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One of the things I miss most in this virtual work reality is the informal interaction with my research team of graduate and undergraduate students! We've been doing virtual interactions to keep the spirit alive via @zoom_us, @SlackHQ and party games...
A few weeks ago we tried @houseparty and it was fun! You all need to download the app separately, and then find each other, but then you can play drawing and cards-against-humanity-type games for free. You cap out at 8 people.
Last week we tried out Drawful 2, free right now here: https://www.jackboxgames.com/drawful-two/ . Only one person has to download, the rest access via a browser link. We kept Zoom open while we played, and I shared the big screen. This game also accommodates 8 drawers + extra audience members.
My talented friend @poofytoo made Play From Home, a new party game! It's available here: http://playfromhome.us/ , playable entirely from a browser. We'll try this one next! (we did a test run with my family and it was great!) Very excited to play this with the @009minions team.
We had a Zoom virtual background competition (you didn't think I'd finish this thread without a ubiquitous Zoom screenshot, did you??)
On @SlackHQ we have a new channel where we share COVID memes, and another where we discuss our collective streaming watch, @MakingtheCutTV.
In general, my advice is to keep these optional, try to be flexible with level of participation, follow student initiative, let conversation happen organically, and expect internet quality challenges. And make sure to encourage your students to invite their 
to the party!
to the party!
What are your suggestions for virtual informal lab activities? I'd love to hear them!
