If you have trouble with Zoom, see the CIS HelpDesk's Tips and Troubleshooting for Students or contact the CIS HelpDesk for support at 206-281-2982 or help@spu.edu. 

Do I have to turn my mic and camera on?

This depends on your class instructor.  If you have trouble with either, see the Tips and Troubleshooting for Students wiki page and contact the CIS HelpDesk for support at 206-281-2982 or help@spu.edu. 

Panopto Questions

Do I need to install Panopto?

You only need to install Panopto recording client if you have an assignment or project to create a video presentation.  You may want to use other tools to create your presentation, and if that's the case, then you may not need to install the recording client at all.  Instead, you can use the web interface to upload your video file and follow the instructions on the Submitting a Video (Panopto) Assignment in Canvas page to submit your video.

How do I install Panopto?

From a Personal Computer, the software may be downloaded by logging directly into Panopto at spu.hosted.panopto.com. You can also upload existing video and create new video with Panopto mobile app.

Learn more about Panopto Click here!

Do I need to log in the Panopto?

To view recordings in your class, no.  These should always be linked into your Canvas course.  You only need to log into Panopto if you want to edit your video, modify permissions, or add captions to your video.

Go to: spu.hosted.panopto.com. You can log in Panopto with your SPU credentials. 

How do I record my PowerPoint in Panopto?

Click here! to learn more about PowerPoint recording.

How do I edit my Panopto videos?

If you made your own videos, you can edit them directly in the web editor.  Follow this link for instructions: Editing Panopto videos