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  • The APTN Scholarship Program for Aboriginal Media Makers

    The APTN Scholarship Program for Aboriginal Media Makers

    Canada has a strong media landscape filled with different careers. Landing those opportunities requires a delicate combination of talent, networking, and timing. Enrolling in a college or university program for journalism, film, or television can help you develop your skills, meet the right people, and be ready for when opportunities arise. For First Nation, Inuit, Or Metis Canadians, one of the ways you can make this happen is through the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Scholarship Program.

    Two scholarships, each worth $2,000, are awarded annually to qualified Aboriginal applicants. You must be attending or going to attend a full-time college or university program that is at least two years in length. A minimum grade average of 65% is required. The program seeks candidates who are actively engaged in the Aboriginal community. This ties into the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s dedication to developing professionals in that community and enriching their lives. The money can make a crucial difference and allow talented individuals to cover the tuition and living costs associated with post-secondary life.

    In 2017, the scholarships were awarded to Jamie Malbeuf of Alberta and Trevor Green of Ontario. Jamie is a member of the Raizenne Metis family. At the time of receiving the grant, she was working on her Bachelor of Communications and majoring in Journalism. The money has allowed her to devote greater time to her studies and to work towards her goal of becoming a news anchor, sharing important stories of Indigenous Peoples. Trevor’s parents are from the Cowichan Tribes and Dog River First Nations. His studies at Ryerson University are in journalism and public relations. He is concentrating on business reporting and wants to look at issues such as finance and health from an Indigenous perspective. In 2016, Adeline Gladue, from the Yukon Territory and Alberta with a Southern Tutchone and Cree background, and Savannah Kelly, from Manitoba with a Metis background, won the scholarships. The program has offered life-changing help to students of many backgrounds all across the country.

    If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, you must provide a copy of your resume, transcripts, and proof that you are either enrolled or accepted in a full-time program at a Canadian school. Furthermore, two recommendation letters from teachers or employers are needed. Finally, you must prepare a one-page essay that details your goals, how the scholarship can help you, and your involvement in your community. All selected finalists are interviewed to determine who will ultimately receive the funds. The application process is not overly demanding, and therefore, it is a good idea to apply even if you are on the fence about doing so.

    The media industry is challenging, competitive, and endlessly rewarding. It is important to continue developing your skills, meeting new people in the field, and hunting for opportunities. The Aboriginal People’s Television Network scholarship program is a fantastic way to ensure you can attain the schooling needed to achieve your goals. If it sounds like the ideal opportunity for your situation, start working on your resume and cover letter to be ready for the announcement of the next scholarships to be offered.

    Sources:

    APTN. “Scholarship Program.” http://aptn.ca/corporate2/scholarship-program/

    NationTalk. “Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Scholarship Program.” http://nationtalk.ca/story/aboriginal-peoples-television-network-scholarship-program

  • Career Profile: Insulation Workers – Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

    Career Profile: Insulation Workers – Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

    In Canada and other cold countries, insulation is important for keeping people warm and preventing pipes in buildings from freezing. In summer, insulation in floors, ceilings, and walls helps to keep homes cool in hot weather and reduces noise. Working with insulation is very useful, and this trade can be a good choice for people who like to work with their hands.

    Much of the work of people in the insulation trade happens during the construction of a building. Workers blow or roll insulation into walls or attics to help keep buildings climate-controlled and to reduce moisture. Some insulation is also necessary for reducing noise, such as between apartments in a building where many different people live. In schools that teach music or theatre, insulation might also be necessary to keep one musician from drowning out another.

    Installing insulation often involves cutting larger pieces down to the right size using saws, knives, and other tools. With other types of insulation, the work may involve weighing out the right amount to insert into the area. Some types of insulation require special tools to spread the material throughout the space that needs to be filled. Making accurate measurements is very important so that the building will stay at the right temperature.

    Some insulation workers learn on the job, but many enrol in apprenticeships through career colleges. Insulation worker apprenticeships are three or four eight-week periods with both classroom work and practical experience. Normally, this training takes about a year to complete. Beginning salaries start at about $17 per hour or $36,000 per year and can rise to $32 per hour or $69,000 per year. Insulation work is a Red Seal trade, meaning that the training in one province is valid in others, as well.

    Like with many other trades, being able to read instructions and make calculations is important. High school courses in English and mathematics are useful, as well as anything that gives people experience in working with their hands. Being able to work alone or with people is important, as well as being able to work quickly and efficiently when necessary.

    In Canada, most new construction of buildings happens in spring, summer, and fall. Some insulation work may be possible during the winter, but people in this field might want to find other work for that season.  People will also need help with putting new insulation in their buildings since it tends to become compacted over time and needs replacement. This can also help with energy efficiency, which is important to many.

    The materials used for insulation can be harmful to people’s health if they breathe in too much of it. Wearing a mask at work is important for people in this trade. Besides breathing in harmful substances, insulation workers can get small injuries like cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. Working on the upper floors of a building can also be dangerous. Taking safety precautions is very important in this job.

    A job as an insulation worker can be a good choice for people who like to work with their hands and to help make homes and offices more comfortable and energy efficient. If this describes you, why not consider this trade?

     

    Bibliography

    Career Planner. Job Duties and Tasks for: ‘Insulation Worker, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Insulation-Workers-Floor-Ceiling-and-Wall.cfm.

    Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. “Insulator (Heat and Frost).” https://www.nait.ca/programs/insulator?term=1-winter.

    Owl Guru. “Floor, Ceiling and Wall Insulation Workers: Salary, Job Description, How to Become One, and Quiz.” https://www.owlguru.com/career/insulation-workers-floor-ceiling-and-wall/.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Insulation Hourly Rate (Canada).” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Insulation_Installer/Hourly_Rate.

    Red Seal. “Insulator (Heat and Frost).” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/.3ns.5l.1t.4r.shtml

    Salary Expert. “Insulation Worker: Floor, Ceiling, and Wall.” https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/insulation-worker-floor-ceiling-and-wall/canada/quebec

  • Comfortable on My Own: Jobs for Introverts

    Comfortable on My Own: Jobs for Introverts

    By Rabia Khan

    Introverts prefer jobs that suit their personality traits — there’s no doubt about that! Every profession and workplace requires introverts to possess a wide range of skills. There is a wide range of emotions we can experience, from high anxiety to social aversion, and feeding your ‘introverted’ soul is not easy. What if I told you, as an introvert, you can work from the confines of your home? That’s right, here are some useful jobs you can do if you identify as an introvert! 

    1. Software Developer

    Working as a software developer is an ideal choice for any introvert. Thinking inward produces the chemical acetylcholine, which is beneficial for introverts. This is why the majority of introverts are required to work independently. The bonus of this job is the good annual salary.

    1. Architect

    Introverted personalities may find architecture a rewarding career path. As an architect, introverts can even turn into ambiverts (halfway between introvert and extrovert). Most architects’ schedules are spent independently planning and executing landscapes and larger-than-life structures, along with cold-calling and seeing clients.

    1. Psychologist

    Introverts make excellent psychologists and therapists because they prefer listening rather than talking. For this work, introverts should be comfortable guiding or counselling people in a physical setting. 

    1. Photographer

    Introverts are well-equipped to adapt their skills to street photography. It is due to their unparalleled ability to quietly absorb many extraordinary details that can make them good street photographers.

    1. Graphic Designer

    There’s no doubt that many creative people are introverts. One of the best jobs for introverts is a graphic designer, who communicates ideas through design. An introvert who enjoys creativity might find this job profile attractive, as it is one of the most competitive and rewarding.

    1. Social Media Marketing Manager

    If you’re a homebody, being an introvert makes you quickly addicted to the internet. Introverts will appreciate the remote job of managing social media. One can manage content for influencers or brands.

    1. Digital Marketer

    Since introverts enjoy working from home, a digital marketing role requires curating data as opposed to face-to-face communication. There’s less talking and more working on data execution. A digital marketing role is likely to exhibit several particularly valuable traits to introverts.

    1. Video Editor

    Video editing is a fun and exciting job for introverts. A producer of a project will often collaborate with an editor. This is another aspect in which introverts benefit from establishing strong professional relationships. The editing process also involves a lot of time on the editor’s own.

    1. Content Writing

    Content writers often remain in the know! If you love working from home and have a hardcore passion for word ideation, content creation, or content writing, it is an ideal profession for you! There are plenty of jobs available for introverts.

    1. Customer Service

    Introverts have immense benefits when opting for customer service agent roles that require them to work from home. Ever wonder about sitting at home and chatting behind the screens with customers? Solving their issues promptly can help you earn tons of money.

  • Paving and Surface Equipment Operator (French version available)

    Paving and Surface Equipment Operator (French version available)

    Melting snow and warmer weather in spring bring road repairs in many parts of Canada. Many people are involved in this work, but some of the most important ones are paving and surface equipment operators.  For anyone interested in operating heavy machinery, this career could be a good choice. The condition of many roads in spring and other times of the year means that the skills of a paving and surface equipment operator will always be in demand.

    Operating heavy equipment like the machines that resurface roads takes strength and skill. People in this trade need to monitor the thickness of asphalt in the mixer and ensure that the road surface is evenly covered. The machine itself can have complicated controls, which the worker needs to learn to use. The work can be dusty and hot, and the equipment is often very loud, which can sometimes make the work unpleasant.

    Like most work in construction, paving, and surface equipment operator work is seasonal and heavily dependent on the weather. Although construction often continues even in bad conditions, a severe storm can cause major delays. People in this trade should be prepared to deal with heat, cold, dampness, and many other kinds of situations that are less than ideal.

    Generally, workers need to finish an entire section of road or sidewalk so that it will dry and harden as one piece. This could mean working late into the evening or even at night. Although paving and surface equipment operators often work regular days, they should also be flexible enough to work overtime when necessary.

    Having a license to drive large equipment is necessary for this job. Some employers might also require a commercial driver’s license, especially if it becomes necessary to move equipment from one place to another. High school is normally a requirement, especially if it includes courses in dealing with large machines.

    Some employers might require employees to complete a one- or two-year apprenticeship, and possibly some college or industry courses. Trade certification is necessary for working in Quebec and is available but voluntary in the Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut. Some employers might also have their own systems of certification or apprenticeships for their employees, and on-the-job training is common.

    Knowing about the equipment and safety procedures is essential in this job. Starting and shutting down the equipment can be complicated. Making a mistake can potentially injure workers or damage the equipment, and it can cause delays in the work. Reading all instructions carefully and remembering them can help to keep workers safe. Good observational skills are also essential to be able to notice any potential problems, such as children playing nearby or rough sections of the road.

    Wages for paving and surface equipment operators begin at $22 per hour or about $45,000 per year and can rise to $32 per hour or $69,000 per year.  Operating equipment is not as strenuous as other construction jobs, and people can often stay in this work for many years. However, it can be tiring and hard on the eyes, and moving to a more supervisory role later in life is a good idea.

    Working as a paving and surface equipment operator is a good choice for people who like being involved in construction and helping to make transportation run smoothly. If you have the necessary qualities, it could be a good job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Indeed. “Asphalt Paving Operator.” https://ca.indeed.com/Asphalt-Paving-Operator-jobs?vjk=bebd40acf94648ad.

    Payscale Canada. “Asphalt Paving Machine Operator: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Asphalt_Paving_Machine_Operator/Hourly_Rate.

    Statistics Canada. “National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011.” https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=122372&CVD=122376&CPV=7521&CST=01012011&CLV=4&MLV=4.

    Your Free Career Test. “What does a Paving Equipment Operator do?” https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/paving-equipment-operator/.

  • Career Profile: Machinist

    Career Profile: Machinist

    Machines are part of all of our lives, but some people make a career of working with them. Tradespeople who set up or operate machines like lathes, milling machines, and grinders are called machinists. If you can work with very precise measurements and handle different machines safely, the job of a machinist is a good choice for you.

    Like many other people in the trades, machinists often work closely with the construction industry. This means that much of the work happens in spring, summer, and fall when the weather is warm enough for people to be outside for long periods. Still, the machinists themselves normally don’t have to work outside and deal with the weather. Most machinists work in factories, where they produce the metal parts that other people use for their work. Machinists can also work with car parts and might even help with assembling vehicles.

    Being a machinist requires a certain amount of physical strength and endurance. Lifting heavy objects is often part of the job, and standing in one place to work on a machine is also often necessary, although some machinists might be able to move around. Many machinists who work in large factories have to do shift work, meaning that they might have to work early in the morning or late at night, or even through the night.

    Starting wages for machinists are close to $18 per hour and can rise to almost $34 per hour. Many machinists leave the trade after fifteen or twenty years to become millwrights, tool and die makers, or maintenance planners, but others stay until retirement. Becoming a machinist usually requires an apprenticeship where people spend about 720 hours in classroom training and 7,280 hours in training on the job. Normally, this takes about four years, and it can sometimes start in high school. If you are interested, you can check out schools like the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, or any other trade school in Canada for specific requirements.

    Working as a machinist requires mathematical skills and the ability to read blueprints. You can already start to prepare for a career as a machinist by taking math courses, and also working on your ability to read complicated diagrams and other documents. Writing skills can also be important, since you might need to write reports for supervisors or clients. If you work on your own or for a small business, you might have to deal with customers, and developing your ability to work with people is also important. Learning to estimate costs, write out bills, and keep records can also be useful in this kind of work.

    Machinists can decide to specialize in certain types of machines, or they might decide to work in repairs instead of operating the machines themselves. Repairing machines can be a good career choice, although the work is likely to be less regular and predictable than for other machinists. In either case, the job of a machinist can be a good choice for people who like to work with their hands.

    Bibliography:

    Career Profiles. “Machinist.” http://www.careerprofiles.info/machinist-career.html.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Machinist Hourly Pay.” https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Machinist/Hourly_Rate.

    Work BC. “Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors.” https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers/Browse-Career-Profile/7231

  • Activism for Students with Disabilities

    Activism for Students with Disabilities

    It has become a prominent issue for teachers to take disabilities into greater consideration in their classrooms. Accommodations are becoming increasingly available and affordable thanks to modern technology. Yet this is only part of the story. It is not only harder for students with disabilities to complete their work, but integrating socially with the rest of the class can be a daunting task. Even without facing forms of discrimination, their circumstances create a barrier for them to relate, connect, and engage in regular activities with other students.

    You can help by engaging in activism. This is no easy task, but it can be done in many different ways. Becoming an activist requires action, consistency, and cause. At the heart of it all, you genuinely believe what you are doing is important. You feel the rush of urgency, the problems disabled students face, and feel compelled to take action. Once you do, consistent and regular action is essential for long-term success.

    Start a website or social media campaign. Use it to get the news out there and shed light on the lives of disabled students. This can be a great platform for new friendships and to help students connect.

    Take advantage of public spaces to hold events involving those with special needs. Libraries and community centres offer spaces that can be rented by the hour. By having everyone who comes pay just a few dollars, you can easily cover most or all of the costs.

    Get their voices heard. Start a blog with posts written by students. It can examine a variety of issues that they face, from the accomplishments and breakthroughs in technological assistance to the emotional turbulence and challenges they face daily.

    Conduct surveys for friends, students, teachers, and community members. Ask people about how they perceive the current condition of students with disabilities, as well as what else can be done for them. The results can be used to show common ways of thinking and shared beliefs that people may not realize are so popular. Use this as a springboard for further action.

    Reach out to larger companies and organizations that could help. Write to those who offer assistance to those with special needs. You could set up an interview, have representatives come to your school, or even use examples of students to show what they could change or improve in their products.

    By taking multiple courses of action, you are ensuring a greater chance of success. Not all of these ideas have to work. In fact, most will not. But it only takes one – one yes from a company, one successful survey, one event or fundraiser. You are not only helping students who will benefit tremendously from your efforts, but you are also enriching your life and gaining experience that will be invaluable going forward.

    Source:
    Anti-Defamation League. 10 Ways You Can Engage in Activism. https://www.adl.org/

  • Why We Should Protect the Environment (French version available)

    Why We Should Protect the Environment (French version available)

    Cleaning up a mess can be a dull job, but living with dirt and garbage is much worse than that. Have you ever smelled a piece of rotten fruit or a piece of meat that has gone bad? You can put rotten food in the garbage, but what if the whole world smelled like that? What if the water coming from the taps in your house made you sick with all kinds of diseases? Without clean water, good air, and healthy food, people easily get sick and die. That’s why caring for the environment is so important.

    For many years, people thought very little about the environment unless it affected them directly. Water shortages were important mainly for farmers and gardeners, and resources like trees or fuel were important for helping people make money. However, people’s ideas began to change when a writer named Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962. The book showed how the pesticides designed to kill harmful insects were harming the environment and people. The author said that our food supply and the whole world were in danger because of these chemicals. Partly because of that book, the United Nations established Earth Day in 1970, and people have used that day and other campaigns to raise awareness of environmental issues ever since then.

    What do you know about the challenges that the environment is facing? One problem that you might have heard about is global warming, which refers to the rapid increase in the Earth’s temperature. Many scientists believe that most of this warming is the result of pollution from human activity, such as burning oil and gas for fuel. Other problems include polluted water and air, which can make people sick or even kill them, the overuse of resources that take many centuries to replace and the loss of the top layer of soil that makes farming possible. Another issue is the deaths or disappearance of the bees, which helps plants to grow through pollination.

    People have many different theories on issues such as climate change and pollution. Some people believe that human activity affects the environment, but others do not. However, taking care of your home planet is still a very good idea. How can you help? You can save fuel by walking or taking the bus to school or your friends’ houses instead of getting a ride in the car. You can use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn the lights off whenever you leave an empty room. You can turn your computer off at night and try to use as little water as possible in the shower. These changes will not save the environment alone, but if we all do them, they will make a huge difference.

    Caring for the environment is a huge task, far too big for one person or even one country to do. Some environmental issues are beyond anyone’s control, and others depend on people far away on other continents. However, if everyone on Earth took responsibility for only one small part of the problem, we could make a difference.

  • Why You Should Be Outside More and Away from the TV or Computer

    Why You Should Be Outside More and Away from the TV or Computer

    It’s finally spring time! The weather is getting warmer, the plants are starting to grow and the chance to be outside more is increasing! However, electronics such as TV, computer and phones take a large toll on taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Most of us are busy with Netflix, social media or texting our friends; it’s the society we live in! Although it’s very important to be outside and away from the TV and electronics. Kids should spend at least a couple of hours outside every day! Here are some reasons why it’s important:

    Be a kid!

    There’s plenty of time to watch TV or spend countless hours on computers in your life. There isn’t anything wrong with being on electronics, just as long as it isn’t your main priority. Spending time outside can be a lot of fun, whether it’s going on a hike, going to the park or on a bike ride, etc. Many activities are enjoyable outdoors.

    Improves your mood

    Do you ever get down from being inside or feel dull? When you go outside, it helps with feeling brighter, more energetic, and happier! The sun and warm air help get you out of the winter funk from being inside most days. Sometimes it seems like there’s only life online, but it’s far better to really experience life by going offline and outside.

    Increases creativity, attention, connection and wellness.

    By being outdoors and using electronics less, it helps people connect with themselves and be present. It can also help with coming up with ideas and being creative. It gives someone a chance to be more aware of their surroundings as well. Another plus is that it strengthens our immune systems by being outside!

    The fresh air is good for you!

    There is nothing worse than sitting inside in a stuffy room or staying indoors throughout the whole winter if you’re not a fan of the cold! Going outside is good for your health and gives you a chance to breathe after spending most days inside. It gives your body a break to refresh and relax.

    It helps with sleeping

    Going outside helps for a better night’s sleep. Just think about it, if you go camping, you’re outside all night and sleep great! (most of the time!) Compared to indoors, when it can sometimes be hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. By going outside more often, it helps with sleeping habits.

    Improvement of social skills

    When playing outside with others, it improves communication, co-operation, problem-solving skills and many more skills. It gives kids a chance to work together and help each other out. As well as, it creates friendships.

    When it’s that time of year, and it’s time to go outside, with all the incredible benefits of being outside more and on the computer or watching less TV, it’s time to go out! Hopefully, these reasons will persuade you into turning off the TV and computer, putting on your shoes and running out the door for a couple of hours!

  • Snowstorms in Spring: Explaining Climate Extremes

    Snowstorms in Spring: Explaining Climate Extremes

    Canadians stereotypically live in snow all year. While not year round, 65 per cent of Canada experiences snowfall for more than half a year. Canadians often live through strong winters. With temperatures rising due to climate change, one might expect this pattern to stop. Yet, large, freezing snowstorms still happen in many parts of Canada even into spring.

    Past Snow Trends in Canada

    According to a 2019 CBC/Radio Canada analysis, Canada continuously receives less snow in comparison to past records. Less snow falls and less snow remains on the ground. Between 1955-1975, Montreal received snowpacks, layers of packed snow, of approximately 60 centimetres. Between 1991-2011, this statistic halved. Snow kept sidewalks cooler by reflecting sunlight, but low snow amounts lead to more heat; this all made snow melt faster.

    Climate Change and Weather Systems

    If Canada receives less snow, why does the country still experience large snowstorms? Although the term “global warming” sounds interchangeable with “climate change,” this isn’t always the case. Despite increasing temperatures, snowstorms still impact on Canadian communities. In fact, climate change makes extremes in weather more frequent and more powerful: summers become hotter, and winters become colder.

    Jet Stream
    Climate change influences the behaviour of the jet stream, a collection of winds that carry weather with it, causing these stronger extremes. The jet stream moves east-to-west, with speeds sometimes over 400 kilometres per hour. The jet stream now moves slower than it used to, making weather effects stay for longer. A blocking pattern draws out these longer, more intense periods of weather.

    Arctic Polar Vortex
    The Arctic polar vortex is a group of winds that move west-to-east above the North Pole. When warmer winds disrupt the vortex, it moves itself to different areas. The Arctic polar vortex moves to lower areas, splits, or stretches, covering a larger area than usual. While scientists continue to search for a clear trend, research shows a strong polar vortex occurs when undisturbed.

    El Nino and La Niña

    El Niño and La Niña, Spanish for “little boy” and “little girl” respectively, cause alternating warmth and cold in water currents. El Niño, which occurs every 2-7 years, helps temperatures warm up by bringing warm water towards South America. La Niña, which occurs every 4-5 years, replaces the warm water brought by El Niño with cold water. Making winters unusually colder than normal, 2023 marked the “third La Niña winter in a row.” Officials say that despite La Niña periods, the world continues to break warming records.

    Climate Change Ahead

    Engage Ottawa predicts the National Capital Region will receive 10 per cent less snowfall by 2030. They also project that by 2050, that number will double to 20 per cent. While snowfall will decrease, rain will rise. Alongside more changes of freezing rain, rain may increase by 15 per cent in the 2080s. Freezing rain causes power outages and creates slippery streets and roads. Canadians should keep their winter coats and boots out.

  • Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

    Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

    By Selina

    The pandemic resulted in a tremendous increase in the time we spend on video conferencing calls and meetings using platforms such as Zoom. The term “Zoom fatigue” has become commonplace; it was coined to describe the exhaustion resulting by constant video calls. Although Zoom is one of the most widely used video conferencing platforms today, the term can also be applied to other platforms as well (such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, and FaceTime).

    What causes “Zoom fatigue”?

    Video calls require more mental processing power compared to face-to-face interactions. Our brains have to work together to interpret the non-verbal cues that we can rely on in-person, including body language and voice tone. Fatigue can also result from the technical issues and annoyances that often occur during these video conferencing meetings, such as people not muting their microphones and having a lot of excessive background noise, screen delay, or freezing, and other technical problems.

    What are some tips to avoid “Zoom fatigue”?

    1) Plan Ahead and Shorten Meetings

    Lengthy virtual meetings can be tiring and frustrating. The shift to remote learning and virtual work makes it easier to schedule even more calls than before. However, longer meetings do not necessarily mean they are more effective. Some meeting objectives can be achieved in less time if all participants are focused and come to the meeting with a clear agenda. To shorten meetings, set and distribute an agenda to all participants ahead of time. Being well-prepared helps keep the meeting focused and to the point. Keep the discussion on track.

    2) Schedule Breaks and Avoid Back-to-Back Meetings

    Try to space out your meetings to have breaks in between. Block off at least 15 to 30 minutes in your calendar to avoid having multiple back-to-back Zoom meetings. During break time, stand up and stretch, take a short walk (such as walking the dog), make or grab a cup of coffee, rest your eyes, or use some time away from the screen.

    Prior to the shift to remote learning, commuting to attend meetings or classes in person created natural and necessary breaks in the day. Replicating those breaks in your online environment can help you avoid days that feel like one long, unvaried task.

    3) Use the “20-20-20 Rule” for Your Eyes

    Eye strain is common when you look at the computer screen for too long. Zoom calls and other online learning components that require computer use can lead to increased eye strain. Because the rigours of online learning often mean more screen time, it’s important to make sure your eyes get the rest they need.

    The “20-20-20 Rule” is: For every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. Developed by an optometrist in California, this practice can help relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

    4) Avoid Multitasking

    Our brains already have to work harder to process non-verbal cues and body language during non-face-to-face interactions, so there is no need to add more to the brain’s limited processing capacity. Studies have shown that multitasking can reduce performance by as much as 40%.

    Stanford psychologists discovered that multitasking not only affects memory, but it also makes performing simple tasks harder and more taxing. They identified engaging multiple types of media simultaneously as one of the main contributing factors. Removing distractions can help make video conference meetings more productive because you will be more present and feel less fatigued.

    5) Reduce Video Calls by Using Emails, Text-Based Communication Platforms, and Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools

    Some discussions or certain objectives can be accomplished by using simple, text-based communications such as email, discussion forums, or chat platforms (e.g. Discord, Slack). Not only can this help reduce Zoom fatigue, but it can also be more time-efficient as participants can reply or provide their input at a time that is convenient for them (without having to designate a single time slot when everyone is available).

    Cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Online products can help teams work collaboratively on the same documents. This is great for planning, brainstorming, editing, proofreading, and more.

    6) Replace Video Calls with Recorded Asynchronous Video

    A recorded, asynchronous video message can replace a meeting. Tools such as WebEx and Loom have recording options (including screen capture recordings). If you’re looking to kick off a project, provide a project status update, or walk someone through the steps of doing something on the computer, try a screen recording of your slide deck or capture a webcam video of yourself running through the explanation. You will save your and other participants’ time.

    Conclusion

    Online learning and remote work aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Using the above tips to avoid Zoom fatigue can help you feel more alert and productive in your online courses and projects.

     

    Sources

    Vidyard. 10+ Tips to Prevent Zoom Fatigue. https://www.vidyard.com/blog/zoom-fatigue-tips