-by Yogesh Bhat, Co-founder & SVP of Masai School
If you’re finding yourself more burnt out at the end of your day than you used to be, you’re not alone. For many of us, operating from home during COVID-19 has meant more hours of calls and videos, creating an exhausting ordeal that has left most of us feeling mentally and physically wiped out. This mental exhaustion associated with online video conferencing is referred to as “Zoom Fatigue”.
But why is it that we are finding video calls and meetings so draining? The major factor is the absence of nonverbal cues that we rely on during a conversation. In a face-to-face meeting, we process these cues immediately while still intently listening to the speaker at the same time. But on a video chat, we need to work harder to process these nonverbal cues. This can be really taxing on our brains as they force us to concentrate more intently on conversations to absorb information. Additionally, the physical separation makes video calls difficult, owing to off-screen distractors which could affect the behavior or expressions of a speaker on screen.
With predictions that the new “normal” will be drastically different from the old one, flexibility will be at the core with work and study from home models being integrated into regular routines. In a future which is defined by remote connectivity, it’s worth considering how to sustain the video calling culture and reduce digital fatigue, especially for the students community.
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Here are some tips to help students fight Zoom or online fatigue:
Keep Students Engaged
In virtual classrooms, interaction is difficult because students don’t feel obligated to interact until and unless there is a need to take part. Scheduling a peer to peer interaction every day before or after lectures can be effective in keeping students engaged and motivated. This is also a great way to build a student community where each one supports the other through learning processes.
Plan frequent short breaks
The attention span in online classes could be shorter than in traditional face to face and in-person classes. Planning regular breaks as part of the schedule will help maintain attention levels, boost concentration and activate creativity.
Meditation or workout sessions
With online learning likely to continue for an unknown amount of time, it is worth exploring ways to keep the students mentally and physically fit. Mediation and physical exercise are great ways to relax and keep the mind alert. It also helps reduce anxiety, lower stress levels and fight fatigue. Including a mandatory wellness session in the learning schedule helps engage with students and keep them motivated.
Make space for fun activities
Learning can be a fun process in itself, but including energizers and ice-breakers are a great way to break the monotony of a routine. Similar to planning breaks, you can also make time for fun activities in the learning schedule. For example, introduce a short fun warm-up game at the start of ever class, to set the learning mood. Quizzes and polls as part of the lecture also help engage with students and add variety.
Ask for feedback
Learning and teaching online are extremely different and come with the challenge of miscommunication. Online education providers should regularly check with students to understand how they are coping with the learning schedule, and how they can help enhance the learning experience.
Remote learning and remote work will be now be part of our new normal. Hybrid and flexible learning models will become the new norm and with this, the use of online learning platforms will continue to increase. Digital hours and increased screen time will define the future of education. With that said, it is of utmost importance today for teachers and students alike, to focus on mental wellbeing and prevent burnout and stress in the long run.
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