1. Technical questions about Zoom
Data protection at Zoom
For online teaching, the WiSo Faculty uses the Zoom tool - initially for a limited period. Information on data protection, terms of use and the use of data can be found on this website of the Regional Computing Centre (RRZK).
Do I have to download Zoom to participate in the online events?
No, that's not necessary. Using the link to the online event, which you will receive from the lecturers, you can simply log in when the host opens the session using his/her license. When using the link provided for the first time, you will only be asked to install the necessary plug-in to use Zoom once. The next time you log in you will be automatically redirected to the desired session.
Do I have to register with my s-mail address or does it also work with my private e-mail address?
In principle, you do not have to register in Zoom to participate. Enter your full name when entering an online event. If you are asked to enter an e-mail address, use your s-mail address. This information is only used for better identification by your lecturer.
Is a zoom link valid for a complete lecture series or always only per date?
Usually one link applies to the complete lecture series.
Can I join more than one session at a time if something overlaps?
No, you cannot. You can only attend one of the live events then.
Can I have two windows open at the same time?
Yes, you can still use several programmes in parallel. Please note, however, that using many programmes at the same time can put a strain on your Internet connection. For good quality audio/video transmission, it is recommended that you avoid running parallel programmes during an online event.
If you look with several devices at the same time, are "places" taken away?
Each device actually takes a "place" away. However, the number of participants of the licenses will be adjusted correctly for each event, so that you should not be logged into the event with more than one device.
How can I send a reaction in Zoom to a post or something said?
In the lower menu field you can click on a reaction such as "Thumbs up". It is also possible that this function is switched off by the lecturers during the event.
What is the difference between Q&A (questions & answers) and a chat?
The Q&A is a question module in which the lecturer can take out and answer concrete questions in a structured way. Only the questions that are answered are displayed. The chat is unstructured. Here, participants can ask questions or leave comments. Both elements can also be deactivated by the lecturer, in which case they are not visible.
How does the interactive participation via zoom work?
The interactive participation in Zoom is done through a "meeting" and not through a "webinar". In a meeting you can also share documents or your own screen as host, for example, which is done less often in a webinar. However, these functions are usually initially disabled in both cases and must be enabled by the host.
Can the participants of an online event be seen as lecturers?
No, in the webinar you cannot see the participants with pictures. This is the case, for example, with the "Meeting" format when you join the meeting as a participant with your camera. But you can also decide to join without a camera. At the beginning of each session you will be asked for it. If you decide to join without a camera, you will only see the name or s-mail shortcut displayed when the person speaks. You can also read information about privacy when using Zoom here.
Where do I set the camera and microphone on/off?
In the webinar both are automatically switched off. If the lecturer allows it, both or only one of them can be switched on in the lower left corner of the window by checking the respective checkbox. In the audio settings you can also individually set a check mark, but the microphone and camera should be switched off when joining the meeting. Please also note that the view will be displayed differently if you use "Zoom" with your mobile phone.
Can my camera/microphone be accessed during the online event?
Basically only if you allow it. In a webinar you can only speak if the lecturer allows it and you are explicitly enabled to do so. Information on data protection when using Zoom can be found on this website.
What data does the host see about the participants?
The host sees only the name and s-mail address entered by the participants themselves. For information about privacy when using Zoom, please visit this website.
If my Internet connection breaks down in between, can I simply log in again?
Since the licences of the lecturers have been adjusted, there should be enough space for all participants, so that nobody is on hold and has to worry about not being able to log in to the event later on. If you have to leave or leave the event due to a bad internet connection, you can simply rejoin by clicking the link. It is best to make sure that all parallel running programs that need internet are closed otherwise. During meetings it often helps to switch off the camera.
Will there be another English session on Zoom?
A written manual in English is provided, which can be accessed via the online teaching website.
2. Organisational aspects of online teaching
Will there be face-to-face events again in summer semester 2020?
The university will decide on the basis of the situation as to when face-to-face events can be held again at the university. The return to regular attendance is not yet planned or foreseeable. It also depends on the measures taken by the authorities and politicians. The resumption of attendance will only be initiated as soon as the university is responsible for it. You can always find current information here. It is currently assumed that teaching in summer semester 2020 at the WiSo faculty will take place digitally.
Will all courses of the WiSo faculty be online in summer semester 2020?
This is a decision of each lecturer, this information is stored in KLIPS. It is clear that face-to-face teaching is currently not possible, but despite the rapid switch to online teaching, lectures at the WiSo faculty will start successively on 6 April, 2020. So please look directly in KLIPS at the respective event to see in which format the event is offered. If you cannot find any information on this, please contact the lecturer directly. In principle, no event planned for summer semester 2020 should be cancelled, but should instead be held in an online format. In individual cases, however, it may be that an event in an online format cannot be realized due to the content to be conveyed. Should this occur in individual cases, please contact the WiSo Student Service Point by using the contact form.
Are all online events only performed with the "Zoom" tool?
Lecturers decide for themselves how the events take place, but most lecturers use the "Zoom" tool if the event takes place in an online format.
Is it always ensured that all those admitted to the event can take part?
Yes, all students who have received a place for the course during the KLIPS registration period will also be granted access to the course. The number of participants within the scope of the licenses has been adjusted accordingly.
Is it necessary to register via KLIPS specifically for the zoom lecture or is a link sent automatically?
If you have been allocated a place in KLIPS and the event takes place online, the lecturers will provide you with the appropriate link. Either via e-mail to your s-mail account or in the ILIAS folder which belongs to the event and to which you will automatically be given access.
Is it possible to watch the lectures or the seminar at another time?
Lecturers decide for themselves how the events are to proceed and whether those are to be live or recorded. If necessary the lecturers will also provide the recording of an online lecture in ILIAS so that it can be viewed later. However, each lecturer decides for herself/himself. Please contact the lecturer directly if you do not find any information in KLIPS or the ILIAS folder which belongs to the lecture.
Is it possible to participate in tutorials or exercises when I am actually assigned to another group?
No, this is not possible, because you will only receive one place per event. Therefore you cannot participate in other groups.
Can I still receive an access link in the KLIPS allocation period of the remaining places?
Yes, if the event is part of the KLIPS allocation period of the remaining places and you have received a place there, you will also be given the link to the online event. This will be based on the regular process. A few days after joining KLIPS you will also be automatically assigned to the ILIAS folder.
3. Online teaching and examinations
When will the cancelled examinations in March be made up for?
A constantly updated overview of the regulation of the upcoming examinations in this summer semester 2020 can be found on this website of the WiSo Examination Office. If you have any questions about current regulations regarding the exams, it is always best to check there first. Further statements and information than those published there are not possible at the moment. Incoming students are recommended to contact the ZIB WiSo Incomings-Team at incomings@wiso.uni-koeln.de .
Will the examinations for the online events also take place online?
The examination dates for the summer semester 2020 - and also the catch-up dates from the winter semester 2019/20 - are published in KLIPS. Should there be any deviation from the examination form prescribed by the examination regulations, you as the candidate will be informed by the examiner.
If an event does not take place online, there is also no exam, right?
It doesn't have to be like this. In principle, examiners can also offer examinations if no course was offered in the current semester. All examination dates will continue to be published in KLIPS. It is best to check there regularly. If you are an incoming student and are on a short semester exchange and you miss an exam, please contact the ZIB WiSo Incomings Team directly at: incomings@wiso.uni-koeln.de.
4. Further important links
Information on dealing with Covid-19 at the UoC...
can be found on this central website of the University of Cologne, which is regularly updated with regard to developments and resolutions.
Information specifically prepared and summarized for the WiSo Faculty can be found here.
For incoming students who have questions about their semester exchange at the WiSo Faculty, further information is available here.
For questions about your studies at the WiSo faculty...
please use the contact form with the concrete reason for your request as subject line (drop down) on the WiSo Student Service Point page. Alternatively, simply give us a call, the contact details can be found here. Incoming students can send their questions directly to this e-mail address: incomings@wiso.uni-koeln.de.
Current developments on the examinations at the WiSo...
can be found on the regularly updated website of the WiSo-Prüfungsamt under this link.
For incoming students only: The information will be published by the ZIB WISO Incomings team and/or your professors as soon as it is available.
Further notes on online teaching at the WiSo...
and the link to the zoom webinar with corresponding online help can be found on this website.
All information about KLIPS registration...
for prioritising courses and the video tutorials can be found on this website.
Exclusively for incoming students the process may vary. These students contact their WEX portal and/or the Incomings Team (incomings@wiso.uni-koeln.de) for help.
Useful information for Bachelor freshmen...
which should make it easier for you to start your studies, can be found on this website.