So first off let me start by saying ... WOW this course is more intense than I realised. I have done a lot of online courses and this one has been one of the most comprehensive ones I have had to do in a while !!! 

So in light of the Podcast "152: Creating Moments of Genuine Connection Online"

 

It has been eye opening and yet comforting it is good to know that follow educators have been expressing the importance to create these connections that people sometimes take for granted. When we are in a physical environment we take for granted the positive impacts that physical interactions can have on students and during this pandemic has surely caused us to see the importance of that. 

 

Sitting on a virtual classroom, behind a screen listening to a teacher or classmate, severely limits that ability to interact and some even express their concern with wanting to connect to others but no longer feel that in the virtual environment. 

 

I myself have tried to alleviate this issue by reinforcing my virtual classrooms as "safe zones" for students where I encourage them to talk about anything they feel that they need to address even if it is not academic related. Even if it means letting out some frustration. 

 

The practice has been working to some extent, however I personally feel as though I'll try to adapt more simple strategies from the podcast where they were talking about having a roll for every student in the class and trying to call on different persons every time. 

 

We'll see how this goes!