In 2012, my completion of a professional development graduate certificate, called online teaching and learning, at New Mexico State University introduced me to the world of online learning tools and platforms for creating an online class. Both video conferencing tools and a Learning Management platform were “blended” into a synchronous and asynchronous online learning experience for students, and a continuous professional development and a support model for online instructors.
Fast forward to 2020, and the video conferencing tool Zoom is showing up for WFH, LFH, and “social life from home”. “Zoom fatigue” describes my personal experience with the teleconferencing tool. The learning community on Zoom is like sitting in a box and watching other people in boxes, and not being sure how I should interact. So far, my experience includes playing host to Zoom social gatherings, and participating in Zoom yoga classes.
Aside from the known Zoom privacy issues, the issue of presence is a constant challenge. Would watching a recording of the Zoom yoga class be the better option? Perhaps for work related Zoom meetings the tool may serve useful if participants had a clear idea how they will participate in a Zoom meeting, and how they can follow-up with other participants on a 1:1 basis. Zoom provides break out rooms for smaller meetings. For now, Zoom for social gatherings is better than not connecting at all.
The following article suggests some tips for Zoom fatigue.
[gview file=”https://publicservicesalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-reason-Zoom-calls-drain-your-energy-BBC-Worklife.pdf”]