Zoom Launches Focus Mode To Keep Students Focused, Minimize Online Class Distractions

Zoom is coming up with a new feature, called Focus Mode, which is meant to keep students focused during online classes while also allowing teachers to monitor them properly.

The video conferencing platform said the latest feature will improve the virtual learning experience as the COVID 19 pandemic has forced educators to migrate to an alternative way of conducting classes, The Verge reported. It will help minimize the distractions during online classes, the company said.

In a blog post Wednesday, Zoom said Focus Mode will help kids remain attentive during online sessions.

"With this feature, teachers can supervise their class, but students won't be distracted by their peers' video feeds or feel self-conscious about turning on their own camera," the company said.

A webinar host or teacher can turn on Zoom Focus Mode during a presentation and switch it off during class discussions. When activated, the teacher will be able to see all students but the students can see only the teacher and not one another.

On the students' screens, the teacher will appear as the active speaker and their own video tiles will also be visible. They can also see the names of their co-participants and their reactions but will not be able to see their videos or screen shares.

The Zoom Focus Mode is reportedly available to free accounts as well. The feature can be enabled or locked on for individual users, accounts or groups.

In order to enjoy the distraction-free classes, the educator or host must activate the Focus Mode on their Zoom accounts. During a call, the host should head over to the More option to turn the feature on or off.

Zoom Focus Mode on iOS will allow users to create various focus profiles with different apps and sets of contacts. Users can opt to schedule a profile for a specific time or event, 9to5Mac reported.