Virtual Recreation and Culture Programs

Before we begin

Although no virtual program can replace in-person interactions, Zoom is a good video conferencing tool that connects people together remotely and is very easy to use.

It is common for video conferences to be delayed or get interrupted due to technical snags. To prevent this, turn on your device and check if Zoom is working correctly, also testing your video and audio, about 10 minutes before the scheduled start of the class.

For the best streaming experience, close any unneeded applications on your device and avoid activities (e.g. streaming video elsewhere, etc.) that share your internet connection as this will slow things down.

If needed, you can get assistance directly from Zoom Support.

Tech Boomers is a free website with helpful tips for beginners using Zoom, Netflix, and more.

Zoom controls and etiquette

Once you have started or joined a meeting, move your mouse in the Zoom window to display the meeting controls. Depending on your device and/or settings, it may be located at the top or bottom of the screen.

Microphone icons

The Microphone icon with a red slash means your microphone is on mute. Without the slash, everyone can hear you (and anyone or anything else in your immediate area).

Please make sure to mute your microphone when you are not speaking to avoid audio interference.

Video icons

The Start Video icon with a red slash means that your video is off. Depending on the program, you might not benefit from the class as much as you could if your camera is turned off.

The Stop Video icon means that your video is on.

These tips can help improve your camera and video use:

• Look directly at the camera and adjust its position and distance from you according to the class type. For fitness you may want your whole body in the frame. For an art class you may prefer to sit at a table.
• Position your camera so that most of the light in the room is in front of you, instead of behind you (which will cast shadows over your face).
• Keep in mind that everyone will be able to see whatever is in the frame behind you.

Chat and Participant icons

Want to ask a question or make a comment during the class? There are two ways to do this:

1. Click on the Chat Icon on the toolbar to open and type in the message window. Make sure you press enter to release your question/message when you are ready.
   You can release your question/comment to “Everyone” or just to an individual. Toggle on the “To” that appears for the list of people connected to your class.
2. Or, click on the Participant icon (to open the Participant window) and then the Raise Hand icon, which will appear on your picture.
   If the instructor calls on you, unmute your microphone and ask your question. Please remember to mute your microphone again when you are not talking.

Speaker View and Gallery View

Speaker View shows the speaker in one large box with the remaining participants in a row above it.

Gallery View shows all participants in the same size in a grid. The current speaker is outlined in green.

You can switch between views by clicking on the icon at the top of your screen.

You can also click on the ellipses, which looks like three dots (...), in your picture to start/stop your video, mute/unmute your audio, and rename your image.

Leave Meeting

Click on the Leave Meeting icon in the toolbar when you are ready to exit the class.

Before using Zoom, or any similar application, please test your camera and microphone.

Please be courteous and refer to our Best Practices tab for more information about using your camera and microphone during our Zoom sessions.

You can choose whether or not to use your microphone and/or camera but you might not benefit fully if you don’t, at least, activate your microphone.

Disclaimers

The Town of Oakville records our free virtual programs to post on YouTube for residents to enjoy at a later date. Those enabling their video camera during these sessions may be recorded.

We will not be recording the registered virtual programs sessions. However, due to the nature of this technology, there is a chance that other participants (or the Zoom provider) might record your voice or streamed image without your knowledge

Zoom, as a vendor, is located in the United States and your data may end up in that jurisdiction.

The Town of Oakville collects only your name and email address under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, for the purposes of administering and providing you virtual classes of your choice. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Manager of Support Services.

When using any third-party application, you are agreeing to that vendor’s terms & conditions and to their privacy policy. Please consult the Zoom Privacy Statement for details.

If you have any concerns about participating in our virtual recreation and culture programs, please register for an in-person course when they are offered.

What’s On at OPL

Programs at Oakville Public Library (OPL) have gone virtual! We want to stay connected and stay safe, so we have moved all programs online. Check out all of the ways we can help you create social connections, learn new skills and have fun!

Halton Peer Mentor Virtual Support Programs

Peer Mentors at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Halton understand from personal experience what it means to live with mental health, substance use, and/or addiction concerns. Our Peer Support drop-in groups and workshops provide tips, strategies, and support to help you navigate your health and wellness in your own way.

Community Living Oakville (CLO) – Stay Connected, Live Virtual Programs

Community Living Oakville (CLO) ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities are able to enjoy their right to lead active and productive lives in their community. Stay Connected programs are free opportunities provided for community members to engage. From open discussions, cooking, dancing, and much more, simply email stayconnected@oakcl.org to be added.