Fact sheet: Zoom

Description

Zoom is a video conferencing software that enables users to connect with others in real time (synchronously) regardless of location and to conduct courses online. Zoom is available at TUHH via a campus licence and is particularly suitable for larger courses with up to 300 participants. Key features include breakout rooms, a chat function, polls, a whiteboard and a recording function (local storage recommended).

Use in teaching

• Recording courses With the integrated recording function, you can record your Zoom sessions and then make them available to students as videos. For data protection reasons, local storage is recommended.
• Guiding group feedback Breakout rooms allow students to exchange feedback in small groups before the results are brought together in a plenary session.
• Encouraging discussion The chat function, polls and screen sharing option can be used to create interactive discussion formats in synchronous courses.
• Collaborate with external parties External guests can participate in meetings via an invitation link without having to register.

Stephanie Wichmann from the ZLL will be happy to advise you on the didactic use of the tool.

Technical requirements

To actively participate, you will need a computer, tablet or smartphone with a microphone and speakers (or headset) and a webcam. The built-in devices are generally sufficient; for teachers, an external microphone, two monitors and good lighting are recommended. Participation is also possible without installing the Zoom app directly in the browser (Chrome recommended), but with limited functionality. Moderators need the Zoom app. Important: Do not use the VPN client in parallel with a Zoom session, as this can affect connection stability. On the TUHH campus, Zoom only works in the eduroam Wi-Fi, not in the VPN/WEB network.

Further links

• Official Zoom website
• Zoom information from the TUHH Data Centre (DE)
• tub.torials: 10 tips and tricks for video conferencing with Zoom (DE)
• Zoom Help Centre

Costs

There are no costs for TUHH members. The service is provided via a campus licence provided by the computer centre. Access is possible via the TUHH email address at tuhh.zoom.us. Zoom also offers a free basic plan with limited functionality (including a 40-minute limit for group meetings).

Data protection

Campus licence

IMPORTANT: Zoom has been criticised with regard to data protection and IT security. The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has warned against using Zoom. Therefore, the following applies at the TUHH: No conferences with personal or confidential content should be held via Zoom. For confidential conversations (e.g. exams, counselling sessions), BigBlueButton is recommended instead. The computer centre has set up privacy-friendly default settings (including deactivation of the attention tracker).
Participation is possible without registration and using a pseudonym. Recordings should only be stored locally.

A service provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) at the TU Hamburg.