How the function of video-conference software, Zoom, interfere with turn-taking in the online classroom?

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, universities have changed teaching methods from on-campus to online. For long-distance education, Zoom is the most common video-conference software with powerful functions, such as screen sharing, chatbox, and breakout room. Although Zoom brings some benefits to online teaching, it still affects the operation of turn-taking which is a fundamental organizational principle in face-to-face conversations. Therefore, base on a typical educational institute, The University of Melbourne, the current study aims at analyzing how the function of Zoom interferes with turn-taking. There are four basic findings. (1)Talking simultaneously is not limited by Zoom classrooms, which leads to turn-taking showing long overlaps. (2) Due to the ‘screen sharing’ function, nonverbal cues often absent in Zoom classrooms. (3) Noise becomes an unavoidable interruption in Zoom classroom because of the inapparent icon to mute the microphone. (4) The lack of related Zoom's functions for students to hint at their unfinished turns makes teachers feel difficult to predict students' transition relevance places. This study could give suggestions for Zoom company to update their products during COVID-19.