Before we get to the weekly article, access to campus is still not available, however the library staff is in working and taking requests for books. We are also on to answer questions about tech and research.  Form to Request Books or Sora (Audio/eBooks) – We are happy to receive your book requests, and you can drop off books for the library in front of the Chevron on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am – 2pm.

 

Got Zoom Fatigue?

It feels like the switch to virtual learning was easier this time. We all knew what to expect and we’ve gotten better and delivery, instructions, and even timing. While it has felt a bit smoother it still isn’t the face-to-face schooling we would like to have and know is more beneficial.  

It always seems to happen, we gain a little success at something new and immediately problems follow. What is the newest? Zoom Fatigue. The first time I read that I thought it was made up. However, researchers have now actually had time to carry out thorough research, testing, and surveying to share some definitive findings. Here is the link to the article.

It is real. One of my new favorite authors is the founding director of Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Jeremy Bailenson. I’ve read his book, I’ve spoken with him, and we have applied some of his research at ISB via our infusion of Virtual Reality into classrooms. This year students virtually spent a day with a Syrian Refugee, Explored Ocean Pollution, and visited religious holy sites via VR Headsets.  

The research on Zoom Fatigue is really interesting and is just beginning.  Four things that were identified in the study that create fatigue are: 

• Excessive amounts of close-up eye contact is highly intense.
• Seeing yourself during video chats constantly in real-time is fatiguing.
• Video chats dramatically reduce our usual mobility.
• The cognitive load is much higher in video chats. (University of Stanford)

Great, one more problem from COVID 19.  What can we do? Some of these solutions I’ve tried myself and I really believe they are helping.

1. Taking the video screen out of Full-Screen Mode. This will help with the issue of trying to focus on too much at once. Moving the screen away from you physically can also help to reduce eye strain.
2. Turning your video off at times (ask your teachers, or friends if they mind) so you do not focus on yourself in the meeting.
3. Setting up an external camera rather than using your computer camera so you can create more space for yourself to work and move
4. MOVE, basically listening but moving around a bit so you aren’t frozen in front of your computer

They even created a scale to measure your current level of fatigue. It is interesting and only about 15 questions. At the end, it will give you suggestions to help mitigate your fatigue and also give you access to the full paper.  Take the survey here. 

I feel like this is just the beginning of the work in this field and I do not think that virtual meetings are going to go away when and if things ‘return to normal’. We need to be vigilant about our time with technology. One thing that stood out to me when reading the report is that our fatigue rates are very individualized.  So, take care of yourselves and hang in there. 

 

University, Stanford. “Four Causes for ‘Zoom Fatigue’ and Their Solutions | Stanford News.” Stanford News, Stanford University, 23 Feb. 2021, news.stanford.edu/2021/02/23/four-causes-zoom-fatigue-solutions/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2021.