In credit courses in health care innovation, class meetings offer the opportunity to interact live via videoconference with faculty, CAs, and classmates. Activities often include:

  • Intensive discussion about how course concepts are applicable in real-world settings.
  • Short presentations by faculty on topics relevant to the course.
  • Discussions with guest experts.
  • Questions and answers with faculty.
  • Breakout discussions related to course topics and assignments.

Class meetings are conducted using Zoom, which is available for all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Join a Class Meeting Live

To join a Zoom class meeting, click the link in the class meeting assignment or call into the meeting using the telephone instructions provided on the assignment page. Before entering the meeting, you may be asked to confirm your audio settings. In most cases you can click the “Join with Computer Audio” button to continue. However, if you are unsure of your audio settings, you may wish to test your speaker and microphone.

Learn more about testing and configuring a computer or audio device from Zoom’s support pages.

Enabling Live Captions

Zoom provides the ability to automatically transcribe the audio of meetings and webinars in real time. Once enabled by the meeting host, participants can turn on subtitles, view the transcript, and/or save a copy of the transcript. To activate live transcription as a user:

  • In the Zoom control bar, click the Live Transcription button. Depending on your window size, this may appear as a sub-menu under the "more" item. Clicking will show three options:
    1. To display subtitles on the screen, click Show Subtitles
    2. To display the transcript in the transcription pane, click View Full Transcript
    3. To adjust the font size of the subtitles and chat window, click Subtitle Settings

Best Practices for Class Meetings

Prepare for each class meeting by reading the directions on the assignment page. Most will ask you to review specific video segments or readings from the week, or to consider questions about the week’s materials.

  • Before each live interaction, update and test your technology.
    1. Update your computer’s operating system, web browser, and videoconferencing software.
    2. Test your computer’s webcam, speakers, and microphone.
    3. Use a headset to improve audio quality.
    4. Test your settings and connection with a practice videoconference.
  • Minimize virtual and real-life distractions for yourself, your students, and your classmates.
    1. Close non-essential programs on your computer, including extraneous browser tabs.
    2. Find a quiet place from which to participate.
    3. Adjust your webcam angle and room lighting (backlighting, especially, can cast you in a shadow and make you difficult to see).
    4. Minimize multitasking, both virtual and physical.
    5. Use one device. If you use a computer for video and a phone for audio, there is often feedback.
  • Be courteous and collegial during live interactions.
    1. Mute your microphone until you are ready to talk.
    2. If you are using a telephone, minimize disruptive echoes by refraining from using speakerphone.
    3. If possible, turn your webcam on to create a more collegial atmosphere.
    4. Avoid disruptive crosstalk by using your videoconference app’s chat feature to make any necessary side comments to classmates.

After you participate live or watch the recording, remember to complete the reflection exercised to receive participation credit.