Total Zoomer Man
I have become a Total Zoomer. So what? This is a bit of software keeping everyone in touch at present. If you live in Scotland like me, a Zoomer is a person of an erratic disposition. Something I have been called many times. Yes, Nuttier than a bar of Cadbury’s Whole Nut. When lockdown started, a friend told us about having a family Zoom meeting. They said we should join them one evening on Zoom. My partner thought this was a great idea. However, I was sitting thinking about what is a Zoom meeting.
My partner had already installed the software on his laptop. He is a computer wizard, so of course shows off by adding virtual backgrounds. Everyone has a great laugh as he possesses in photos of himself in Neptune’s bar from the program Benidorm. We have a pint with Jack, Victor, and Isa in the Clansman from Still Game. He even decided to be a Stormtrooper one evening.
Further into Lockdown
As we were going further into lockdown my partner installed Zoom for me. I am researching how to use the software as Dyslexia Scotland is going online for the adult network. Iain is talking about our creative writing through Zoom on Saturday Morning.
My partner decided to give me a practice run as he had already used Zoom with his work. He assured me it was easy for a five-year-old can use Zoom. So, my first test run took me fifteen minutes to join. Really? Confused! My dear partner kept calling me a goat but coached me through it as he does normally. Presently Iain McKinnon is not ready for a meeting over Zoom for a creative writing class. However, I receive an email from Dyslexia Scotland to join the volunteer meeting. This could be to set up training to aid the helpline a role I had applied for before the virus landed. I will offer dyslexia support which is required in all areas of life.
I update my Google calendar so as not to forget. I look at my settings in Zoom and give myself a sunny beach background. Now I am ready, attempt one I type the number wrong incorrectly. After a few more attempts I eventually got through. I start seeing all the familiar faces I know pop up on the screen. We are all chatting away and before you know it. The screen says your time is up and very rudely cuts everyone off before saying goodbye. The next meeting was smoother as Dyslexia Scotland set up a conference Zoom.
More Zoom, Whit?
The next thing I know I was invited to a meeting on LinkedIn. This was being held by Darren Clark who runs Global Dyslexia. As a dyslexic, he would like to share his story. I knew this would be remarkably interesting. Scottish and English education systems are quite different.
The story of dyslexia is remarkably familiar. The elephant in the room struggling to understand. The mental health issues which are so interconnected with dyslexia. As everyone perceives you to be stupid. The phoenix rises from the ashes to have a successful career. All due to dyslexic processing. Then going on to influence other people about dyslexia. Through sharing his own story as a public speaker. I learned a lot that afternoon and became more confident with Zoom as well. I can turn off the sound and the camera and go make myself a cup of coffee.
Iain McKinnon will run my next exciting Zoom meeting. A respected published author of Remains of the Dead. This will be on creative writing, the use of social media and dyslexia. I know I will still struggle to join meetings, but they are brilliant. I am on my way to becoming a Total Zoomer in more than one way.