ZOOM as a transformational medium
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ZOOM is changing how we meet with healthcare professionals. It's great for social distancing, but sure ramps up my sedentary screen time.
But I've noticed something else.
With "Gallery View", there's me looking just as goofy or tidy as the next person. My backdrop is just as chaotic or staged. My name appears just like everyone else's. My position in the grid hops around more or less at random. My gaffs with mute and hand raising are as visible as anyone's.
And that's the point.
All of a sudden, I seem to have equal value and voice as everyone else. This feels very different as a patient partner. Even after more than a decade of doing this work.
Hierarchy appears flattened for everyone. Senior leaders are just as prominent as assistants. The boss occupies no more screen real estate than anyone else. Social dynamics are very different from arranging ourselves at a conference room table!
Here's what I notice most of all. When the Zoom call ends, I feel far less stress as an "outsider on the inside". It's a shock --and a big visceral relief.
How's it been for you?
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Hi Carolyn:
ZOOM has been transformative for me as a study in being present. I've been told I nod my head too much in ZOOMs while others have said they think head nodding is the absolute height of active listening when the camera is on. Whatever the case, I think ZOOM has taught me not to multi-task (unless the audio and visual are off). Not paying attention is not fair to speakers, to those hard-working moderators and to the hosts. Perhaps ZOOM can't top the in-person meetings - you miss the body language and the visual cues. Many can't access ZOOM and if you are uncomfortable in one of our official languages you are disadvantaged. Transformative for some but not for all. So far, its the best we've got!
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Then there is also the Power of the Chat box. You can get comments and insights in front of the group with breaking the flow, or taking more than your fair share of the screen time.
I really need a better background for my zoom calls. I don't like being seen with a bed in the background, so try to hide it. If this is the future I'll need to reorganize my home.
Maybe a nice garden shot for background? or a real home office?
Annette
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Hi Carolyn
Great question. Zoom and other virtual platforms have shaken up my world- it has opened the door to new learning and connecting opportunities. Of course I miss the personal face to face contact ( including hugs ). Zoom will never replace that , however it has made my life better . Since the shutdown , there has been a surge of webinars and talks made available across the country that were not possible before. Participating in meetings feels like there is a level playing field- regardless of where we live and what office or position we sit in . It flows much better when all participants call in versus a mix of in person and call in. The chat boxes add a wonderful dimension, where we can park a thought or pose a question, much easier than in person . Scheduling is much easier and the convenience is terrific . I love not having to fuss about what I am wearing and where I will park . I am not crazy about all the sitting and screen staring - need to work on that aspect . I have heard from mobility restricted folks -seems the pandemic and zoom has opened the door for more participation and awareness of their challenges. Feel like we are on a learning curve. For me , Zoom is a tool and not the endgame. With increased use, sharing of learnings, and a bit of experimentation we will develop new practices to ensure the tool is working for us. For now it is a lifeboat to participating in the world outside home
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It is also healthier and environmentally friendly. I use Zoom for a couple of cancer centre groups. It avoids me bringing anything into the hospital where patients with compromised immune systems are present and in turn me bringing anything out. It also avoids driving to and from the hospital.
I suspect that when the COVID-19 passes Zoom use will continue, especially where travel, meal and lodging expenses can be avoided. Governments are running huge deficits and any little cost savings will be used.
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Regarding backgrounds Annette, Zoom does offer virtual backgrounds that you can use to 'mask' your particular reality at home... although they are somewhat limited.
AND I learned the other day that there are now 'stagers' -- people who you pay to 'create' your background so that you 'project the image' you prefer... similar to those who 'stage' a home for sale.... go figure!
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Hi Toby and Annette- on the virtual backgrounds , zoom does have the option to add your own photos . I am not a techie , however curious so I I have been experimenting and finding some work better than others ... Donna
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oops , meant to add. You can also google 'zoom virtual backgrounds " and find lots of free downloads with a lots of different backgrounds. many museums are offering this as well
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I too am having some interesting experiences with Zoom. It has allowed for easier participation for many meetings...no struggles with parking and more accommodations made for scheduling. Like others I have also observed that the participants who typically multi task at in person meetings are frequently even less “present” in Zoom meetings. I must admit myself to sometimes checking email during a Zoom call. Online meeting has allowed for new connections. For instance, the lung cancer patient Facebook group I belong to has met “in person” over Zoom which has allowed us to actually see each other and have a conversation. I have been able to participate in some online conferences/webinars which prior to COVID 19 would have been held on site and would have required travel...one of the biggest barriers to participation. I have been able to continue with my fitness classes through Zoom.So although there are many pluses to Zoom and it will likely continue, I have had some colleagues who have not been able to participate and going forward we need to work to ensure that barriers to online participation are minimized
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Zoom is continuing to play such a huge part in my life. How about you?
Too many of my days are back-to-back calls. Projects in healthcare have exploded with more meetings than ever. I suppose I'm supposed to do my work at night? I wonder how the professionals manage, along with keeping house and teaching kids. Not well, I observe as they seem increasingly frazzled and burned out. Many friendships now seems sustained by zoom, as well. This virtual world has changed us permanently, I think.
Just yesterday (during a Zoom call), a healthcare professional shared a link to this poem Zoomlandia, written by Aurora Levins Morales, a person with a long experience of isolation due to chronic disease.
From the introduction:
"We cannot afford to be without access to every single human mind. But this poem is about those of us, chronically ill and disabled, who live a good part of our lives online, and were doing it for a long time before the communities and institutions whose doors we banged on in vain discovered it was a way to keep going in a pandemic."
I encourage you to read Zoomlandia, and perhaps reflect as I have on this perspective of COVID-driven encounters with isolation and virtual connection.
Best wishes to all,
Carolyn -
Just wanted to add that it is possible to join more than one Zoom session. I have never tried, and don't know if it only applies to paid accounts.
Here is a link with steps to do this, for the uber-multi taskers out there!
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At a recent meeting we had a conversation about people joining 2 meetings at once or/ and doing other task. I wouldn't want to be spending my valuable time presenting or hosting a meeting while someone is mult- tasking, how much can they absorb in these cases. Just saying! and I know I have been guilty but will rethink this.
I know this is happening because we all now have many meetings happening.
