Zoom adds Focus mode, helping learners not to be distracted

'Focus mode allows teachers to see all students, but one student only sees the teacher and not the other members. With this feature, teachers can monitor the classroom, students are not distracted and automatically turn on the camera' - Zoom shared.

When the teacher turns on Focus mode, students can't see or share each other's screens, but the teacher can still see everyone's webcam. The feature provides the same control as Webinar mode. However, Webinar mode is not available for free accounts and is not as flexible as Zoom.

When Focus mode is enabled, participants will only be able to see the meeting host and other notable content.

Zoom allows meeting owners to turn Focus mode on and off whenever they want, helping them use this feature in specific cases. For example, teachers can turn Focus on during a presentation, then turn it off when it's time for a class discussion. Focus mode is available for free Zoom accounts.

When Focus mode is on, participants still see their own pictures, other people's names and emoji reactions, and any images shared by the meeting host.

Overall, this feature is a good way to keep students from being distracted during class, even during corporate meetings. Focus is available on group or individual accounts. You can tap the More button to select and enable the feature.

David Pac

Update 12 August 2021