Audio
- Use a headset to avoid echo and feedback
- Mute when not speaking — especially in large sessions
- Test audio before class using the echo test
- Close other audio apps (Spotify, etc.) to avoid interference
- Join via microphone (not listen-only) if you plan to speak
Chat
- Save important chat messages before the session ends — chat is not preserved after the meeting
- Use private chat for individual student support without disrupting the class
- Pin important messages by referencing them verbally so students can scroll back
- Moderators can clear public chat if it becomes too noisy
Webcams
- Good lighting matters more than camera quality — face a window or desk lamp
- Blur your background for privacy. See Change Webcam Background
- Disable self-view if your own video is distracting. See Disable Self-View
- Pin important webcams to keep them visible. See Pin a Webcam
- Adjust brightness if your webcam image is too dark. See Adjust Brightness
Presentations
- Convert to PDF before uploading for the most reliable rendering
- Use large fonts (24pt+) — small text is hard to read on student screens
- Upload before class to save time and verify rendering
- Enable download if students need the slides for reference. See Download Original Presentation
Whiteboard
- Use different colors when multiple people annotate to tell contributions apart
- Clear annotations between slides to avoid clutter
- The multi-user whiteboard is great for collaborative work but can get chaotic — set clear instructions
- Export whiteboard annotations from breakout rooms before closing them
Screen Sharing
- Close unnecessary tabs and notifications before sharing
- Share a specific window instead of your entire screen to maintain privacy
- Use Chrome or Edge for the best screen sharing experience
- Sharing iPad/iPhone screens requires AirPlay or QuickTime mirroring. See Share iPad Screen
Breakout Rooms
- Give clear instructions before opening breakout rooms
- Set a timer so groups know how much time they have
- Visit rooms briefly to check progress
- Export shared notes and whiteboard before closing rooms
- Allow 1–2 minutes for transition time in your session plan