Zoom – Ways to use avatars in your class

  • Alex Martinez
  • Zoom

This article includes:

Why use avatars in your class

Avatars enable you to replace your appearance with a 3D virtual avatar that mirrors your head movements and facial expressions. Avatars are an easy and entertaining way to engage with your meeting attendees and add a bit of fun. Avatars also provide a good middle ground for users who don’t want to turn on their camera, but still want to leverage the power of body language and facial expressions.

Avatars and virtual spaces are great for when you:

  • Don’t want to be seen eating but still want to show that you’re present and engaged
  • Want to present more dynamically than an off-camera static profile picture
  • Are looking for fun activity during your Zoom class
  • Provides an inclusive opportunity for students that don’t feel comfortable being on camera
  • Reduces classroom power dynamics between instructor and students via a fun virtual space.
Screenshot of several avatar characters.

How to create your avatar

  1. Go to your video settings and click Backgrounds and Effects
  2. Click Avatars. Note, if you do not see this option, update your Zoom software.

Customize your avatar

There are many avatar design attributes to help you customize your own unique avatar. You can have many avatar personas.

How to rename participants

At DU, our Zoom system does not allow meeting participants to rename themselves. However, here are some ways to rename participants:

  • A Zoom host can rename themselves during an active meeting
  • A Zoom co-host rename themselves during a meeting
  • A Zoom host rename their meeting participants
  • Can Zoom participants rename themselves during a meeting? False
  • Can Zoom participant can rename themselves via the web DU Zoom portal? True, but it has to be done before the Zoom meeting.

Create instructional videos using avatars

Use your avatar to create instructional or presentation videos. Here’s how:

  • Open up your Zoom software on your computer
  • Create your avatar and upload a virtual background.
  • Get your slides ready.
  • Click on the More button and then select Record to the Cloud or Record on this Computer.
Zoom Avatars Record Zoom Video

Example: How to create training videos using Zoom and DU MediaSpace