Five Quick Ways To Connect with Students During Online Learning

We're about eight weeks into the 2020 school year, and I'm hearing news reports about online learning. Common words that come up from colleagues and media outlets: challenging. Heartbreaking. Impersonal. I have been really struck but that last one. And I have to admit, I agree. Talking through a computer at students who may or may not have their cameras on can feel a bit like screaming into the wind. However, it is important to make connections to people. 

On a most basic level, connections are how we feel human, and going back to our caveman-like ways, it's how we know we're accepted and that we belong. Next, it builds community and makes people more likely to engage in conversation and participate when needed. So in order to help develop this, I bring to you 5 quick ways you can connect with your students at the start of your online sessions. These same strategies are also ones that can be used when you return to the classroom. If you're one of my non-education readers, you can use these immediately with your trainers and employees to create genuine connections.

 

#1: Ask A Question

Coke or Pepsi? The Beatles or Rolling Stones? What's your favorite ice cream topping? Do you say "bless you" or "gesundheit"? I like to use simple questions like these to kick off class. Some one my students log on 2-3 minutes late and while I'm waiting for them, I pose questions like these to my students and they respond in the chat box. I use their responses to ask follow-up questions, agree, disagree, and sometimes students will come off mic to share out. What's great about these simple questions is they are founded in common experiences, and it lets students see commonalities in their peers (and in you as a teacher). It also helps teachers see interests in their students, and this is a powerful way to develop lesson plan topics.

#2: Play A Game

Online platforms like Nearpod and Kahoot use games as part of their built in activities. Playing these as low-stakes review games are a fantastic way to engage with students because it lets teachers  be their cheerleader without having to do too much management. I set the game to play and then I hype up the game as it goes (Sally is in first place...can she stay there?! Great work Janie, you're on the leader board!). Once the game is over, I write down the top winner and use that as a standings chart for the next time we play. This strategy works well to create connections because it's built around friendly competition. Additionally, all of my words are positive so I'm only building up the confidence for my students; this transforms how they view themselves and creates a more positive learning environment.

#3: Chatbox Shoutouts

After a game is completed, or when someone has done something fantastic, I call out "chatbox shoutout." The students then drop in wishes of congratulations to the winners or person being recognized. Sometimes they will use the reaction button the show applause, hearts, and celebrations. This develops a connection in two ways--firstly the teacher is doing the recognizing, and secondly the students are doing the validating.

#4: Play Music

I have an advisory period in the morning for attendance, and while I'm waiting for all students to log on for attendance it gets quiet. For students, quiet = awkward. So, I began to play music in the background, and sing along (off key). Students comment about my singing, share stories about the music they hear, and otherwise use it as a jumping off point for their own discussions. It's also not tied to anything academic, so I often hear from students I don't normally hear from during class and that generates a strong connection which I can leverage later during class

#5: Share Your Space to Share Your Story

Admit it- you look in the background when watching  someone on video. That background space is revealing, but it doesn't have to be bad. When working from home, we are surrounded by so much that makes us special- diplomas, keepsakes, favorite coffee cups, pets- and a lot of it is stuff that never makes it to the classroom. So why not use that to share with students and make them see you as the awesome teacher you are? Share what you have to reinforce concepts-- those will be the most memorable moments for your students. Plus, it will give them something to connect with you about.

What other tips do you have to connect with others online? Share out in the comments!