I found this intriguing article on EdSurge via Twitter that confirmed what I already thought to be true: Zoom learning is not the same as in-person learning. However, the reasons for this are not what I initially had in mind. This article explores the ways in which our brains interpret Zoom learning, right down to the hormones it causes our bodies to release. The article was taken from a podcast done with Brenda Wiederhold, a clinical psychologist who treats her patients with forms of virtual technology. During her interview, Wiederholder explains what is known as “Zoom fatigue”, which is when “overuse of video conferencing causes us to feel tired, anxious, or worried.” Basically, because we understand that communication via Zoom is not in real time, although it appears to be, our brains subconsciously pick up on this and try to compensate for the lag. Over time, this causes us to feel more tired than we normally would during in-person learning.
Additionally, we are not able to pick up on body language and facial cues as easily or as often as we would be able to face to face. This would normally cause our bodies to release “feel good hormones” like dopamine and oxytocin. Instead, Zoom calls might actually be causing our bodies to release cortisol, which is released when our bodies are in fight-or-flight like situations. It’s crazy to think that video conferencing could be causing our brains to send a message to our bodies that we in danger. It’s even crazier to think that it could be due to prolonged eye contact with the large faces staring at us on our computer screens.
Luckily, Wiederhold also provides us with some tips and tricks for lessening the hormonal stresses from Zoom learning on our bodies. She says that sometimes, when permitted, turning the camera off is not always a bad idea. She expressed that when she and her colleagues did this for work calls, they reported feeling less fatigued afterward. She also suggested being eye level with your camera, especially if you are a teacher, and looking at it while you are speaking. This helps those watching feel as though you are actually looking at them and aides social connection. Lastly, for those that may just feel nervous about speaking on camera, she suggests practicing diaphragmatic breathing to calm your mind and body, thus allowing yourself to have a more relaxed disposition and manifesting that to your students or colleagues.
This article is definitely something that students and teachers across our country can relate to right now. During this time, as we are still dealing with interruptions to our traditional learning routines due to COVID-19, Zoom has become an integral part of at-home instruction. As useful and necessary as it currently is, it is not what we are accustomed to. Reading this article reminded me that we are all human, and that feelings of anxiety during this new and unusual time are normal and okay. Now that I have a better understanding of what causes our brains to feel this way, I plan on putting some of the tips to alleviate these stresses to use going forward.
