Zoom’s Fatigue Drain Students’ Line of Focus
by Mallory West
As the pandemic has carried on throughout the past year and a half, students and teachers alike throughout the country have become familiar with the new obstacle known as Zoom fatigue. This digital drain is “the exhaustion you feel after any kind of video call or conference.”
For many college students across the United States, the new semester has been an anticipated event, for more than one reason. Now that the vaccines against COVID-19 are becoming available to millions with little to no cost, many have hoped to return to in-person classes by the beginning of this academic year.
Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) has started the process of slowly bringing back the in-person way of learning. It seems that the majority of classes will still be held remotely, via Zoom or simply online with Moodle. While this method of learning may have been new and even exciting during the start of the pandemic, many find themselves becoming exhausted with remote learning.
Faculty and students at 4Cs were evidently no exception to zoom fatigue. Allison Frisbie, a professor and advisor, understands the now-common sentiment among students. Many “feel ‘zoomed’ out at times and prefer to be in class.”
For some, Zoom fatigue did not have a full effect until 2021. Faith Unwin, a second-year student at 4Cs, commented that for the Spring 2021 semester, “constant having to be on my laptop causes [Zoom fatigue].” For Unwin, the Fall 2020 semester did not have an effect because it was “the beginning of the school year and all the zoom meetings and work were fresh.” In addition to being a student, Unwin is a member of different clubs. “I loved going to classes and club meetings, but it was just one zoom after another. Many times after being on Zoom I felt drained.”
Faith Unwin
With this new obstacle, professors and students have adapted or changed their habits to combat Zoom fatigue. Frisbie has a strategy or two in adapting to this challenge. “I really try to focus less on the format (Zoom),” said Frisbie, “and more on the conversations, information, and students.” Since Zoom fatigue seems more likely to affect students as the semester progresses, some have adopted certain study methods and habits to avoid it. Unwin has recorded many additional notes, personal and more, to deal the semester’s increasingly important Zoom meetings. “I did…start writing things down more,” said Unwin, “made daily goals for myself.” In addition, Unwin is “drinking lots of water and doing schoolwork in between zooms” to ease this fatigue. Despite having to adapt to a new situation, there seems to be a few benefits in the use of Zoom, making it easier to cope with life’s responsibilities and COVID-19.
Although Zoom can be considered a byproduct of the pandemic, using it does have its benefits. “For many students, attending on Zoom makes their life balance much easier,” said Frisbie. “A few of my family members are immunocompromised,” said Unwin, “therefore, being remote reduces the risk of me catching COVID-19 and giving it to them.” Alongside the relaxation of in-person to prioritize safety, Unwin’s mode of transportation has not been as much of a concern. “I have not been able to get my Driver’s License,” said Unwin, “…being remote makes getting to school less of a worry.” For students who have had to commute in the past, Zoom has made attending school easier, including saving money on gas and travel.
Allison Frisbie
Though Zoom’s benefits exist, faculty and students cannot wait for in-person learning. “I will ALWAYS prefer to teach in person,” said Frisbie. “I love to see people and the classroom environment,” said Unwin. “Being in-person is also nice because I get to walk from class to class.” For many, Zoom Fatigue has proven to be a challenge. Despite this, faculty and students have adapted efficiently to the current circumstance of remote learning.
Categories: Student Life, Around Campus