How to be professional in a Zoom class

Photo courtesy of zoom.us

Due to coronavirus, many schools have made the switch to virtual classes. Because of that format, it’s really easy to maintain a relaxed, not-really-worried-about-school mindset when you can do class from your bed. 

However, you are still in class, so you still need to maintain some type of professionalism out of respect for your professor, your peers and yourself. So here are some tips and tricks to being professional in a zoom class. 

Tip #1: Always be on time. Just because the class is on Zoom (or Blackboard), wake up with enough time to get yourself ready for class and get signed in. 

Tip #2: Try and look your best. In my experience, just getting up before a virtual class and doing my hair and washing my face has given me confidence and made me feel better in class. 

Tip #3: Eat before class. Just like in a regular class, eating can be distracting to others and to yourself so make sure you eat breakfast or grab a snack before starting. 

Tip #4: Dress to impress. Make sure to wear something you would wear to an everyday class so it makes your professor think you got up and got ready. 

Tip #5: Find a good place. Make sure you create a work place and get out of your bed. This can help increase your productivity and also eliminate the high possibility of going back to sleep.

Tip #6: Go to the bathroom. Make sure you do this before logging in; it’s a little harder to backtrack in an online class as opposed to a classroom.

Tip #7: Have fun with your background. On Zoom, you can make your background literally anything, so,be creative. Make sure the background is appropriate for school and okay with your professor.

Tip #8: Answer questions. Remain engaged in the lecture and participate regularly; participation helps you, your peers and your professors stay on task and have high hopes that online class is actually beneficial. 

Tip #9: Be familiar with Zoom features. Know how to work whatever medium your class is on; learn how to raise your hand, work the reactions and chat privately/publicly. Keep in mind that private chats can be viewed by the professors/moderators in the end, so make sure you are keeping it appropriate.

Tip #10: KEEP YOUR CAMERA ON. This is the most important tip. With everyone beginning to quarantine, your professors and classmates may not be getting a lot of human interaction, and seeing your face and talking to them might make their day. This also holds you accountable for being involved in class. 

With this new age of technology and ability to be in class without actually being there, we have to grow with it and keep up with the change in pace. Who knows how long we will be dealing with Zoom? But for the time being, let’s keep it professional.