As Zoom fatigue sets in, teachers are making use of platforms such as Roblox and TikTok to keep students engaged when learning from home. What began as a stop-gap solution could become a permanent feature of lesson plans as teachers and students recognise the learning advantages of these tools.

Rather than a traditional video call, the Caribu app is an interactive platform that focuses on fun and connection. Users can read together over the app, use digital coloring books, play games, and have virtual playdates with everyone from grandparents to friends from school.

Zoom has become much more than a tech product in 2020 – it’s been a lifeline of social connection, and it’s leaning into that role. With many friends and families set to celebrate the holidays through a screen, Zoom is removing call time limits in an effort to keep people connected.

Video calls may have helped to ease isolation during lockdown, but it’s not just humans that can provide a sense of connection. Canvas8 spoke to social psychologist Dr. Elaine Paravati Harrigan to understand how people are fulfilling social needs with or without others.