VCU Training, Presented by Zoom

Zoom presented a special training session just for VCU users.  You should find it very helpful.

A later session gave a more in-depth tour of advanced features available in Zoom:

Calling A Hardware Codec

Although Zoom is a software-based conferencing application, it is possible to connect to traditional hardware-based H.323 codecs via Zoom's "Cloud Room Connector" gateway. Here's how:

• Start your Zoom meeting.
• From the meeting toolbar, choose "Participants" and then use the "Invite" button.
• From the pop-up window, choose the tab marked "Room System".
• Choose the second tab, "Call Out".
• In the field provided, enter the IP address of the device you're calling.
• Hit "Call".

If you know you'll be connecting to the address on a regular basis, you can request to have it added to the Zoom Address Book, accessed via the pull-down menu next to the IP entry field. To request an addition to the address book, please submit an IT Support Ticket.

It works the other way around, as well; you can join a Zoom meeting by calling from a hardware codec. Here's how:

• Find the Meeting ID number for your meeting. (It should appear next to the meeting name in the "Meetings" tab on your account page and will be 9 to 11 characters in length.)
• On the hardware codec, dial the IP address of Zoom's "Cloud Room Connector" (ex: 162.255.37.11).
• When you get to the Room Connector welcome screen, enter the Zoom Meeting ID number.

NOTE: The invitation emails generated by Zoom will include information on how to join via codec or telephone. Include all details in your invitation to give guests as many options as possible.

Zoom Webinar Feature

Zoom offers an add-on feature called "Webinar" that offers slightly different capabilities from "Meeting."

In "Webinar", only the host and designated "Panelists" can share video and audio, with all other participants limited to participating via the "Chat" window or the text-based "Question and Answer" feature. Questions entered into "Q&A" can be seen by the host and panelists, who may choose to respond in a number of ways. By its nature, this format is more secured against disruptions and intrusions from "Zoombombers".

A full breakdown of the difference between "Meeting" and "Webinar" is available in the Zoom Knowledge Base.

Please note that Webinar is not part of the standard VCU Zoom user plan. Most users will not have the ability to access it, and the "Webinar" tab on their account page will just show a "sales pitch" for the feature. "Webinar" can be purchased as an annual subscription using a departmental budget code via the online form at mssvideo.vcu.edu/zoomfeatures.

Also, Technology Services owns a single 500-seat Webinar license that can be leased out to departments on a per-event basis for a nominal fee. This typically involves a two-day lease to cover the actual event plus time to practice and learn the features. If interested, please contact zoom@vcu.edu for details.