To Zoom or to not to zoom? That is the question. If you’re anything like me, the exhaustion from constant ‘zooming’ has truly taken its toll. Yet, it’s hard to deny the benefit of learning and consuming from our living rooms.
The Zoom-Boom has been monumental, revolutionizing human connectivity and providing a new way to disseminate knowledge. I’ve absorbed invaluable learning from classes that would have inaccessible. I’m grateful not only for the technology itself – something I could only dream of during my childhood days watching The Jetsons – but also for the willingness of others who embraced it as well.
During this time, I developed an appetite for the convenience of learning and connecting so conveniently. However, today, many of us are feeling ‘zoom fatigue.’
Since the fall ‘23, I’ve taken a break from the endless cycle of zoom meetings and classes opting instead for podcasts and self-paced online courses. The flexibility is not only attractive but necessary for my busy post-COVID life.
But how do we, as educators and businesses engaged in online delivery, cater to our clientele’s desire for learning while combating Zoom-fatigue?
As a proponent of holistic wellness and the integration of yogic principles into healthcare, I believe the answer lies in embracing adaptability and innovation. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, we must embrace flexibility, experimenting with different models to find what fits best in these ‘Post-Zoom-Boom’ times.
So, where do we go from here? I invite our community to engage in a dialogue. How do you choose to consume knowledge exchange these days?
Do you prefer:
- In-person gatherings?
- ‘Live, interactive’ webinars with scheduled engagement?
- Watching post-live webinar recordings?
- Self-directed online courses with all materials available on a learning platform?
- Podcasts with interesting topics and guest speakers?
- Reading articles and/or books?
- Listening without a screen?
- Or something else?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to reply to the comments of other community members – let’s ignite a thoughtful discussion together.
As we navigate the crossroads of tradition and innovation, let’s embrace change and reimagine learning as a dynamic journey that fosters connection.
Together, we can usher in a new era of education – one that celebrates uniqueness and endless possibilities.
The practicality of Zoom is undeniable, but I think there is something irreplaceable about live human contact that needs reaffirmation. There are many forces at play that seek to convince us consumers/viewers that digital experiences are indistinguishable from “real life”, that we’re being silly or even exclusive if we insist that there is a difference. We must be careful about acquiescing to this narrative too easily, simply in the name of what is easy and efficient.
‘something irreplaceable about live human contqct’ – yes! So true. That you have to say that out loud gives me pause. My hope for the generations following us is that they move toward doing more ‘real life’ and less digital life. Digital is a gift, and has value to create connections conveniently. It is not a replacement for real touch, real breath, real aura touching, real invigorating experiences.
I love all the options! I am concerned with the awkwardness of in person meetings after being cooped up, but realize the importance of touch, eye contact and presence. I am beginning to venture out, but find it not likely that I will avoid Zoom classes.
Interesting that it may feel awkward to you, and likely others, to be together in person – and maybe more so with touch. I agree with you its important and we have to try to create those opportunities. Where would you be willing to travel to, for how long, and what type of setting? Love to hear others speak to this as well.
I like both live and recorded zooms and courses. I like video over audio only. I also love in person but with traveling it isn’t always possible or convenient. You can do more with less travel but you don’t want to over do which leads to the zoom fatigue.
I love a mixture of all options! For yoga therapy, I feel like in person is so important, but depending on where you live geographically, it can be challenging to do a full training live. I’m grateful for the recording option and podcasts too!! 🙂
Thank you Catherine, for sharing your thoughts. It’s very helpful for us to plan what to offer!
I prefer in person
That is the ideal way to connect!
Definitely a mixture of all of these!
I think that’s where we are headed! Look for an in person this year – the first time in a while.
The option of attending a live Zoom class is worth so much to me–especially since moving out of the US–that I am willing to put up with some Zoom fatigue. I really think Zoom classes/gatherings and telemedicine were two great things to come out of the pandemic. I hope you continue offering these so that those of us who are far flung can stay in community.
So nice to connect ‘live’ in that way. I agree.
I recently stopped by the PRYT studio in Vermont wheee I received my training years ago- in hopes of reconnecting to the community. I was sad to see it had closed and that all trainings are now on line. I really believe that this kind of work is best offered in person and hope to see in person or hybrid offerings in the future.
It was such a lovely studio and hard to let go of. We miss it too! We also hope to offer some in person as well this year!
I’d love to hear your thougts! Please add your comment below. I do have to ‘approve’ it – other wise we get terrible spam comments!