After teaching online for three months, I think the biggest takeaway is that breakout rooms/collaborative work doesn't necessarily lead to effective learning. Ss seem to crave direct instruction/notetaking more than Ts might think. 1/4

There are many cons to learning online, but one net positive ... one-on-one support with Ss. We know best learning is individualized and personalized. This has been especially effective, I think, in teaching writing. 2/4

I think most educators miss "reading the room" and catching those Ss that don't stand out academically or struggle ... but the "in-betweens" --> this is biggest challenge of online learning. How can we reach Ss in the middle of the pack? 3/4

Last thought: Remember the stress on community building at start of year? I think it needs to be re-stressed as we're in middle of winter. Ss need to smile & feel connected. It helps learning! Yes it eats up time, but I think trade-off is better for learning in the long-run. END

BONUS: 1 benefit of group work in person is related to the fact that Ss are moving. This doesn't happen over zoom. You can chunk parts of classes and do different individual activities for Ss instead of throwing Ss into breakout rooms.