Distance learning in meme

The million dollar question: How’s the distance learning going? It’s a mixed meme bag, according to college students’ own words.

First, new protocols have developed for virtual learning:

“When someone new joins a Zoom Chat”

Zoom Memes for Self-Quarnanteens, Eleane Fernandez

But, some things don’t change; no one wants to be the “try hard” no matter if in a virtual sense or not.

When you log into the zoom lecture too early and it’s just you with the prof 🤐🤐🤐

When you log into the zoom lecture too early and it’s just you with the prof 🤐🤐🤐

Posted by Fardin Kibria on Wednesday, April 8, 2020

And, there’s still one🤪 in every class…virtually or otherwise:

Let’s try this

Posted by Daniel Aminzadeh on Friday, April 10, 2020

Just because people aren’t sitting in front of each other, doesn’t mean the same classroom dynamic doesn’t exist:

when the professor breaks us out into “discussion groups” and no one wants to talk first

Posted by Natalie Sullivan on Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Yet, elsewhere, students and faculty are still trying to bridge the “Ok, Zoomer” generation gap in addition to learning class content:

students: “professor, it’s hard to read your notes. could you screen share your ipad?”

the professor:

To which the student followed with:

But, after Stanford adminstrators announced a universal Pass/No Pass policy for all Spring Quarter classes, Stanford students wasted no time commenting their sentiments on the policy:

From Stanford Memes for Edgy Trees

So, while older generations may dismiss the edgy sarcasm of Gen Z’s, who speak in meme, as just “the angst of the young” 🤷🏻‍♀️, we would be remiss to do so. Angst, when unaddressed can morph into disenfranchisement from bitterness that they’ve strived to follow the directions of their elders, but no matter their efforts are now are unable to realize the promised prosperity.

The Washington Post, December 3, 2019

As shown on the chart above, every generation is less wealthy than the preceeding one, so following the trend, Gen Z’ers, the first of whom are just graduating from college and not yet on the chart, will likely have even less wealth. Our inability to address the changing economic reality for Gen Z’ers, right as they’re emerging into adulthood and recognizing the (un)fulfilled promises of their elders, will likely be to our own detriment.


Since 2003, Jill has been meticulous in advising clients about all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly so clients succeed. Contact her at jill@creativemarbles.com for more details about how her expertise can benefit families or organizations

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About Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy

Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
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