Last Updated: March 17, 2021
We understand that teaching virtually presents unique challenges for educators. On this page, we'll be including tips and best practices for teaching an OLLI at UNT class on Zoom. We're also including some recommendations to help you troubleshoot common problems, including unstable internet connection and poor audio quality. We hope you'll find this resource helpful as you prepare to teach our members.
If you have a question that isn't addressed on this page, please know that our staff is available to assist you. Contact olli@unt.edu or 940-369-7293 with any questions you may have. We are also happy to set up an appointment to meet with you over Zoom and walk you through the ins and outs of the virtual platform.
In our virtual classroom, screen space is limited. Handouts are a great way to share charts, figures, or illustrations with members so that they don't have to squint at the screen. You can also use handouts to include links to your source materials and resources for further study.
Handouts should be submitted to olli@unt.edu so that we can post them on our website for members to access. When you email us, let us know if you'd like a message sent to your class roster explaining the information you're making available to them.
PowerPoint presentations that are designed to be projected on a classroom wall may not translate well to the small screen. Brightly colored backgrounds and fonts can be hard on participants' eyes. Consider increasing the font size of the text on your slides and relying more on graphic representations of the points you're making. If you wish to provide members with very detailed information, handouts are the best option.
It always helps to do a dry run of your presentation before you offer it to a live audience! If you have your own personal Zoom account, schedule a test meeting prior to the start of your course and check with a friend or family member to see if they will agree to be your test audience.
You can also reach out to olli@unt.edu to schedule a brief Zoom meeting with a staff member so that you can test all aspects of your presentation, including your slides and any video/audio clips you plan to share during your presentation. If you wish to arrange a test Zoom meeting with our staff, please contact us at least 12 business days prior to your first scheduled course session.
The OLLI at UNT staff member who is hosting your course will open the Zoom meeting 15 minutes in advance of the start time. We encourage you to join the meeting early and use this time to set up for your presentation. Before students are admitted into the session, you can test your PowerPoint, including any video our audio clips you may plan to share. Your host can also help you troubleshoot any issues you may have with your audio, video, or internet connection.
No matter how fast your internet connection is, there's only so much bandwidth to go around. Smart phones, smart TVs, tablets, and of course other computers can all access the internet, even when you're not actively using them. Turning these devices off or disconnecting them from the internet while you teach will give you the best chance to have a strong connection on Zoom.
If you can teach using a computer that's plugged directly into a modem, that may result in a stronger connection on Zoom, compared to using WiFi. It's also a good idea to close any programs or apps that you aren't using as part of your course. Check out the troubleshooting section of this page for more tips on establishing a strong internet connection.
It's best to teach from a location where you're accustomed to experiencing a fast internet connection. When Zoom shows you a message stating that your internet connection is unstable, there are certain actions you can take that may improve the quality of your connection.
Most laptops and many desktop computers come with built-in microphones that are more than adequate for the purposes of teaching virtually. However, there are some additional steps you can take to get the best audio quality possible from your built-in microphone.
In some cases, the audio quality from your computer's built-in microphone may be poor no matter what additional steps you take. There are many styles of external microphones available to purchase from electronics stores that may improve the quality of your audio. Below are two types of microphones that we've found work well for virtual teaching. Most basic models of these microphones are priced between $20 - $50. Remember that when you join a Zoom meeting, you'll need to be sure that your external microphone is selected in Zoom's audio settings.
USB Headset with Microphone: The primary advantage of these headsets is that they make it easy to place the microphone directly in front of your mouth. This helps to reduce the amount of ambient background noise that comes through on Zoom. It can also help to save your voice, especially if you are soft-spoken. These headsets plug directly into the USB port of your computer.
USB Desktop Microphone: There are many different styles of desktop microphones that plug directly into the USB port of your computer. Some may appeal to you more than others, but most will be an improvement over your computer's built-in microphone. If you prefer not to wear a headset, this option may be best for you. Remember to place the microphone within one foot of your mouth for best results.