Christmas Zoom Background: Home Alone Edition

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us are embracing the convenience of remote learning and teaching. As we settle into our home offices to connect with students via Zoom, it's essential to consider how our virtual appearance can impact our online interactions. A recent study by Zandan and Lynch highlights the importance of visual impressions in digital communication, emphasizing that 'business casual' is often perceived as authentic, creative, and trustworthy.

While personal style may vary depending on the program or school you teach within, research suggests that students aged 18-29 have distinct preferences for background, clothing color, and type to make a speaker feel authentic, trustworthy, innovative, and credible. So, how can we use this knowledge to our advantage?

Teaching from home alone, as many of us are doing during the pandemic, offers an opportunity to showcase our personal side to students. A warm and inviting background can create a sense of approachability and competence. In fact, studies have found that faculty attire does impact student perceptions of warmth and competence.

A spectrum of appropriate apparel exists for Zoom meetings with students. While it's essential to maintain professionalism, there is room for personal expression and creativity in our virtual attire choices. As educators, we can use these findings to intentionally curate our digital presence and build stronger connections with our students.

In the words of Zandan and Lynch, 'it's worth taking the time to invest in the right background and clothing choices to make the impact you want.' So, this holiday season, take a moment to consider how your virtual appearance can enhance your online teaching experience. Happy holidays from home alone!

Christmas zoom background home alone