The Student Voice

Trait inferences from first impressions are drawn rapidly and spontaneously. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced interactions online introducing differential influential factors on first impressions. As such, there is an absence of research investigating video background on videoconferencing impression formation. This study explored the influence of video background, facial expression, and gender on first impressions of trustworthiness and competence. Video background affected trustworthy and competence perceptions with Plants and Book backgrounds scoring highly on both dimensions while the Home and Novelty backgrounds consistently received the lowest ratings. Happy faces were perceived as more trustworthy and more competent while female faces were also rated as more trustworthy and more competent, regardless of the background they were using. The explanations for these findings are discussed, along with future directions for research and the implications for videoconferencing use.

New research looks at how people’s choice of Zoom background could be helping or hindering them.

The worst offenses a job candidate can commit during a virtual interview range include not making eye contact and having a messy room, according to TopResume.

Even if you’re secretly in pyjama bottoms, the usual rules apply – plus a few extra. Look at the camera, check your backdrop, and try to keep the room clear of other people and pets

The Post asked instructors from U.S. universities to share their advice for students in remote-learning courses.

A handful of classic techniques and some tips unique to the work-from-home era can help you land that next job.

For many students, the Covid-19-driven online learning experiment has so far fallen flat, with seven out of ten rating their online courses as worse than the in-person classes in which they were initially enrolled. But, when it comes to learning, not everything online is created equal.

When they were all in the same dorms and eating the same dining hall food, the disparities in students’ backgrounds weren’t as clear as they are over video chat.

Based on a survey of college students over the last three semesters, students understand that remotely attending a lecture via remote synchronous technology is less effective for them than attending in person, but they highly value the flexibility of this option of attending when they need it.

One tip: Take a note from Kamala Harris.

Many people feel some form of anxiety when speaking in front of others. That includes taking part in video hook-ups for work or study thanks to coronavirus restrictions.

Year 12 students joke about yearbooks filled with Zoom photos, while some parents prepare for a new logistical challenge as school returns in stages.