By:
Sarah Ca
h il l
riter Staff W
Who would’ve thought that technology would have made life more comfortable while going remotely! Or, has it? Everyone has become familiar with virtual meeting programs like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Most classes are using this software, whether they meet in person or not. Zoom allows students to be “in class” when they’re out for COVID-related reasons or for members in a class to chat without the need to physically meet. And these tools aren’t just being used at the University of St. Francis. Schools, including at the elementary, middle and high school levels, have jumped on using Zoom. These virtual meetings have redefined teachers’ pedagogy and have the potential to reshape how schools handle sick and snow days. But, what happens when meeting virtually becomes incredibly awkward? Everyone can remember the first time using this software. I distinctly remember how painfully awkward it was to follow along with someone’s discussion as my WiFi cut in and out. Or how a professor would prompt a question and everyone would just stare at their screen in silence. Zoom and Microsoft Teams have been wonderful tools to include everyone in the classroom but it has led to the awkwardness that you spend your life trying to avoid. Thankfully there are resources online on how to not be socially awkward on Zoom, like from eternitymarketing.com for example. But sometimes, no matter how many tips you can get, it still will sting. Students at USF have had their fair share of awkward Zoom encounters. For example, one anonymous student explained that an awkward exchange happened in their sign language class. They commented, “My awkward Zoom encounter happened for me when we transitioned online. When it’s quiet in a classroom it’s awkward already, but it becomes more awkward when the whole class is silent besides the students’ background noises. For instance, someone in the class had baby chickens in their room that chirped throughout the class and their screen constantly popped up on my screen.” Thankfully, students at USF aren’t the only ones experiencing the awkwardness. People in other schools, jobs, and interviews have all had their fair share. I watched a viral YouTube video titled “Awkward Team Meeting” where four members of a team ended the Zoom but one of the members forgot to turn their camera off and accidentally showed himself in his underwear! He got up and walked around his living room, with his team members busting out laughing until one called him to tell him what they were seeing. So, if you experience a Zoom encounter that shakes you to your core, you’re not alone! The best thing to do is just laugh it off!
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November 2, 2020
Photo courtesy of publiccounsel.com
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