Reflections from the Community
Tips and reflections shared by Harvard colleagues
Warm up the crowd
I love a Zoom warm-up ritual. Ask students to raise and lower digital hands, answer a question via chat, rename themselves, or do jazz hands as uproarious (albeit muted) applause.
Alison Wood Brooks, O'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration
Socrates and the internet
The Internet is a medium of intermediacy for immediate learning…Unlike the old technology of writing, the new technology of the Internet has the power of creating a synchronous environment for immediate learning in dialogue.
Gregory Nagy, Francis Jones Professor of Classical Greek Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature
Maximize interactivity
Simple ways of incorporating interactivity can be very effective and will enliven your class. Do a live poll using the built-in "yes"/"no" buttons and then ask one student from each side to explain their vote.
Rebecca Nesson, Associate Dean of the Harvard College Curriculum
Mind the gaps
Think about what students can do between sessions - watching blended learning modules, or sharing reflections that you can bring into class - to maximize interactivity during your precious time together.
Teddy Svoronos, Lecturer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government
Break the ice
We’re all missing social interactions. Ask a playful question in the chat window as students are arriving in class to build relationships and connections.
Karen Brennan, Associate Professor of Education