The teacher started off the class with attendance and asked about daylight savings time. The DST discussion was a great way to break the ice and start the class.
Alex has created a very warm and welcoming environment. She really tries to engage with the class and personalize the virtual learning environment. The students were responsive in the chat and seemed engaged. For me, this solidifies how important creating an engaging environment is. I am realizing how important it is to build a rapport with the students and to add a personal element. When planning, I simply want to get to the lesson but it’s necessary to have these quick warm-ups and personal touches.
Alex asked students for feedback regarding a quizlet she had created and one student voiced that she was having challenges with the functionality of the tool. I like the idea of constant feedback and check-ins.
I really appreciated how patient and calm Alex was when she taught her students. As someone who suffers from anxiety, this was a great reminder for me.