Online Engagement Matters! Boost it Using Zoom’s Annotation Tool
In an age of remote meetings, trainings, and webinars, it’s easy for participants to slip into passive mode—camera off, mic muted, multitasking in the background. Meaningful online engagement is not just a “nice to have”—it’s essential.
According to adult learning theory, adults learn best when they are actively involved and when the material connects to their lived experiences. People want to feel like their contributions matter. To meet those needs online, you can move beyond passive presentations and create opportunities for interaction. It’s important to design for contribution not consumption.
One simple and powerful way to do that? The annotation tool in Zoom.
This tool allows participants to draw, type, stamp, or highlight directly on your shared screen. You can ask them to place a checkmark next to something they agree with, circle a key idea, or drop a star on the item that’s most relevant to them. These small actions create moments of engagement and signal that everyone’s voice is welcome and valued.
Using annotation also adds a visual and dynamic layer to your session. When participants see their input reflected on the screen, it builds energy and attention—without needing a breakout room or complex tech. In just a few minutes, you can learn how to harness the power of the annotation tool and start using it to bring your sessions to life. Check out the video below for a quick walkthrough and real-life examples.
When used intentionally, the annotation tool can help create a learning environment that fosters connection, collaboration and contribution.
Do you want to learn more? Reach out to the Colleague on Call team – we’ll help talk through solutions tailored to your needs.