Zoom Unveils Focus Mode To Avoid Distraction During Virtual Class

Zoom has unveiled a new Focus Mode that is expected to keep students from getting distracted while in a virtual classroom and still allow the teacher to keep an eye on everybody.

Focus mood will restrict participants in a meeting from seeing each other’s videos or screen shares while the host is still able to see everyone’s webcams. It provides some of the control found in Webinar mode, without the intricacy and lack of elasticity that comes with it.

Focus mode appears to be available to free accounts while hosting a Webinar costs money.

The company said that Focus mode will put the teacher’s video or screen share front-and-center for students, it won't be the only thing on their screens. For one, participants will still see their own video, as well as any videos or screen shares that are spotlighted by the host. They’ll also be able to see the names of the other participants, as well as any emoji reactions.

According to Zoom’s Focus mode support article, the feature can be enabled or locked on for accounts, groups, or individual users. After turning it on for your account the feature can be accessed by clicking the More button while in a meeting.