Roasting 101 Resource: Connecting with us on Zoom

This is a guide for students who are enrolled in our remote roasting classes, hosted on Zoom. During the class, we will be leading demonstrations and facilitating conversations using the video feature and the chat box. Below are some instructions for connecting via Zoom. 

Before the session begins: 

1. You will be able to connect using a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers or headphones. You will have the opportunity to check your audio upon joining a meeting. If you do not have a strong internet connection, using your smartphone may be a better option for you. 

2. You will receive an email invitation from lauren@millcityroasters.com prior to the start time. The notification will include a link to “Join via computer”, it will also include the 9-digit (usually) Meeting ID and a password you will need to enter the call. 

To join the session:  

1. At the start of your meeting, click on the link in your invitation to join via computer. You may be instructed to download the Zoom application, or to open the application if it is already on your device.

2. You have an opportunity to test your audio at this point by clicking “Test Computer Audio.” Once you ensure that your audio works, click on “Join audio by computer.” 

You may also join a meeting without clicking on the invitation link by going to join.zoom.us on any browser and entering the Meeting ID provided in the email. 

Participant controls in the lower left corner of the Zoom screen: 

Using the icons in the lower left corner of the Zoom screen, you can: 

• Mute/Unmute your microphone (far left) Please note that the host may mute all participants during instruction and demonstrations.
• Turn on/off camera (“Start/Stop Video”). You do not need to have your camera on to participate in the session. 
• View Participant list 
• Change your screen name that is seen in the participant list and video window 

Somewhere on your Zoom screen you will also see a choice to toggle between “speaker” and “gallery” view. “Speaker view” shows the active speaker. “Gallery view” tiles all of the meeting participants.

For the best viewing experience, you should select “Speaker view”. This will allow you to see the instructors on a larger screen and view any important angles or elements that they highlight in the video. During class, we may utilize polling to gather information from the class. If a poll appears on your screen, simply select your answer and press “submit”. Unless otherwise noted, all answers will be anonymous and the responses will be used to guide our discussion. 

For clarity during discussion, we ask that only one user per computer interacts in the chat box and the general class discussion. 

A strong internet connection is important to ensure that you can stream both video and audio during the call. Based on Zoom recommendations, the recommended bandwidth for for group video calling is:

• • 800kbps/1.0Mbps (up/down) for high quality video

  • For gallery view and/or 720p HD video: 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (up/down)

  • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 2.5mbps (up/down)

  • Sending 1080p HD video requires 3.0 Mbps (up/down)

Troubleshooting issues during your video conference:

• What if I lose my connection?

If you lose your connection during the presentation, return to your email and click the link to rejoin the session. If you continue to have connection issues, check your internet connection. You may have to restart Zoom or your router to fix the issue. 

For more information on troubleshooting connectivity issues in Zoom, please visit their Help Center 

• How do I ask a question during the presentation?

While in a meeting, click Chat in the meeting controls. You will be able to select whether your question goes to the host or to the whole class by using the dropdown menu. Type your question and select your audience, then click “send”. The host will see your question but may not answer it right away. During a demonstration, questions will be answered at the end. 

We wish to provide a space in which all people feel welcome and able to learn. We are excited to present information to roasters with all levels of experience. During the session, please practice respect and professionalism. Bullying, harassment, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to remove anyone who fails to be respectful to their classmates or instructors.