Anyone reading this is probably connected to the ONL course so please comment and add your own reflections!

I am taking this class in large part because I am interested in learning about how to build student networks online within my own courses as well as being part of a community of people interested in digital learning.

Already I have noticed different pathways being modeled through the problem-based learning groups and the scaled back digital kick-off.

My problem-based learning group is actively building a group, a process supported by the facilitators, and the experience feels very much like collaborating in person. There was a definite emphasis on taking time with each other to think, discuss and develop norms (like rounds checking in and out) to ensure that everyone is both active and heard. It feels like a group after only a week.

By contrast, the traditionally in-person part of the course adapted to a digital format by scaling back. The digital kick-off itself was informative, but the social elements of the kick-off were simply skipped. By that I mean there was no informal chat or social activities between participants, no call between universities, and even monthly group check-ins weren’t initially scheduled because they wouldn’t be in-person. This saved a ton of time.

What are the middle ground options between these extremes? How can we build a community feeling for a whole digital class or organize profession digital networking events? Obviously, I have some ideas, but I would love to hear yours and learn from your experiences!