EAST LANSING, Mich. — With the recent novel coronavirus, the virus that causes the infectious disease COVID-19, the Michigan State University Extension fruit team is moving early season informational meetings to an online format. This article contains instructions for growers to download Zoom to prepare for the upcoming sessions. These instructions are the first part of a three-part series on how to best prepare to go online to view the Spring 2020 MSU Tree Fruit Webinar Series.
Overview: What is Zoom video conferencing?
Zoom is a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing/webinars, mobile collaboration and simple online meetings. Zoom’s web-based conferencing uses high quality video and audio and is accessible on Macs, PCs and mobile devices.
Installing the Zoom app (desktop or mobile)
You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting or webinar. You will be prompted to download the software once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting or webinar. Using Zoom with a Windows, MacOS or mobile device requires installing the app.
If you are able, we recommend using a smartphone to download Zoom. Using your phone to download the app is more user friendly than a PC or Mac (computer). The Zoom app on a phone will just require you to get the app. If you download Zoom onto a computer, you will hit download, but then you will have to OPEN the download (in the download file) and INSTALL Zoom.
At this time, we are recommending installing the Zoom app prior to the first scheduled meeting on April 13, 2020. Zoom users can install the app in advance by going to https://zoom.us/download. An app is also available for iOS from the Apple App Store and for Android from Google Play. At either location, search for “zoom.”
If you do not pre-install the Zoom app, you can do so prior to the first meeting. However, downloading the app and practicing before the first meeting will ensure fewer hang-ups or surprises. When you are invited to participate in the first Zoom meeting or webinar via a URL link, Zoom will prompt you to download the app when you click on the URL link. Zoom recommends starting this process 15 minutes before the meeting start time. Again, we recommend downloading the app well before the first session to iron out all potential problems.
A note for computer downloads
Remember, if you are downloading Zoom to your computer, after you click on the download button, a file will be downloaded to your download folder on your computer. To complete the installation, you will need to find the file in your download folder and click on the Zoom install file. Once you click on this file, it should walk you through the final install steps.
It is easier than it looks!
We understand this process and this form of communication may be new and unfamiliar to many of you. Each of the statewide fruit educators are committed to helping each grower attend these sessions. We are all available to help you download Zoom in order for all growers to be up and running before the webinars begin on April 13.
The following Extension educators and staff are available for help in the following regions:
- Northwest: Jenn Zelinski, 231-313-8376
- The Ridge: Amy Irish-Brown, 616-490-1079
- West central: Dave Jones, 231-398-9331
- Southwest: Mark Longstroth, 269-973-8983; Mike Reinke, 269-944-1477; or Bill Shane, 269-208-1652
- Southeast: Bob Tritten, 810-516-3800
We know this form of communication is not ideal, but given the current circumstances, it is our best option. The MSU Extension fruit team is committed to continuing to help Michigan growers produce the highest quality fruit—no matter what format we use! We are still available throughout the growing season for any questions or help. We are thinking of you and your families at this confusing time and wishing you continued good health.
Check out Parts 2 and 3 of this series below.
Register for the Spring 2020 MSU Tree Fruit Webinars Series
Registration is open and required. Participants that join the live webinars will receive MDARD pesticide applicator credits. This is Part 2 of a three-part series on the spring tree fruit webinar series.
How to join and participate in the spring tree fruit Zoom webinars
Growers that registered for the Spring 2020 MSU Tree Fruit Webinars will need to register in Zoom on the day of the webinar. This is Part 3 of a three-part series on the spring tree fruit webinar series.
This instructional article was adapted in part from an MSU Zoom resource.
— Jennifer Zelinski, Nikki Rothwell and Amy Irish-Brown, Michigan State University Extension
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