Friday, January 15, 2021

This week saw me in a lot of meetings. According to the new normal, the meetings were all virtual—and the Zoom fatigue is real.

So, I found myself reflecting this week on the gifts and challenges of virtual encounters, especially as I plan for a “soft launch” of the ABHMS Center for Continuous Learning as an online learning platform this spring. How can I maximize the gifts while also addressing the challenges of virtual experiences?

Here are a couple things I’ve learned this week, based on my experiences in hours of virtual meetings!

  • Location, location, location. It really does matter—not only for ensuring the ability to concentrate, but also in terms of self-care. I find I prefer alternately a small space to minimize distractions, or an outward-facing space (near a window!) to connect me to the world beyond this virtual meeting! And of course, a location with seating and technology setup that cares for ergonomics and general comfort is important for virtual sessions of any length.
  • Remembering life in 3 dimensions. It is easy to forget that teachers and learners alike exist in the real world with real-world needs. We aren’t just images on a screen, so being mindful of bodies is vital.
    • As a learner/participant. I’ve found that self-care means more than taking bio breaks. I light a scented candle. I keep a soft blanket or warm sweater handy. I prepare a snack and a beverage (which later compels me to take that bio break!). I choose lighting that facilitates either alertness or ambiance, depending on what my body, mind and spirit require.
    • As a presenter/teacher. First, breaks of 10-15 minutes allow people to move away from the screen, moving our bodies to stretch and get the blood flowing! Just because we can be back in 2 minutes doesn’t mean we should be. Second, especially for cohort-type learning, creating space for human interaction before and after a formal session recognizes the whole persons who enter that space. Try opening a virtual room 5 minutes early and don’t rush to close it at the end, giving people time to chat as they would in person.

Need more tips for avoiding the screen fatigue? Check out Leah Schade’s article on patheos.com.