Abstract
This paper explores plausible reasons why some students report having more difficulty learning online, predominantly in Zoom synchronous classes, and suggests strategies that students can do to optimize their learning. During anonymous classroom observations, approximately 80% of 350 college students polled indicated it was harder to focus their attention and stay present while taking classes online. They also reported experiencing more isolation, anxiety, and depression compared to face-to-face classes, although much of this may be due to COVID-19 social isolation. Students often appear nonresponsive when attending online synchronous Zoom classes that negatively impacts the nonverbal dynamics of student-instructor interactions. Communication issues includes internet challenges, lack of facial expressions, body appearance, and movement. Students also report that it is more challenging to maintain attention, especially when they are multitasking. Suggested strategies are to optimize learning that includes arranging the camera so that you are visible, using active facial and body responses as if you are communicating to just one person face-to-face, configuring your body and environment (sitting upright and creating unique cues for each specific task), reducing multitasking and notifications, and optimizing arousal and vision regeneration. © 2021 International Society for Neurofeedback and Research. All rights reserved.
Highlights
Overnight, the pandemic transformed college teaching from in-person to online education
For many students synchronous online learning was more challenging, especially after teaching was shifted to a Zoom environment without adapting the course materials to optimize online learning
This paper explores differences in communication and factors that can enhance learning during synchronous Zoom online education
Summary
The pandemic transformed college teaching from in-person to online education. The nonverbal cues they are sending may not be related to his message but rather to their reaction to other media, people, or distractions not seen by the presenter This mode of communication is different from communication patterns that through natural selection have allowed the human species to thrive and survive. Just like in large lectures, Zoom tends to inhibit this process because it delays social feedback since most people mute their microphones to avoid extraneous noise. Facial Expressions and Auditory Processing Facial expressions are a critical part of nonverbal feedback, signaling to the other person that they are being listened to and providing cues that the interaction is safe. What is unique to the synchronous online environment is that the speakers and participants view themselves This is the first time in human history that people are seeing themselves while speaking.. Most of us had no idea how we looked when we were communicating—it is totally novel experience to see yourself while talking and communicating
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