Community & Continuing Education has many online offerings. Here are resources that will support you in successfully navigating a virtual, real-time classroom environment. Virtual classes will take place in Zoom, a simple web-based platform that does not require you to set up an account in order to participate in meetings (for our purposes, classes). Below are Zoom basics, best practices, tips and tricks, and more!

Please register early. If minimum enrollment for class is not met, it may be canceled. Your registration could make the difference!

Click here for a full list of our virtual class offerings!

What You Will Need

You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with audio and/or video capabilities; an internet browser (Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox are all compatible browsers); and the Zoom desktop client, or mobile app. Download and install the Zoom app or desktop client. (This download is not required, classes can be accessed by clicking on the link in your Zoom classroom email and opening through a standard web-browser.)

You do not need to create a Zoom account to access your classroom. Zoom provides free test meetings that allow you to familiarize yourself with the platform and test your internet, audio, and video connection.

How to Access Your Virtual Zoom Classroom

Two business days before your class begins, you will receive a link to your first scheduled class session, and in some cases, class materials. This email will come from comed@whatcom.edu. If you do not see this email in your inbox please check your spam and deleted folders before contacting us. Please register early to ensure you receive your Zoom classroom access. Please note: it is the responsibility of participants to check their email inbox for Zoom information prior to the class and, if said information has not been received, to contact our office during business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) before the class starts. As per our refund policy, no refunds or credits will be given for a class once it has started.

Learn more about How to Join a Zoom Meeting video with instructions on how to log into a Zoom meeting. Zoom also provides free ZOOM test meetings that will allow you to test your internet connection and familiarize yourself with the platform. Please arrive to class a couple of minutes early to allow yourself time to troubleshoot, if needed.

Waiting Rooms

When you join a classroom, you may find yourself in a waiting room. While in a waiting room, no other participants will be able to see or hear you until the instructor allows access to the classroom.

In the Classroom

When you enter the Zoom classroom your video and audio is defaulted to be off. You can keep your video off or turn it on. Most instructors will ask that you stay muted to reduce background noise and distraction. Your instructor will provide guidance on how they would like questions asked (either in the chat box, raising your digital hand in Zoom, or they will specify when Q&A times will occur during their lesson). For additional tips on using audio and video in Zoom, please see our Zoom Tips & Tricks below, and visit our Frequently Asked Questions page designed to address virtual classroom questions.

Student Guidelines & Expectations for Virtual Classrooms

• Do not share the Zoom link with anyone who is not registered for the class. Unless specified in the class description, your registration is for one class participant. Instructors will be taking attendance to confirm all participants are registered for class.
• Sign in to Zoom using your full name so that it is easy for instructors to take attendance. Only participants whose names are on the roster will be allowed to participate in class. 
• If you have your camera on: make sure it is at eye level, try to avoid sitting with your back against a window or other light source, and be mindful of what is in the room that others may be able to see onscreen. 
• Please keep your microphone muted when you're not talking in order to reduce background noise and distraction during class.
• Just like an in-person classroom, a virtual classroom is a shared space where we expect all lifelong learners to feel safe to explore new topics and learn. We encourage you to review WCC's Student Code of Conduct.

Tips & Tricks
Video Tips:

• Adjust your lighting so that you are well-lit. Avoid back-lighting and side-lighting (most common problem is sitting with a bright window behind you).
• Aim your camera at eye-level, and sit so you fill the screen.
• Consider what's in your background, is it appropriate and non-distracting for others?
• Let others in your household know that you are taking a live online course so that they are aware if they walk into the room, they will be on camera.
• If others can't see you, make sure your video isn't turned off by checking the Start Video icon in the attendee controls at the bottom of your meeting window.
  • If your video is off, there will be red slash through the camera icon. To turn your video on and off, simply click the camera icon.
• If you're connecting from a Lenovo device and your video isn't working learn about Zoom Support.
• If your video isn't working outside of the meeting, try troubleshooting your device itself. 

Audio Tips: 

• Keep your audio muted unless you are actively speaking in order to reduce distraction from background noise.
• To mute and unmute yourself, simply click on the microphone icon in the attendee controls at the bottom of your meeting window.
• If you're having trouble with your computer audio, you can call in on your phone to access the audio functions. The phone number to call into your class session is included in the email along with your Zoom classroom link.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you're finding your home internet network has interruptions, or is delayed, you can turn off your video function and continue to participate with your video off. If your computer connection is not working at all, you can access the Zoom classroom over the phone (the phone number to call in to your class session is included in the email along with your Zoom classroom link).
• If you're using a Mac, please review Zoom support for macOS for tips and tricks that are specific to the macOS.