As so many schools have adopted videoconferencing tools as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, these tools have become a target for trolling and harassment. The companies that own these tools are responding by making changes to default settings and altering some features, but faculty who intend to host synchronous classes should familiarize themselves with methods for keeping calls private.
Google Meet
By default, any participant logging in from a non-Kenyon Google account will need to request permission to enter a session.
The host of a Google Meet also has the option to mute participants by clicking on their portrait and toggling their microphone off.
The host can also remove any participant in the meet by clicking on the minus sign.
Zoom
There are several features in Zoom that allow a host to regulate the session and keep out malicious parties.
Zoom has now made updates to the default settings on free accounts to require a password for participants and to enable the Waiting Room feature that allows hosts to screen participants.
It is also the default setting that only the host can share their screen. If students need to share their screen for a collaborative activity, the host can allow it and then restrict it again later in Advanced Sharing Options.
As in Google Meet, the host of a Zoom meeting can also remove participants.
For more information on these precautions, we recommend Cornell's guide to keeping Zoom meetings private.