Back to Zoom Tutorials

Zoom is videoconferencing software available to the PSU community. In addition to these instructions Zoom has a robust support site, including video tutorials.

Download the Zoom desktop “client” application

To effectively create and join Zoom meetings, you’ll download the Zoom Meeting Client (in this context, “client” means a small desktop application). Zoom meeting links can allow guests to “join from your browser.” We encourage you to deselect this option in your Zoom settings, since many features only work in the Desktop client. For example, students cannot be preassigned to breakout rooms if they join from a browser instead of the app.

Download the application here: https://zoom.us/download. You do not need administrator privileges to download and install it. You should also check for updates monthly. Zoom is adding features regularly and older versions may not support them.

Install and sign in to the desktop client

  1. To install, navigate to where you downloaded the installation file and open it. This will open a pop-up window.
  2. Select Sign In, then enter your Odin account information and authenticate with Duo.
  3. If prompted, confirm the browser dialogue box to open the application.
Zoom sign-in pop-up.

Settings in Zoom

In the upper-right corner of the Zoom application there is a small gear icon. Selecting this will open an application window with a range of setting options. For the full set of options you can select the blue View More Settings link at the bottom of this screen. This will launch the PSU Zoom web portal at pdx.zoom.us. This is where you can customize detailed meeting settings, edit scheduled meetings, see details about past meetings, and access your Zoom cloud recordings. Cloud recordings are saved for 90 days, but are also backed up in your PSU MediaSpace account at media,pdx.edu (make sure your account is active).

Zoom app settings.

Zoom in Canvas

If you are using Canvas, we strongly recommend scheduling course meetings within Canvas using the Canvas Zoom meetings integration. This stores meeting links and recording links in your course, making it easy for students to find them. Some meeting functions must be configured in the web portal, but it’s always best to create them in Canvas if you’re teaching there.

Note: OAI recommends the inclusion of a syllabus statement if you plan to record any of your Zoom meetings. See a recommended syllabus statement and learn more about FERPA implications of Zoom in our Zoom and FERPA guidance. You may also want to learn consider Zoom recording and student privacy.

This article was last updated on Feb 25, 2025 @ 1:16 pm.