I really enjoyed this class wide zoom call today. It was a great way to get everyone together and engage in regular class discussion.  Zoom provides many tools to optimize productivity within an online meeting such as screen sharing for presentations, group text chat boxes and options for direct messaging for optimal communication, and options for participating allowing or disallowing audio or video. There are also fun options and tools to engage in such as reactions, hands up, multiple video viewing options to choose from, and information regarding participants.  This application can be used in many different settings and can be used for multiple different situations including business meetings or schools.

During our first experience using Zoom, we were able to explore many of these tools. As we needed to complete our Edtech inquiry presentations but couldn’t do so in school, we opted to complete them over Zoom. To do this, we implemented the screen sharing tool. With the screen sharing tool, the application allows you to choose which window or page open on your computer that you would like to share so you don’t have to share your whole desktop! During our presentation, Holly and I screen shared our Kahoot Presentation on google slides. We did this by selecting the green screen share button located in the menu bar at the bottom the screen and then choosing the Kahoot page and clicking the blue share button located in the bottom corner. The class was then able to see our slideshow and further was able to participate in our Kahoot game. The class was able to participate in our presentation and engage in our set game smoothly. They were even able to hear the music for the game!!!

Later on in our meeting, we used Zoom to work through an online activity that we otherwise would have worked on together as a class. We worked on creating non-linear stories online using a program called Twine. Due to Zoom, the class was able to work through this program together. Everyone was able to ask questions and receive help when necessary.

I really enjoyed participating in class via Zoom. It was really fun to see everyone again after we found out school was cancelled. It also allowed for good conversations to be held  and everyone seemed to have a good time. Yay for Zoom!