The last twelve weeks were really long and really short at the same time. So many changes, so many new things. In strange times, it was good to have the structure of a course, meet new people, and discover new things. This iteration of the ONL course was certainly unique in that respect. All of a sudden going online became relevant for all.

I learned a lot of practical things, new tools, some more user-friendly than others, and some much better for collaborative work than others. This was one of my “Aha!” moments in this course. That the way a task is structured and the chosen tool can make such a big difference on how a group works together. And this is much more profound when you experience it first hand. Some of the concepts discussed in the course I had come across before, some others were completely new. Overall, one of the most important things this course offered me was the “framework to hang ideas on”. A key to a hidden section of the library, that I know I can now access whenever I want, having taken the orientation tour.

During the last ten weeks, I experienced once again the highs and lows of group work and the difference between cooperation and collaboration. However, this time I also got an insight on how to actually move from cooperation to collaboration. I got inspired to try more things in my teaching and research to increase collaboration, to not give up but rather try them over and over again, and to be patient with myself and others.

Like every journey, the experience is shaped by the people you meet along the way. And like every journey, this one has made me richer, more welcoming, more kind, more open-minded. And more curious.

Some of the concepts and approaches I may not use in their current form. But I think these ideas will shape how I work in a group myself and how I structure group work for my students. The importance of creating a safe environment, the process of learning when thrown in the middle of an ocean of information, the subtle role of the facilitator, the importance of reflecting on what you learned and on how you worked together in a group.

My very first reflection from this concluding week had to do with the motivation it takes to finish up something, especially when the next new and shiny thing appears. In this case this something has of course been the blog post. To my surprise, I found blogging a rather enjoyable thing to do (although a little stressful the first time around). I am glad that the time constraints were there to help me become less of a perfectionist and just click on that publish button..

I leave ONL with this meme and a see you soon!