On a Desktop on the PISD Network

Get the most out of Zoom by installing the client version. Here's how:

1. Install Zoom from the App Depot located on your desktop.

2. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT SEE THIS POP-UP DEPENDING ON YOUR SETTINGS. During the installation, if you see this window, check “Remember my choice . . .” then click on Launch Application.

3. Once the installation is complete, click OK. A shortcut will automatically be added to your desktop. 

4. Sign in with Google using your PISD credentials.

On a district-issued laptop

Option 1 - Client version

Same as above however you MUST be on the network in order to install apps on the PISD network. So bring your laptop to work to install it.

Option 2 - Web version

Use the web version of Zoom by launching the Zoom app from Webdesk. Sign in with Google using your PISD credentials.

On your personal computer

Option 1 - Client version

See instructions on the Zoom support page: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/sections/200305583-Desktop

Option 2 - Web version

Use the web version of Zoom by launching the Zoom app from Webdesk. Sign in with Google using your PISD credentials.

On a Chromebook

To use Zoom on a Chromebook see these instructions on the Zoom website

Zoom linked in email

• It is likely that the meeting moderator sent you an email with the Zoom meeting link embedded in it. Open that email, click on the link, and Zoom will load for you. Be sure to have followed the Zoom installation steps above.

Meeting ID

• If you do not have the meeting hyperlink in an email but you do have the Meeting ID, then you can: 
  
  • Launch the Zoom app from your desktop. 
  • Click "Join a Meeting". 
  • Enter the meeting ID given to you by the moderator.

Tip

• If you join a meeting in which you would like to only be a viewer and not verbally participate, check the boxes to turn off audio and video when joining the meeting. 

Using Breakout Rooms

Note: Only a Host or a Co-host has the ability to apply breakout rooms. Once breakout rooms have started, the host/co-host has the ability to jump in/out of any room. Watch the video below to see how to broadcast a message and set timers.  

1. First, enable breakout rooms by going to your Settings and turning it on. 

In Settings, scroll down to find "Breakout room" and turn it on.

2. When you start a meeting, you will see the Breakout Rooms option on the bottom of the meeting screen. 

3. Select how many rooms in which to place the participants, either automatically or manually. 

Another option is to pre-assign them - How to pre-assign breakout rooms.

Video on creating breakout rooms

Zoom Comparison Chart (Chromebook vs Windows/Mac)

• Zoom Comparison Chart (Chromebook vs Windows/Mac)

• Zoom for Education: Top 10 FAQs

• Visit the Zoom support page for instructions and videos on how to use this platform: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697

• Contact the Digital Learning Team - pisd.edu/dlt

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between a Basic Zoom account and a Premium Zoom Account?

A: These new licenses offer greater functionality than the basic (free) accounts many of us have been using since remote teaching and learning started last spring. Among the enhanced features are cloud recording, dial-in phone numbers, increased participant capacity (300) and Single Sign On through Webdesk. Coupled with Zoom’s advanced noise-cancelling technology, break out room capability, and enhanced in-meeting management features (e.g. Mute All, Disable Chat, etc), we believe this tool is a welcome addition to our instructional technology toolbelt.

Q: Does this mean we can no longer use Google Meet?

A: Google Meet will remain available and viable for a variety of purposes.  We love the convenience of Meet’s integration with Google Classroom.  Google will soon, however,  place some limits on our version of Meet that may prevent it from being the most appropriate solution in some circumstances.  Notably, all recordings made in our version of Meet will be given a “temporary” designation.  They will expire in 30 days, can’t be downloaded and may not be shared outside of the organization.  Those limitations may be OK in some cases, but not in others.  Google is also making noise cancellation part of it’s premium package (that we don’t have), reducing participants to 100 (from 250) and will no longer be providing dial-in numbers for meetings.