Online Learning Platform: Zoom
Thompsons Rivers University
Introduction
Covid-19 pandemic caused the minimalization
of face to face interactions and as a result
majority of schools and other higher
educational institutions were temporarily
closed. Classes and other meetings were
shifted from in person interactions to online
platforms. Among the different online
meeting platforms “Zoom” was extensively
utilized for teaching and learning. Zoom offer
several features such as annotation polls ,
breakout rooms , video and screen sharing
which make it one of the most ideal platforms
for conducting classes and other forms of
meetings
Background/context
Eric Yuan, an applied mathematics and
computer science graduate from Shandong
University of Science and Technology (China)
created Zoom in 2011
Eric Yuan worked for Webex (from 1997
to 2010) which is also a Video Conferencing
platform and where Eric acquired first-hand
knowledge about working on such platform.
Zoom gained most popularity after the
world got hit by Covid-19 Pandemic. Even
today in this Post-Pandemic World Zoom
continues to be a popular means of
communication.
What started off as a platform for hosting
business meetings turned out to be a vital
Academic Tool today
Figure 1: Shows an online Zoom meeting on a computer screen
Akash, Kabir, Ishanka, Vikas
Findings Conclusion
According to the survey conducted in one of the university I US
where 31 students were chosen to participate gave the following Based on the survey, student has mixed opinions
feedback after attending face to face and and virtual classes. about using Zoom as virtual learning tool. Some of
Students voted based on their experience with Zoom. them mentioned that, it is flexible, easier to interact,
written communication is best option, and others
stated that, it is difficult to stay concentrated, poor
Pros education quality and problems with the technology.
• Flexibility : Can attend classes from home and any place
But as per the study, the advantages outnumber the
• Easier Interaction : by raising hand , texting and breakout rooms.
disadvantages comparatively which is a positive sign.
• Written Communication : Chat option
• Multimedia : Usage of technology for better upcoming future
which is going digital.
11%
5%
5%
Recommendations
• Zoom platform must be integrated with the
Flexibility
official website of TRU and mobile applications
easier instructions
such as Moodle. The meeting links should be
written communication
provided on websites and mobile apps thereby
multimedia
helping students easily access online classes.
• Instructors and students must be trained on
79%
usage of Zoom to improve their quality of
Figure 2: Shows the positive opinions of students based on their experience teaching and understanding of content.
with zoom in percentage. • Online classes should be conducted in a much
more collaborative manner to avoid student
Cons boredom and distraction
• Distraction : various distractions at home • A technical support team should be maintained
• Quality of interaction : Some students felt it like a one way of to address any issues with the Zoom
interaction. application.
• Poor education quality : Some instructors quality of teaching
is low compared to FTF teaching as they are new to virtual References
learning
• Technical difficulties : Problem with hardware, software and Khonke,L., & Moorhouse,B.L.(2020).Facilitating Synchronous
internet connection. Online Language learning through Zoom. RELC Journal.
https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0033688220937235
5%
Kent,D.(n.d).History of Eric Yuan’s Zoom.Mio Dispatch.
16% https://dispatch.m.io/eric-yuan-zoom/
42% Distractions Quality of interaction
Souheyla, B. (2021). Zoom sessions in Distant Learning:
Algerian EFL students’ perceptions and attitudes. Arab
World English Journal, 264–280.
poor education quality Technical difficulties https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/covid.20
Khairul, A. R. (2020). Zoom user guide. International Journal
37% of TESOL Studies, 2, 174–182. https://
doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2020.09.13
Figure 3: Shows the negative opinions of students based on their Konrad, A. (2019, April 19). Zoom ZoomZoom! The Exclusive
experience with zoom in percentage. Inside Story Of The New
Billionaire Behind Tech's Hottest IPO. Forbes.