Zoom is a powerful video conferencing tool provided to university staff at the University of Kelaniya for hosting virtual meetings, classes, and collaborative sessions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Zoom effectively:

1. Accessing Zoom: University staff can access Zoom through the designated login portal at learn.zoom.us. Use your university credentials (username and password) to log in to your account. If you encounter any issues with your login, please contact the IT Services for assistance.

2. Navigating the Dashboard: After logging in, you will be taken to your Zoom dashboard. Here, you can schedule new meetings, view upcoming meetings, and access recordings of past sessions.

3. Scheduling a Meeting: To schedule a meeting, click on the “Schedule a Meeting” button. Fill in the required details such as the topic, date, time, duration, and any other settings you wish to customize, including enabling a waiting room or requiring a password for entry.

4. Inviting Participants: Once you’ve scheduled a meeting, you can invite participants by copying the invitation link and sending it via email or utilizing integrated calendar tools to send invites directly.

5. Starting a Meeting: To start a scheduled meeting, go to your dashboard, locate the meeting on your list, and click the “Start” button next to it. Ensure your device has a microphone and camera for optimal participation.

6. In-Meeting Features: During the meeting, utilize various features such as:

   • Mute/Unmute: Control your audio settings.
   • Start/Stop Video: Manage your camera functionality.
   • Screen Share: Share your screen to present materials or collaborate in real-time.
   • Chat Functionality: Engage in text chat with participants, share links, or address questions without interrupting the meeting.

7. Recording Meetings: If needed, you can record your meetings by clicking the “Record” button. This feature allows you to save sessions for future reference or to share with participants who could not attend.

8. Ending a Meeting: When the meeting concludes, click on “End Meeting” and choose whether to leave the meeting or end it for all participants.

9. Accessing Support: For additional support, including troubleshooting and advanced features, explore the Zoom help center or refer to the resources provided by the university’s IT Services.

10. Note for Students: Please be aware that students do not have access to a licensed Zoom account through the university. If you need to participate in meetings hosted by staff, links and access will be provided directly by the meeting host.

By following these steps, University of Kelaniya staff can effectively leverage Zoom to facilitate communication, enhance engagement, and conduct virtual sessions seamlessly. Enjoy connecting with colleagues and students through this powerful online platform!