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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: September 1, 2020
Summary Sentence:
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we learn and work, requiring us to rely on video calls through Canvas, BlueJeans, and Microsoft Teams to safely attend classes, meet, and connect.
Full Summary:
No summary paragraph submitted.
Video FatigueThe coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we learn and work, requiring us to rely on video calls through Canvas, BlueJeans, and Microsoft Teams to safely attend classes, meet, and connect. Although these tools have tremendous value, there are challenges. For many, learning the use of new technology, shifting to and from classes or meetings, being easily distracted, or constantly staring at your computer can cause stress and anxiety that experts have called “video fatigue.” Researchers define this as the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing virtual platforms of communication.
Video fatigue manifests in different ways. Some people worry about technical issues, including internet speed problems and lags, sound delays, and software crashes. Fears of talking over people during meetings, unintentionally being unmuted when having a private conversation, or realizing that you are muted when trying to talk adds another layer to the stress and exhaustion. For those working or learning from home, distractions and interference associated with dogs barking, kids crying, doors slamming, and people walking in and out of your camera view while you’re trying to focus in your class or meeting can really take a toll.
So why are these video calls or learning tools so anxiety-provoking? According to psychological experts, seeing ourselves on a screen can cause us to feel like we are on center stage, something that is like performance anxiety. Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, director of the Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE), offered another explanation related to social bonding: “Social interactions and being able to gaze at someone’s face reward us and keep us alert. The immediate visual cues needed to connect and bond are lost through the video format, and this is draining. In order to come across as paying attention, we have to look at several cameras or stare at one camera on top which is awkward.”
Tameka Collins, CARE clinical case manager, offers hope. “We are all in this together, and everyone experiences occasional problems and challenges when videoconferencing, so give yourself permission to make mistakes. Understandably, it’s tiring to constantly sit in front of a camera for meetings, but there are great strategies to help. Try meeting less frequently, shortening the length of meetings if possible, and adding some interactive components to meetings like funny videos, interactive activities, or handouts — this can help break things up.”
Other suggestions on combating video fatigue from the CARE team and other experts include:
Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE)
404.894.3498
www.care.gatech.edu
