Why Does Human Connection Matter in the digital world?

• 29 out of my 30 students completed the course.
• More A's were earned than typical in a given semester.
• Flash papers in place of tests demonstrated knowledge and critical thinking skills. An assignment that grew from teaching in an online forum.
• I knew many of my on-line students better than many of my live class students.
• Revealed gaps in my teaching method and helped me improve as a teacher.
• I will never return to creating a class that isn't ACCESSIBLE and HUMAN.
• It has profoundly affected all my teaching.

Student Correspondence Example

Student: I would like to meet with you if possible. My grandfather has been in hospice and it has been very difficult.

Teacher: Get to the assignment when you can. There is only so much time to be with your grandfather; the assignment can wait. Take care and don't worry. I want you to succeed too! I know you can.

Student: Thank you so much. I lost my grandfather today and I was able to be with him everyday this week and last night I saw your email and I stayed longer with him. Words cannot express how I appreciate your sympathy.

Student: I feel so overwhelmed and last week I tried to get back to routine but didn't realize I still was not myself. I was one of my grandfathers caregivers so I think that is why it hit me a little harder.

I do appreciate all your help Professor but I know I need to start getting into my classes. Where do you suggest I start? I know I won't get an A in the class but I really hope I can still pass.

Teacher: Why couldn't you still get an A? In any other job you are granted bereavement time. For now start with Module 2b with the rest of the class.

We can catch you up on 1B and 2A later....I will give you full credit when you complete them- any time until December! See-you can still get an A and catch up in small increments throughout the semester!

It is ok to need time to remember and honor your grandfather.

Student: You are amazing! Your willingness to help me is so encouraging and I can't thank you enough. I promise you I will get all my assignments turned in and on time from this point forward! Again, thank you so much for being willing to go out of your way to help me succeed in your class!

Outcome: Student completed all work successfully and at an extremely high level- they received an A+

Student Responses

• I love how this online course allowed me to engage with my classmates and teacher. Despite being online, professor Castillo made sure we all interacted and had fun learning the material she presented to us. Video and lecture slides helped with learning the material. I enjoyed Voicethread as mode of communication within the class, it's such a modern way to communicate and was super easy to do. I really enjoyed how professor Castillo allowed us express ourselves and share our critical analysis.
• I wanted to comment and thank for the Screencast lectures where you've had your sons participate. I don't have children and it gives me a motion to not give up. If mom's can juggle so can I.
• Thank you so much for being so understanding. I have never had a teacher be so giving, honestly you made my whole weekend. My paper is turned in on Blackboard, sorry I didn’t respond sooner. 18 units and capstone… dying of school induced coma.
• Thank you so much for your motivating words...I have been playing catch up with all my classes and really want to let you know all your help and you taking them time to zoom with me really motivated me not to turn around and drop my classes. You gave me the inspiration to push through all this chaos I had going on. A million thank you's!
• This was the best online class I have ever taken. It was well organized and the Professor always responded to emails in a quick and timely fashion. She also made the class fun, engaging, and a great learning experience.
• The flash papers were very overwhelming but they were also a great opportunity to step back and look at what we have learned. While writing the flash papers, I would realize how everything fit together.
• The efficiency with which professor Castillo responded to any question/concern and her teaching technique was very helpful!
• I appreciate no tests, and the successive learning structure where the professor gave the class smaller research assignments that prepared us for bigger research papers.