A Student’s Point of View: Zoom University
In this blog post, I want to introduce you to four photography students. I invited one from each year to share their perspectives about being on “Zoom University”. I was curious how other students are doing and their approaches to using Zoom in their classes. I thought their approaches might help you figure out how to face Zoom in the future since all of America is still in the same situation confronting the pandemic.
Shelby Swindell is a freshman and a fine art photo major. One word that she used to describe Zoom is “convenient” because she’s never late to her classes and she can simply just open her laptop and check-in. Sometimes it’s not efficient because Shelby knows she is a visual learner and does indeed miss in-person classes. She appreciates the hands-on work when it comes to in-person classes compared to Zoom. On Zoom you can’t achieve the in-person experience. To stay motivated for her Zoom classes, Shelby loves talking to her friends and checking in. It helps her feel less alone. One thing that motivates her a lot is simply being at RIT and not at home. The ability to still come to campus and be surrounded by creative people and do what she is passionate about inspires her!
Mary Moreno is a sophomore, fine art photo major. “Zoom is not for me,” shared Mary. She is strongly against using Zoom and prefers in-person because of the human connection and the accountability it holds versus online. It’s a different headspace for Mary. She feels meeting deadlines and sharing projects online isn’t the same as in-person. In-person is more “real” having to be told what to do for the class or just having a conversation is more solid than online. Mary misses in-person her classes dearly. To stay motivated and get through the work, she emails her teachers and stays connected with her peers. It’s helped her build her relationships with teachers and having that acknowledgment that she is still visible as a student. One piece of advice she has for teachers, is that they should have more understanding and flexible attitudes about the pressures students might be dealing with. Mary has three jobs and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the work. In some cases, some of her professors seem to pile on the work when the class is online. She does find it helpful when teachers have recorded classes so she can look back and catch up. Even though Mary doesn’t find Zoom beneficial, she commits to it because she thinks it’s important to hold yourself accountable no matter what the challenges.
Diana Spencer is a junior photojournalism major. Diana expressed she was emotionally and mentally well prepared for “Zoom University” when it began. Right off the bat, she was on top of everything but then it gradually declined from there. She shared it was a “backward progression”. Diana wished there wasn’t a huge dependency on the Internet for her classes. What she does like is the accessibility of going to class from the comfort of her home. Diana’s methods for staying focused are to make notes and keep your mind and body busy. Diana expressed she has ADD so it’s hard not be distracted by anything, but she’s learned how to pace her own learning. Everyone has their own routine or drive and that’s okay. Diana noticed using Zoom was easy initially and it took some time to figure out her pace. Advice Diana has for others is “Change your scenery because it can help clear your headspace and keep your blood flowing. Also take a break time to time and come back with a clearer head”!
Trish Pickelhaupt is a senior Visual Media photo major. Trish was excited for Zoom because of the opportunity it provided to stay in touch with everyone so easily. She had the opportunity to stay in touch with old friends, which evoked her nostalgia for old online chat tool called ooVoo. Trish felt safe with Zoom because the anxiety of being close to someone who could have Covid doesn’t sit well with her. Trish liked the ability to “exist in her own space,” She rarely felt unmotivated because she cared about what she was creating and for each class requirements. “It’s all about the organization and your motivation”. If you are feeling stressed and unmotivated, Trish suggests “take breaks and know you are going to get the work done eventually. Also keep up with people and appreciate it!” Overall, Trish strongly believes in “take what we can get and stop trying to make it what it’s not.” I admire her positivity and I will keep her suggestions in mind.
Link to her website and a project on zoom for mock-up Tesla: https://www.trishapickelhaupt.com/tesla
Some concluding thoughts:
Zoom has not only showed us how to adapt, but it has also showed use how to use technology to its advantage. Staying connected to your world is so crucial for your education and as humans. Not only am I grateful to still be here at RIT in-person, but I also now know how well we are fighting to stay here on campus. Yes, there’s ups and downs with “Zoom University” but we all know it’s going to get better in the end. Staying hopeful and positive can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals.
Thank you for reading the last blog of the semester, stay safe, and have a great break.
Emily SuDock