How to Combat Zoom Fatigue When Learning Remotely

Online learning, working and training is becoming more and more popular as technology progresses. However, the coronavirus pandemic forced society to abruptly make the switch to solely online learning, without being able to prepare ourselves first. Although there can be benefits, new challenges come with online learning. 

Why do learners feel more tired when learning from home? 

Many people are under the assumption that online learning will be less tiring than a day in the office. However, technology brings new challenges that end up tiring us more than we thought. This occurs largely due to Zoom fatigue. 

Zoom fatigue is a result of the distractions from Zoom calls, Microsoft Teams or any other video chat platform. Some of the distractions are caused by our new environment, feeling as if we are being recorded, or even just missing components of in-person conversations. These distractions cause heightened stress levels, causing us to end our day feeling more tired than typical. 

What exactly causes Zoom fatigue? 

One example of why Zoom fatigue occurs is simply due to being on camera. Since we can see ourselves on the screen, we are hyper aware of how we are acting and looking. We feel as if we are being watched and it causes us to consciously focus on ourselves and therefore lose focus from the speaker.  

Besides your own video being distracting, there are usually multiple other people on the call as well. We are tempted to look around our screen and analyze everyone else's videos. With all of the different faces and different backgrounds, it becomes overwhelming for the brain to process. This causes mental fatigue. 

Another thing that causes Zoom fatigue is the lack of nonverbal cues. When we talk in person our brain processes nonverbal cues such as tone and pitch of a person’s voice, body language and facial expressions. We are not able to pick up on these nonverbal cues when we are talking through a screen. Even a one second delay due to slow wifi can come off as someone being unfriendly, which can be distressing to the other people on the call. 

Distractions at home also contribute to Zoom fatigue. Everyone has different environments at home, whether it includes roommates, family, or pets. It is common for anxiety to increase while on camera in fear of potential disturbances occurring. This is not only distracting and nerve wracking, but also mentally draining. 

How to fight Zoom fatigue when learning remotely

Although Zoom fatigue influences everyone, it is also easy to avoid. Asynchronous learning is the best method to fight off Zoom fatigue. This learning style allows people to learn at their own pace and does not include the unnecessary pressure and stress that video calls create.  

What is asynchronous learning? 

Asynchronous learning allows people to learn and train when they choose and where they choose. Asynchronous learning includes:

• Pre-recorded videos 
• Posted notes 
• Discussion boards 
• Self-guided lessons 
• Posted activities and worksheets
• Posted readings

How asynchronous learning helps remote learners

Since asynchronous learning does not include video calls, people are not as worried about distractions occurring at home. For example, if their child bursts into the room, they are able to deal with the situation easily without disrupting other people. This alone greatly reduces stress-levels. 

Asynchronous learning also allows you to choose your hours. This permits every individual to learn when it is most beneficial for them. This eliminates many distractions because it allows people to schedule around problematic times, like dinner time or your child’s playtime.

Additionally, since people are not on camera, they automatically feel more relaxed and comfortable as they work. People are able to focus on the material they want to learn instead of being distracted by themselves or their peers. This reduces fatigue, and therefore makes learning more efficient and successful. 

Another way asynchronous learning fights Zoom fatigue is through discussion boards. During Zoom calls only one person can talk at a time, which means that all the attention is on them. However, discussion boards allow people to communicate quickly and informally without being put on the spot. The casual nature of discussion boards also creates a more open learning environment and helps maintain friendships between peers.

Discussion boards also eliminate the stress of trying to understand people over video calls. There is no risk in having a miscommunication due to the video lagging or other technical difficulties. Instead, people are able to convey themselves over text at a time that is most convenient to them.

How myQuest changes the way people learn online

myQuest is at the forefront of asynchronous learning programs. The encouraging and informative platform allows people to optimize their time by learning and training under conditions that are the best for them. This is especially important due to the current global pandemic. People are experiencing the challenges of learning online, such as Zoom fatigue, for the first time. However, the myQuest system was already made in order to combat those challenges. 

Asynchronous learning strategies make learning from home more interactive, exciting and efficient. If you want to provide your employees with the most optimal way to learn and train, schedule a demo call with us today!