As face-to-face classes have come to an end, everybody seems to be enrolled in Zoom University. Some people might find it to be a more optimal way to learn, but for others like myself, I find online classes as kind of boring.
But one of the cool features I like about Zoom is the ability to pick a virtual background. Whether it is a picture or video that you can choose from Zoom’s own library, or choose to upload your own, the ability to be more creative than you would in an actual class makes this whole online-learning thing a bit more fun. So, here are some creative backgrounds that will hopefully make the class a little more cheerful!
Setting up the Virtual Background
First things first, how do you enable a virtual background? This is a very simple task. The first thing you want to do is make sure your computer and Zoom are up to date. Next, all you have to do is click on the arrow next to the “Stop Video” button on the bottom toolbar. A pop-up menu should show up, and click on the option to “Choose Virtual Background…” If your computer is not a newer version: don’t worry! Sit in front of a plain colored wall/surface and select the option “I Have a Green Screen.” There will be a toggle to manually select the color of your background, switch that on and select the color of your wall/surface. Then select the picture/video you want as a background from Zoom’s library or import your own. There you have it, your own virtual background!
Creative Themes for a Virtual Background
- Favorite Show
This one is a very popular theme. Basically, the picture of your choice is from a notable backdrop of a TV show. This could be the interior of Central Perk from Friends. A popular one is the interview background drop for The Office. For an extra kick, dress up like a character from that show and pretend to be them during class (because who wouldn’t want to have a Michael Scott in class?)
- Disney/Pixar Movie
Do you ever wish you were in a Disney/Pixar movie? Well, now you can pretend to be. Take a scene from your favorite movie and set it as your virtual background. In fact, on Disney’s website, they compiled a whole list of pictures to use. You can place yourself in the house of the Incredibles, or pretend you’re walking down the festive streets of Coco. If you ever wanted to help find Nemo, there’s even a background for that! My favorite one though has to be Andy’s cloud wallpaper from Toy Story.
- Theme Parks
If you’re feeling a bit sad about all the theme parks being temporarily closed, choose a background that will make you feel like you’re there. Whether you’re posing in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland or casting spells at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, you can relish those moments during class.
- Creative Locations
Maybe it’s your debut acting gig and you’re finally being shown on television. Try some out-of-this-world locations. Ever wanted to have a lecture in space? Well, now you can! You can pretend you’ve shrunken down to the size of a bug and have been wandering around in the grass. Get creative and really think about all the possibilities of where you can pretend to be.
- Traveling
This is your chance to study abroad, all while you’re at home. Choose pictures of scenery from all the countries you want to visit and rotate them every class. Maybe one day you’re studying from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. In the next class, you’re in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- Videos
If you want to step up your Zoom background game, try using videos. One of my favorite ones is this prank where a person records a video of themselves accidentally walking in on themselves during class. Giphy also launched videos that can be used for backgrounds. One of the more notable ones is the DVD loading video screen that gives a nostalgic feel.
Changing your Zoom background is just a simple thing that you can do to entertain yourself and others during this stressful time. So, be creative and fun during your time at Zoom University!