Make way for *insert drumroll*: Zoom
Ease of Use: Zoom at it's most basic is free to sign up for and quite simple to use. Depending on the operating system you run (Mac, Microsoft, etc.) some type of software might need to be downloaded, similar to using Skype. Joining a meeting is as easy as clicking on a shareable link!
Versatility: What I haven't mentioned yet, is that Zoom is not JUST a video chatting platform. It's MUCH, MUCH more in fact. It's software is designed so that you also screen-share while chatting. In addition, in a system using Zoom (like in a company) it's possible to screen-share to all connected devices, with not HDMI cord necessary. These types of software packages do cost money though.
Overall Likelihood of Use: As I said before, I already use this tool in my personal life! I can also see it being a great tool to use in terms of Professional Development...holding meetings with other colleagues both near and far or to better connect with busy parents.
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Now on to the next tool: elink
A unique tech tool, elink creates a platform that allows for the easy design of single webpages, website embeds, or email newsletters (the option I'm most excited about)! Check out their short and snazzy intro video to get an idea of how:Versatility: As mentioned above, there are 3 different resources that can be created with this tool. It could be used to share content to students, parents, colleagues, or even the WORLD.
Overall Likelihood of Use: I mentioned above I was excited about the ability to create newsletters right? I can definitely see myself using this to create resources to send to parents and colleagues to keep viewers updated on not only what's going on in my classroom but also to push collections of valuable resources that might be useful and of interest. I'm not sure how I would use the website embed option as I'm a little bit confused on that, but if any of you get any ideas be sure to let me know!
*I've enjoyed working with you all, good luck to you and God bless you in wherever your journey's lead!
As per usual- a wonderful job posting! My first thought/ question is two-fold. 1) you mentioned that you already used Zoom for a lesson you instructed. How exactly was Zoom a part of the lesson? And 2) is it fair to say that you prefer using Zoom to Google Hangouts? If so, what was the deal-breaker for you to choose the former over the latter?
ReplyDeleteElink also seems snazzy. You actually had the same question about it that I did- the embed option. I am still puzzled by it most of the time when I need to use it for other projects. I will need to investigate further to see if I can get a handle on it and if it will make things more simplified for myself.
God bless to you, also! That was a nice touch to end your last blog!
Hi Matty,
DeleteI haven't yet used Zoom in a lesson I've taught, but I do use it in my personal life to video chat with friends and participate in Bible Studies! I think it would be neat to use in the classroom though....who knows - maybe someday it will be used to hold class on snow days! (I can hear the complaints from students already haha!) To answer your second question, yes I do prefer Zoom to Google Hangouts. I've found that there are more options available in using Zoom - for example, if you're the one hosting you have the option to control other people's screens/mute them - which can come in handy if you have students who are extra chatty! The deal-breaker for me though was that for some reason either my internet or my computer prefers Zoom in that it doesn't cut out sound or video as much compared to Google Hangouts. Also, I think it's harder on my computer to use Google Hangouts because my computer gets really hot with it too!
Thank you again for all your nice comments. I hope you enjoy your Spring Break!!
Hi Amber!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I don't know how I skipped over zoom, but I am disappointed I didn't catch that! In what ways have you used zoom - was it for a class? Since we have had the opportunity to use google hangouts what would you consider the easiest to use?
I was about to use Elink, but to be honest I couldn't really figure it out. I am glad you were able to and even shared the video on how too. I can really see the reason it would be nice to use, maybe now I'll mess with it more haha.
Thanks again, Amber! It was a really fun quarter :)
Hi Faith,
DeleteNo, I haven't used Zoom for class yet but mostly for video chats with friends and to participate in Bible Studies as I told Matty. I find Zoom personally to be easier to use and it doesn't seem to work my computer as hard as Google Hangouts does.
Yes, Elink does sound like a great way to share resources with people, I can see myself using it for class newsletters!
Thank you as well! Enjoy your Spring Break :)!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteNice job! I really liked how you explained in depth each of these tools! It sounds like Zoom is like google hangouts and loom mashed together. Do you think that Zoom would be useful for sharing information remotely with colleagues?
I LOVE that it only takes a few minutes and a few items to create a link that has everything right there! That's so neat! I love that you saw this as a way to give information to parents. I will have to check it out and play with it to get a greater understanding of it.
Great post and I've enjoyed working with you as well!!!
Amie,
DeleteI absolutely think you could use this to share information with colleagues! Neat idea! Yes, I've noticed it shares aspects of both of those sites as well! I really like the elink site for it's opportunities to connect with parents. Like you though, I'll have to spend some more time exploring it too!
Have a wonderful Spring Break!
Hey Amber,
ReplyDeleteI also used Zoom as one of my tools but I think you did a better job of explaining it. You got really in-depth with your explanations of how to use the tools you chose. Thanks for the extra explanations on the Zoom site. I already loved it but can see how much more versitile it is than I even saw.
Hi Stephannie,
DeleteThank you so much for the sweet comments! However, I wouldn't sell yourself so short. You shared about some aspects of Zoom, like the phone app, that I wasn't even aware of!