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Guidelines for attending an NCI Associates Class delivered online via Zoom Meeting
You are here because you registered for a live class taught by NCI Associates, Ltd. that is delivered via Zoom Meeting. These guidelines apply to all NCI Zoom Meeting classes. The vast majority of students are able to attend an NCI class via Zoom Meeting without difficulty. Here are three important things needed to connect to NCI’s virtual classroom:
• Proper electronic equipment with a working microphone and camera.
• A stable internet connection.
If you experience an occasional dropped connection or problems with sound or video after logging in successfully, it is usually due to a local internet issue. Many times, logging out and back in resolves these issues.
• Following the guidelines for connecting to the class.
Important Notes
1. NCI staff members are not trained or able to provide computer or technical support. If you are unfamiliar or need assistance with the functioning of your electronic equipment, we suggest you consult with a knowledgeable person prior to the day of class.
2. Zoom periodically updates its apps and security settings which are subject to change without notice. While the basics of joining Zoom Meetings remain relatively the same, you might notice slight variations from these guidelines if this occurs.
3. You can consult the Zoom Help Center for assistance located at: support.zoom.us
There you will find a number of video tutorials on subjects such as “Join A Meeting” and “Joining & Configuring Audio & Video.” You can also type the following titles in the Zoom search bar (look for the words How can we help?) for additional help.
– “Getting Started on Windows and Mac”
– “Getting Started with iOS” (for Apple mobile devices)
– “Getting Started with Android” (for Android mobile devices)
Devices
The following devices will work to join your NCI class. If possible, use a computer for the best experience.
1. Computer with a functioning microphone and camera (such as a desktop or laptop).
2. Tablet with a functioning microphone and camera (such as an iPad.).
3. Smart phone (such as an iPhone or Android device).
For license preparation classes, a computer or tablet (with a screen size of at least 8 inches) may be necessary to fully participate. The screens on smartphones are not large enough and will not work while taking an in-class exam.
Cameras and Microphones
1. A working camera and microphone are required, must be enabled, and must remain on at all times during class for attendance verification purposes.
2. If your computer or device DOES have a working microphone and camera, the "Join Zoom Meeting" link (provided in the email you received the day prior to class) is all you need to participate.
If your computer (or tablet) DOES NOT have a working microphone and/or camera, you can use your smartphone as a substitute for the camera and/or microphone. This means you will log on with both your computer (or tablet) and your smartphone. To use your smartphone, call one of the telephone numbers listed the "Join Zoom Meeting" link (provided in the email you received the day prior to class) and follow the prompts.
How to join on the day of class
The day prior to your class, you will receive an email from NCI with a "Join Zoom Meeting" link.
1. The easiest way to join is to: Click on the "Join Zoom Meeting" link provided in the email.
2. You can also log in using this alternate way:
– Write down the “Meeting ID” number provided in the email you will receive the day before your class. It is an 11-digit number located beneath the "Join Zoom Meeting" link.
– Open https://zoom.us in your browser.
– Click on “JOIN A MEETING” (in blue letters near the top-right side of the Zoom website).
– Type the 11-digit number in the box that says “Meeting ID or Personal Link Name.”
– Click the blue “Join” button below.
3. Please join at least 20 min. to 30 min. before class begins. This means no later than 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. for a daytime class (5:30 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. for an evening class). If you join the class late, you can still attend, but might have to make up the missed time in a future class.
Once you confirm that you are able to join with video and audio, you may step away from your device until the class is scheduled to begin. Leave your speakers on so you can hear any announcements from your instructor.
4. When you successfully join the class meeting, you will enter a Zoom Waiting Room. A message will appear saying, “Please wait, the meeting host will let you in soon.” You will be checked in by the class administrator shortly.
Joining using a Computer (additional information)
1. Click on the “Join Zoom Meeting” link in the email you received (or will receive) the day prior to class.
2. An “Open Zoom Meeting/” window will appear. Click on the “Open Zoom Meetings” button.
3. You will see a button to “Test Computer Audio” that you can click while you wait.
Click the button that says “Test Speaker.” (Make sure your computer/device speakers are on before clicking.)
Click the button that says “Test Mic.” (You will say something and hear it played back to confirm the mic is working.)
When you complete the test, close the settings window.
When the meeting starts, you must click on the “Join with video” button. The instructor will admit you to the meeting at the appropriate time.
Joining using a Smartphone (additional information)
1. To access Zoom on a smartphone or tablet, you must first install the free "Zoom Cloud Meetings" App from either the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
2. After installing the "Zoom Cloud Meetings" app, click on the “Join Zoom Meeting” link in the email you received (or will receive) the day prior to your class start date.
3. When you are prompted, type your name (as noted above under Screen Name) and allow the Zoom App to access your camera.
4. If you are prompted to allow Zoom to send notifications and/or access your microphone, allow it. If a window appears “To hear others please join audio,” click “Call in using Internet Audio.”
5. Click on the “Join with Video” button.
6. This will take you to a Waiting Room. Your instructor will start the class at the appropriate time and admit you to the meeting.
Screen Name
1. Once you join the class, you may have to change the screen name that appears on your personal video tile. This is needed for attendance and verification purposes.
For license preparation programs, your Zoom full screen name must be the same as it appears on your driver’s license.
For continuing education classes, use the full name that appears on your real estate license.
2. To change your name after you join the class, click “Participants” on the Zoom menu > click on your name > click More > and Rename yourself.
The Zoom menu may be located at the top or bottom of your computer (or tablet). If you are participating on a smartphone, you may have to tap on your video image and the Zoom menu should appear.
Participation
As a licensed school, NCI Associates, Ltd. Is required to comply with certain guidelines for the delivery of our educational content whether in a physical classroom or via distance learning. With regard to distance learning, students must abide by the following to receive credit:
1. You must treat your attendance and participation in a virtual classroom as if you were in an actual physical classroom. In other words, to receive credit for any session, you are not permitted to work on other tasks, use phones (unless it is for your video/audio feed), or otherwise distract yourself from the class.
2. At no time can a student be in or operating a vehicle during class. The state requires students to be in a setting conducive to learning and participation. Further, distracted driving is illegal. Students not adhering to this will be removed from the session and credit will not be given for lost time.
3. Students need to be located in a room with proper lighting so their faces are clearly visible during class. Cameras must be pointed at students so faces are recognizable (not just the top of heads and the ceiling). This allows the instructor to take attendance and fosters better communication and participation for everyone.
4. Your camera must be stationary and not moving around from room to room. In other words, please do not walk around with your device in your hand during the presentation. The movement is highly distracting to both your instructor and the other students.
5. This is a classroom setting and proper attire is required. Business-casual attire is acceptable.
6. For license preparation classes, please have notepaper, a pen or pencil, and a basic 4-function calculator available.
7. The following applies to programs that include in-class exams:
Smartphones or cell phones may NOT be used to take in-class exams. Instead, you must use a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
If you use a tablet to complete an in-class exam, you may also need to be logged into the Zoom Meeting with a smartphone to serve as your camera.
While it does not occur often, some antivirus or internet security apps (i.e., software) can block the exam link from opening. Further, depending on the internet browser you use, you may have to enable pop-ups in order to take the exam.
As we all become more accustomed to this new way of delivering education, we thank you for doing your part to comply with these guidelines. Once you have logged on once or twice, the process should become nearly automatic.
The majority of students who experience NCI’s classes delivered via Zoom Meetings enjoy the convenience of: no drive time to class; the most comfortable chair in the house; no lines at the restroom on breaks; and a pantry full of your favorite snacks on break.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 586-247-9800.
See you in the (virtual) classroom.
NCI Associates, Ltd.
586-247-9800
TeamNCI.com
