Search Engines - Information Retrieval in Practice, W.B. Croft, D. Metzler, T. Strohman, 2015

6 weekly homeworks: 60%

Final project: 40%

CSC242 or CSC243

Camera Use During Zoom Meetings

It’s much easier for us to feel connected as a class and build a sense of community if we can see and hear each other. While I don’t require students to have their cameras on at all times, having your camera on during class meetings is strongly encouraged. During our meetings, I’ll do my best to indicate if there are times when you don’t need to have your camera on. I’ll also provide a heads up if there will be times when it’s particularly important that all participants have their cameras and microphones on (during a small-group discussion activity, for instance). 

Camera-Related Concerns

Please review the tips below. If you’re still unsure about camera use or participation expectations in general after reviewing these guidelines, please contact me so we can identify potential solutions.

Workarounds and Accomodations

1. Be proactive. If you won’t be able to use your camera or microphone during an upcoming meeting, please email me beforehand so I’m aware. This helps me know if participation levels might be lower than usual so I can plan accordingly.   

2. Consider using a virtual background. If you have concerns about sharing your space, feel free to use a virtual background if your device supports this feature. When choosing a virtual background, please avoid images or videos that are overly distracting or inappropriate for a class setting.

3. Add an image to your Zoom profile. For moments when you aren’t able to use your camera, it’s helpful if your classmates and I can see a visual representation of you instead of just your name. By adding a photo to your Zoom profile, we’ll be able to put a face with your name even if you need to turn your camera off temporarily. Ideally, your Zoom profile photo should be relatively professional (selfies are fine) and show your face clearly. If you have reservations about adding a photo to Zoom, let me know so that we can discuss your concerns and find a possible alternative. 

General Tips and Guidelines

• Treat video conferences as you would a regular class session on campus. Be prepared to be attentive and engaged during meetings.

• Be on time or notify your instructor if you will be late or unable to attend.

• Minimize distractions, such as televisions and cell phones, when possible.

• Don’t engage in other activities during sessions (driving, cooking, cleaning, etc.)

• Try to put your device at eye level on a solid surface. Holding your device or placing it in your lap can add movement to your video, which can be distracting.

• Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking to minimize background noise.

• Use your given or preferred name as your display name. 

• If you need live captioning in a Zoom meeting, select the CC Live Transcript button in the toolbar to send a request to your instructor.

• Please note that sharing the meeting link, ID number, or password with anyone outside of the class is prohibited. Sharing meeting screenshots or recordings with anyone outside of the class is also prohibited. 

Code of Student Responsibility 

The Dean of Students Office is committed to partnership in the educational mission of DePaul University. This mission is enhanced by a Code of Student Responsibility, which includes policies that outline expectations and standards of behavior for the student community. Students should report any incidents of behavioral misconduct (including harassment) in video conference meetings to their instructor. Any incident of harassment and/or behavioral misconduct that impedes the teaching & learning environment may be referred to the Dean of Students Office for referral to the student conduct process. This includes sharing meeting links, passwords, screenshots, recordings, or other meeting information in a way that could facilitate harassment or misconduct by others. 

Technology Considerations

• If you need assistance during a video call, contact DePaul’s Technology Support Center at 312.362.8765. 

• If connectivity issues impact your audio/video quality, try turning off your camera.

• If you're experiencing issues with Zoom, you can use a site like speedtest.net to check your internet connection speed. A good minimum upload/download speed for video conferencing is at least 1.5Mbps.