Thread by @karenraycosta

I can’t get past the paywall, but I think it’s safe to say that I disagree.

https://twitter.com/chronicle/status/1293925352755036160

Also “free of distractions” is not an actual thing y’all.

Okay wait, I logged in to my free account and I can see it.

Oh no. No no no no no. The Z**m Curat*r wrote it.

Okay. Well. Let's go through point by point, shall we? Why not?

#HigherEd
#OnlineLearning
#AcademicChatter
#HowtoZoom

1-Lighting
Do your best. Try to have some lighting in front of your face rather than behind you. That said, I know I have light sensitivity issues, so I can't do much in this department. It's fine. Do your best.

2- Neutral vs. empty. Okay. I sort of agree with this point that it's fun to bring your personality into your background. And, if all you have is a blank wall to work with because you are hiding from your kids and dog, AWESOME. Have at it. Who cares?

3-Clutter.
Apparently "no one trusts a hoarder."
Well, hoarding is an actual psychological disorder, so nice move there Z**m Curat*r and @chronicle. In the middle of a global mental health crisis, let's go there.

4-Curb parental pride.

Oh yeah, totally. Putting your kid's finger painting behind you will RUIN YOUR STUDENTS' LIVES.

5-Avoid doors.
LOL
Here's my current background.

I have two doors, technically, so I'm doubly bad.

#DoorsAreCOOL

6-Bookcase credibility.

I. just. can't. even.

This phrase is a manifestation of academia's most broken parts.

7-Be modest.

I mean, I guess some of you have fancy marble fireplaces and cavernous living rooms, but I've yet to meet you. Most faculty I know are recording from the corner of their 12 x 12 bedrooms.

8-Camera angle. I'll concede this one a bit. Try to set your webcam up to be at eye level. A yoga block can help. But if that's not in the cards for you, who cares. Do your best. It's good enough.

Also, you do not need to have your camera on to run a quality Zoom session. Yeah. It's true. Or use a virtual backdrop. It takes five seconds. You could record from your bathroom if you had to.

"professorial persona"

is making people sick and is racist and sexist

Folks, you are doing great. Your best is good enough. Don't be like me. Don't read this crap that aims to make you feel like doo to make a buck. Go pet your dog or eat ice cream instead.

This #HigherEd clickbait crap just makes me so angry and sad. People are HURTING. Faculty and staff are fighting every day to keep their heads above water and to manage declining mental and physical well-being. I just don't get who this serves.

My contrary self wants to host a Zoom workshop for #HigherEd where we break all those dumb rules and still have an awesome time learning together and building virtual community.