All my classes are asynchronous this year...I was concerned that students would feel like they are isolated and learning Calculus on their own, so I wanted to include a way for students to attempt to get to know other classmates. I have students make an introduction video of themselves using Flipgrid in week 1, where I require students to comment on 2 other student videos.
After week 1, I have a "Get To Know Your Classmates" assignment at the beginning of each module where students answer a non-math question using Flipgrid and embed the video in the discussion board. A few examples: "Create a Flipgrid video sharing your best school memory/experience, favorite teacher, and/or favorite class and why." "Create a Flipgrid video sharing your dream job or career." "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?"
I want students to be able to learn about their classmates and I think it makes the student-to-student interaction in the discussion board and study groups more personable. Also, students may be more willing to reach out to another classmate for questions or to study if they feel someone in the course has common interests.
I also watch and respond to every video because I think it is important for students to feel like they have a professor who cares about them as a person, in addition to their success in the course.
Andy
------------------------------
Andy Jeanson
Residential Mathematics Faculty
Chandler-Gilbert CC
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2021 08:08
From: Nancy Rivers
Subject: IMPACT in Action - Engagement #1
How do you begin to build community in your learning environment during the first week? Share your thoughts here, but if you have a more detailed activity/document, feel free to share it by posting it in the All Access Public Library and then providing the link to your entry in this discussion thread.
------------------------------
Nancy Rivers
Wake Technical CC
Raleigh NC
------------------------------