With so many schools switching to virtual or hybrid learning environments within the past year, students and teachers alike are looking for ways to stay connected in an online learning space—and in this new normal. We’ve rounded up some of the best tips that you can start implementing now:
Join or start a club
One of the best ways to stay connected with your peers is to join a school club based on your interests. Many established online schools, including ASU Prep Digital, offer a variety of extracurricular activities for students, including a school newspaper, book club, and student government. Does your school offer online clubs? Start your own! You can even work with your teacher or counselor to offer it schoolwide.
Host virtual events
If you’re looking for a way to include many students at once, hosting a virtual event is a great place to start. From trivia and movie nights, to live speakers and talent shows, there is no shortage of things you can do to bring the student body together and have some fun. You can even send out a poll asking students what events they’d be interested in to make them part of the process.
Create a Facebook group for your class
Want to stay connected after class hours? Set up a Facebook group! This will allow you to plan virtual study sessions, virtual lunches, and get to know your classmates better. And if you’re a teacher, this can be another way to communicate any important information with your students or even plan fun activities, such as virtual field trips or in-class celebrations.
Set up a weekly video chat with friends
Not being able to hang out with your friends in person doesn’t mean you can’t see them! Set up video chat dates with your friends to check in, catch up on life, and share some laughs. There are plenty of apps you can use, such as Zoom and Google Meet, and some even have games you can play together, like House Party. Whether you have a 1-on-1 call with your best friend or host a virtual game night with your group, it’ll be a nice break from texting all the time!
Check out these other posts for tips on how to socialize and stay connected in an online learning space:
- What is Socialization Like in an Online High School?
- How Online Clubs Help Students Connect with Their Peers
- Teachers and Students Find Creative Ways to Stay Connected
