FAQs about Zoom and online teaching
Here we answer frequently asked questions about the use of Zoom as a digital medium for online teaching at the WiSo Faculty.
All questions about Zoom
Data protection at Zoom
For online teaching, the WiSo Faculty uses the Zoom tool - initially for a limited period. Information on data protection, terms of use and the use of data can be found on this website of the Regional Computing Centre (RRZK).
Do I have to download Zoom to participate in the online events?
No, that's not necessary. Using the link to the online event, which you will receive from the lecturers, you can simply log in when the host opens the session using his/her license. When using the link provided for the first time, you will only be asked to install the necessary plug-in to use Zoom once. The next time you log in you will be automatically redirected to the desired session.
Do I have to register with my s-mail address or does it also work with my private e-mail address?
In principle, you do not have to register in Zoom to participate. Enter your full name when entering an online event. If you are asked to enter an e-mail address, use your s-mail address. This information is only used for better identification by your lecturer.
Is a zoom link valid for a complete lecture series or always only per date?
Usually one link applies to the complete lecture series.
Can I join more than one session at a time if something overlaps?
No, you cannot. You can only attend one of the live events then.
Can I have two windows open at the same time?
Yes, you can still use several programmes in parallel. Please note, however, that using many programmes at the same time can put a strain on your Internet connection. For good quality audio/video transmission, it is recommended that you avoid running parallel programmes during an online event.
If you look with several devices at the same time, are "places" taken away?
Each device actually takes a "place" away. However, the number of participants of the licenses will be adjusted correctly for each event, so that you should not be logged into the event with more than one device.
How can I send a reaction in Zoom to a post or something said?
In the lower menu field you can click on a reaction such as "Thumbs up". It is also possible that this function is switched off by the lecturers during the event.
What is the difference between Q&A (questions & answers) and a chat?
The Q&A is a question module in which the lecturer can take out and answer concrete questions in a structured way. Only the questions that are answered are displayed. The chat is unstructured. Here, participants can ask questions or leave comments. Both elements can also be deactivated by the lecturer, in which case they are not visible.
How does the interactive participation via zoom work?
The interactive participation in Zoom is done through a "meeting" and not through a "webinar". In a meeting you can also share documents or your own screen as host, for example, which is done less often in a webinar. However, these functions are usually initially disabled in both cases and must be enabled by the host.
Can the participants of an online event be seen as lecturers?
No, in the webinar you cannot see the participants with pictures. This is the case, for example, with the "Meeting" format when you join the meeting as a participant with your camera. But you can also decide to join without a camera. At the beginning of each session you will be asked for it. If you decide to join without a camera, you will only see the name or s-mail shortcut displayed when the person speaks. You can also read information about privacy when using Zoom here.
Where do I set the camera and microphone on/off?
In the webinar camera and mircophone are automatically switched off. If the lecturer allows it, both or only one of them can be switched on in the lower left corner of the window by checking the respective checkbox. In the audio settings you can also individually set a check mark, but the microphone and camera should be switched off when joining the meeting. Please also note that the view will be displayed differently if you use "Zoom" with your mobile phone.
By the way, camera and microphone can only be accessed if you allow it. In a webinar you can only speak if the lecturer allows it and you are explicitly enabled to do so. Information on data protection when using Zoom can be found on this website.
What data does the host see about the participants?
The host sees only the name and s-mail address entered by the participants themselves. For information about privacy when using Zoom, please visit this website.
If my Internet connection breaks down in between, can I simply log in again?
Since the licences of the lecturers have been adjusted, there should be enough space for all participants, so that nobody is on hold and has to worry about not being able to log in to the event later on. If you have to leave or leave the event due to a bad internet connection, you can simply rejoin by clicking the link. It is best to make sure that all parallel running programs that need internet are closed otherwise. During meetings it often helps to switch off the camera.
Organisational aspects of online teaching
Are all online events only performed with the "Zoom" tool?
Lecturers decide for themselves how the events take place, but most lecturers use the "Zoom" tool if the event takes place in an online format.
Is it always ensured that all those admitted to the event can take part?
Yes, all students who have received a place for the course during the KLIPS registration period will also be granted access to the course. The number of participants within the scope of the licenses has been adjusted accordingly.
Is it necessary to register via KLIPS specifically for the zoom lecture or is a link sent automatically?
If you have been allocated a place in KLIPS and the event takes place online, the lecturers will provide you with the appropriate link. Either via e-mail to your s-mail account or in the ILIAS folder which belongs to the event and to which you will automatically be given access.
Is it possible to watch the lectures or the seminar at another time?
Lecturers decide for themselves how the events are to proceed and whether those are to be live or recorded. If necessary the lecturers will also provide the recording of an online lecture in ILIAS so that it can be viewed later. However, each lecturer decides for herself/himself. Please contact the lecturer directly if you do not find any information in KLIPS or the ILIAS folder which belongs to the lecture.
Is it possible to participate in tutorials or exercises when I am actually assigned to another group?
No, this is not possible, because you will only receive one place per event. Therefore you cannot participate in other groups.
IT services at WiSo
Where can I find public computer workstations?
Where can I print documents?
How can I access Wi-Fi on campus?
How can I access my student-mail-account?
How can I access university-services from home?
Where can I buy software licenses for students?
Where can I find help with computer-problems?
Unfortunately there is no general support-service for students available. In case of problems in connection with RRZK-services (e.g. email, VPN, WLAN, SoFS, Sciebo, accounts etc.), please contact RRZK-helpdesk: https://rrzk.uni-koeln.de/en/helpdesk