Teaching Remotely with Zoom


For the most up-to-date remote teaching resources, please visit https://keepteaching.ucsd.edu


For those of you experiencing VPN connection issues, including encountering a similar message:


"VPN pool <requested-pool> is temporarily exhausted. Please try an overflow pool if one has been assigned to you or wait a few minutes and try again. For a non-pool address use <username>@general. This session will terminate in 60 seconds."


append @general to your username. For example, mine would be a4chan@general. Reminder, Zoom does not require VPN. Skip using VPN if you are only using Zoom, email and Slack. 


Tips on preparing for Zoom session: 

  1. Zoom Quick Start Guide: https://blink.ucsd.edu/technology/file-sharing/zoom/guide/quick.html
  2. Zoom User Guide: https://blink.ucsd.edu/technology/file-sharing/zoom/guide/index.html
  3. Always test any new configuration ahead of time. This includes new cameras, microphones, speakers, headphones, internet connection (i.e. new location), etc. 
  4. When setting up a session for Zoom, we recommend scheduling it in advance using the Schedule option

    This provides the advanced option of hosting the session on Zoom's servers. This allows attendees to test their connection in advance and stay connected to the meeting session, even if Zoom on your computer fails. 
  5. Prepare to have any supplementary materials (i.e. PDFs) available on the computer.  
  6. If using an external or secondary monitor, be familiar with the sharing options: 
  7. Familiarize yourself with Whiteboard option in Sharing (see same screenshot above). 


Tips on starting and using Zoom session: 

  1. If possible, do not use VPN, as this may slow your connection to Zoom. 
  2. Make sure to use a quiet, well-lit room. 
  3. If possible, use a wired/ethernet connection and disable wireless. 
  4. Use "Sign in with SSO" option to sign-in to Zoom. Provide "ucsd" as the company domain. 

  5. Video takes a lot of bandwidth. If you only need audio and screen sharing, turn off video (i.e. your webcam).