I am eager to reveal a useful trick that I recently found for giving Zoom participants the ability to select their own breakout rooms. As a frequent host of virtual meetings and events, I recognize the significance of creating an interactive and engaging experience for attendees. Breakout rooms offer a fantastic chance for participants to work together, exchange ideas, and establish connections in a smaller group environment. Although I encountered difficulties in the past in allowing participants to choose their own breakout rooms, I was able to find a solution through experimentation and research that I am delighted to share with you.
Before we dive into the details, I want to highlight that this method requires a Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise Zoom account. If you have a basic (free) account, you won’t have access to this feature. Also, keep in mind that the host will still have control over the overall breakout room settings, but participants will have the freedom to choose their own breakout rooms within the parameters set by the host. Now, let’s get started!
Step 1: Enable the Breakout Room Option
To begin, log in to your Zoom account and navigate to the settings. Scroll down to the “In Meeting (Advanced)” section and make sure the “Breakout room” option is enabled. This will allow you to access the breakout room feature during your meetings.
Step 2: Schedule or Start a Zoom Meeting
Next, either schedule a new meeting or start an instant meeting. Once you’re in the meeting room, you’ll see the breakout room button on the bottom toolbar. Click on it to open the breakout room settings.
Step 3: Customize Breakout Room Settings
Here is where the magic happens! In the breakout room settings, you can determine the number of breakout rooms you want to create and set the maximum number of participants per room. You can also choose whether participants can return to the main meeting room at any time or if they need to wait for the host’s permission.
Step 4: Assign Participants to Breakout Rooms
Now, it’s time to assign participants to breakout rooms. You have a couple of options here. If you have a specific breakdown in mind, you can manually assign participants to each room. Simply click on the “Assign” button next to each room and select the participants you want to include. Alternatively, you can choose the “Automatically” option, and Zoom will randomly assign participants to the breakout rooms for you.
Step 5: Enable Participant Room Selection
Here comes the exciting part! To allow participants to choose their own breakout rooms, you need to enable this option in the breakout room settings. Check the box that says “Allow participants to choose room.” Once checked, participants will be able to see the list of available rooms and select the one they prefer. This feature adds a new level of engagement and empowers participants to take control of their learning experience.
Step 6: Start the Breakout Rooms
Finally, it’s time to start the breakout rooms and let the magic happen! Click on the “Open All Rooms” button, and participants will be automatically moved to their assigned or chosen breakout rooms. From there, they can collaborate, ask questions, and share ideas with their fellow participants. As the host, you have the ability to join any breakout room at any time to check in and provide guidance if needed.
So there you have it! By following these steps, you can allow participants to choose their own breakout rooms on Zoom, creating a more interactive and personalized experience. I’ve found that giving participants this level of autonomy has resulted in increased engagement and more meaningful discussions. Give it a try in your next virtual meeting or event, and see the difference it can make!
Conclusion:
Allowing participants to choose breakout rooms on Zoom can significantly enhance the collaborative nature of your virtual meetings and events. By following the steps outlined above, you can empower your participants to take control of their learning experience and foster deeper connections with their peers. Remember, this feature is available for Pro, Business, Education, and Enterprise Zoom accounts. So, if you’re looking to create a more interactive and engaging virtual environment, give it a try and see the positive impact it can have!