Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that allows people from different parts of the world to connect online. Many schools and universities use Zoom for online classes, and it’s important for online English learners to know how to use its functions effectively.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate Zoom for your online classes.
Joining a Zoom Meeting

To join a Zoom meeting, you will need an invitation link or a meeting ID and password from your school. Follow these steps to join a Zoom meeting
- Click on the link your school has provided or open the Zoom app and click on “Join a Meeting.”
- Enter the meeting ID and password your school has provided.
- Wait for the host to admit you into the meeting.
Using the Chat Function

The chat function in Zoom allows you to communicate with other participants in the meeting. Here’s how to use the chat function:
- Click on the chat icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Type a message to the group or to an individual participant.
- Use the chat function to ask questions or provide feedback during a class.
- Share links or resources with the group.
Using the Raise Hand Function

The raise hand function in Zoom allows you to indicate that you have a question or would like to speak. Here’s how to use the raise hand function:
- Click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Click on “Raise Hand.”
- The host or teacher will then know that you have a question or would like to speak.
Using the Audio and Video Functions

You can use the audio and video functions in Zoom to communicate with other participants in the meeting. Here’s how to use the audio and video functions:
- To turn your camera on or off, click on the camera icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- To mute or unmute your microphone, click on the microphone icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Using the Annotate Function


The annotate function in Zoom allows you to draw on the screen, highlight important points, and collaborate with others. Here’s how to use the annotate function:
- Click on the “Share Screen” button at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Select the screen or application you want to share.
- Click on “Annotate” and choose the tool you want to use.
- Draw on the screen or highlight important points.
Using Noise Canceling

The noise cancelling function in Zoom allows you to reduce background noise and improve the audio quality of your meeting. Here’s how to use the noise cancelling function:
- Click on the arrow next to the microphone icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Select “Audio Settings.”
- Click on “Advanced.”
- Choose the noise suppression level you want to use.
Joining a Breakout Room

A breakout room is a separate meeting within the main Zoom meeting that allows smaller groups to collaborate. Here’s how to join a breakout room:
- Click on the “Breakout Rooms” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Select the breakout room you want to join.
- Click on “Join.”
Asking for Help

If you need help during the meeting, you can use the “Ask for Help” function to get assistance from the host or teacher. Here’s how to use the “Ask for Help” function:
- Click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Click on “Ask for Help.”
- The host or teacher will then know that you need assistance.
Using Reactions

The reaction function in Zoom allows you to express your emotions or reactions with emojis during the meeting. Here’s how to use the reaction function:
- Click on the “Reactions” icon at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Choose the emoji you want to use.
- The emoji will appear on the screen for all participants to see.
Leaving a Zoom

Meeting When the meeting is over, you can leave the Zoom meeting by following these steps:
- Click on “Leave Meeting” at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Confirm that you want to leave the meeting.