As the last year has left many of us feeling more tired or anxious than usual, it’s important to remember that our students are most likely feeling this way too. Some students may be feeling more isolated, some may be angry or stressed seeing racial injustices brought to light, others are suffering due to the loss of friends or family members as a result of COVID 19.
This past year has been difficult for all of us. But, it has been especially challenging for faculty required to convert their face-to-face courses to remote instruction in an incredibly short amount of time. This has also happened during a time of strife, with a pandemic prompting an unprecedented global lockdown, heightened frustration over injustice, and many of us caring for children, friends, and family at higher risk for contracting COVID 19.
The importance of developing a sense of community in the college classroom has been well-documented for decades. However, before we start building a community of learners in our courses, students have to know how to access the course and it helps to make them aware of the cultural norms expected in a remote learning environment.
On your next first day of class, consider using these strategies to take advantage of first-day energy in order to get your remotely taught course off to a great start!
