My Independent initiative – Education during the pandemic
Context
During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools rapidly transitioned to online classes using platforms like Zoom.
Teachers had to manage up to 30 students simultaneously, all displayed in small tiles on a screen.
This created a critical problem:
Students struggled to get the teacher’s attention.
Even when raising their hands or making gestures, they were often not seen.
Many classes ended without students being able to ask questions, generating frustration and disengagement.
Challenge
How can a student ask a question without interrupting the class — and still be seen?
The difficulty was not technological.
It was human and visual:
- limited attention
- reduced visibility
- lack of clear signaling
Approach
I focused on a simple principle:
If something needs attention, it must be immediately visible.
Instead of adding complexity, I explored a low-tech, accessible solution that any student could use.
Insight
In a screen full of faces, subtle gestures are invisible.
But a clear visual symbol can instantly capture attention.
Solution
I designed a simple visual system:
- a printed sign with a question mark
- designed to be mirrored, so it appears correctly on camera
- easy to print, cut, or draw by hand
When a student holds the sign, the teacher can instantly identify who wants to speak.
Impact
- Reduced frustration in virtual classrooms
- Enabled participation without interrupting
- Empowered students to be heard
- Provided an accessible solution without requiring new technology
Reflection
Sometimes, the most effective solutions are not complex.
They are simply visible, human, and intuitive.
