Beware the zoom to Zoom

It’s incredible how quickly educators and educational institutions have adopted video during the COVID-19 lockdown. I’ve been moved by K12, ELT, and higher ed instructors determined to let nothing stop the progress of their students.

And in this frenzy, Zoom has shot to tech stardom. But let’s remember, Zoom is not an education nirvana—for the student, or the teacher.

In a post-COVID world, many changes we’ve seen in how education is delivered through this crisis will persist—some because they were ripe for change, but others for potentially the wrong reasons.

Let’s not forget that learners choose a college, a language school, or a professional training course because of the totality of the experience—both face-to-face interaction with teachers and learners, and the social and cultural aspects. All of these drive student retention, growth, and student success.

So, as we exit the crisis, and entrepreneurs rush to fill the apparent void of “videoconferencing for education,” let’s reflect on lessons learned and the excellent research about “what works,” and consider how to use videoconferencing judiciously—as part of a blended, effective, and social learning experience. 

I look forward to that!

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels