HUMANIZE:

It had been a looooong time since I was a student. I had also been teaching online for about 15 years and felt pretty experienced as an online teacher. YET, I did know deep down that I could be connected to my online students better. I felt like they didn't get a sense of who I was, what I looked like or acted like, and that I cared about them-- this is something I am confident I convey in the classroom... I would write long notes or email responses but it was hard to keep up with such a large number of students.

First of all, taking @One courses completely reminded me of what it was like to take courses only this time, I too was an online student! I felt so connected with my instructors for the humanizing course and the announcements meant for everyone somehow still touched me personally. That's when I realized that there were ways of using Canvas and other tools to reach a larger audience, and often, to really show them I was there and who I was. I implemented what I learned immediately and saw a sea change.

The tools I learned about and used almost immediately in my classes sparked a huge interest in more tools and adding variety to my classes. I have just gotten used to being on camera but now I'm thinking of really unleashing my goofy self for all to see, maybe even including little blooper/outtakes on videos and adding what I did over the weekend. Now the classes are more fun for me, too. I am excited about being able to include that element of in-person classes to my online classes.