The Current | Vol. 32 Issue 1

Online classes: Tips and Etiquette for Zoom Whether you wanted it or not, many of your classes have been moved online for the duration of this pandemic, at least partially. Luckily, the current era that we live in allows us to remain organized and connected through video communication platforms. NSU uses Canvas and Zoom to simulate what the traditional classroom used to be. Below are helpful tips and tricks on how to navigate the Zoom classroom as well as ensure you’re getting the most out of the online college experience. The basics of Zoom etiquette are easy to remember. Don’t let the online transition keep you from making the most of your courses. Arrive on time When attending a class over Zoom, make sure to “arrive” on time. Go over any readings you might have had to complete beforehand. Give yourself about five minutes before each class to locate the Zoom link and get your materials ready for the class, then log in and wait for your professor to begin. Keep the microphone muted It is a good idea to always keep your mic muted, unless you are speaking. This allows for the professor’s intended audio to be the main focus. Make your point and mute your mic when finished. This is also an indication to your class that you are finished speaking. Turn on that camera Keeping your camera on is essential as well. Unless your professor specifically asks not to, try your best to keep your video camera on while learning. It may seem daunting to keep it on, but there is nothing to fear. We may not always look and feel our best, but don’t let your professors teach into the void. Participate Answer questions when asked, offer your input and write in the chat if prompted. Remember to be respectful. You can direct messages to a certain person or message the whole class. Just because you are not physically in a classroom with everyone, it does not mean you should check out mentally. Use your resources Once class time is up, don’t stop there. Take advantage of any readings, recorded lectures and virtual office hours offered by your professors. Online learning is not the same as the traditional in-person learning, but with some effort, you’ll be able to make the most of your time online. Siena Berardi Sports Editor Learn where to find your learning materials: Textbook rentals It’s that time of year again: the time where every student is rushing to get their textbooks. Buying textbooks can be tricky business, and nearly every student has had a textbook nightmare that they can recall and never want to live through again, be it paying for an overpriced book that you only used once or searching for your textbooks and finding them unavailable or sold out. Luckily, there are a few other options that may help students avoid all that stressful textbook trauma. Check out your local libraries Depending on what courses you are taking, there might be a couple of books on the requirement list that aren’t really textbooks. They’re 100-page booklets, a few short novels or how-to’s used for supplemental reading. Before you spend extra money on these types of books, check the Alvin Sherman Library or other libraries in your area to see if they have it in their inventory or are able to order it from another library nearby. Sometimes, libraries may have what you’re looking for, especially if the book is on the older side. You may find yourself getting lucky and instead of paying $75 for a brand new copy, only paying $5 for a library card. If you’re really lucky, you may even get it for free. Try different websites While everyone seems to immediately jump to Amazon or the NSU Bookstore to buy their textbooks, it may be possible to find the same book for a better price. Websites such as ThriftBooks or Better World Books are quite helpful. You might be able to find your same textbook that has been used once or twice, with a few stains or premade highlights, for much cheaper than if you were to buy or rent them brand new. Ask your professors Sometimes, professors may be using books they’ve written for the course you are taking. Even if they didn’t write the book, I’ve had several professors have leftover copies or older editions of the Sofia Gallus Arts&Entertainment Editor May 25 2021 | nsucurrent.nova.edu 6 Education textbook they’re using. If your professor lets the class know that they have extras or you think they might know where to find the textbook for a little less money, don’t be afraid to stay after class to ask them or send them an email. Don’t be afraid to talk to your upperclassmen The truth is, upperclassmen probably don’t want their old textbooks that they’ve bought unless they’re continuing the class. Big chunky textbooks are more of a burden than they are an advantage to students who don’t need them anymore. Upperclassmen understand the struggle and many are more than willing to resell their textbook to incoming students or underclassmen. If you know someone in your major or anyone who has taken the same class before, it’s worth a shot to ask them if they still have their textbook and if they’d be willing to sell it. With permission to print from Rick Esner With permission to print from Christina Mclaughlin