A whole week of synchronous virtual meetings. I'm behaving exactly as some students will - eating, web browsing, napping, reading a book (actually, that one's not so bad). But the point is that I'm disengaged and they are likely to be too. So I've written out a few lessons:

1) Help students see the point. Why are they watching? What will they get from it? I paid full attention only in meetings where I was invested or interested. The others actually had decent content, but no one made it relevant. Start with the relevance and importance each meeting.

2) It sucks some schools are requiring synchronous meetings. But if they are, still record and still empathize. If I knew my prof was just following the rules but didn't necessarily want to, I'd be more likely to listen.

3) Have clear expectations. Do you want them to comment? How often? How relevant? Do you want them to speak up? Do you have a moderation plan for when someone gets long-winded and off-topic? If they're watching recorded, how will you know if they've watched?

4) Show them quickly how the information in virtual meetings and recordings can affect their grade. Don't wait. Show them they must watch or participate or whatever you expect so that they can succeed. I missed a meeting yesterday morning, and I don't think it matters.

I seriously considered skipping the meetings today and "watching the recordings," but I wouldn't have. I still haven't watched the one from yesterday. It's a slippery slope, and we can help steady them.

5) Know technology is going to be a problem and plan for it. Don't allow panties to wad - yours or theirs.

6) Survive. Know that institutional requirements are not your fault. Invest in your students. Simplify where you can. Regularly sit down to check priorities.

7) And for the love of our precious ears, mute your microphone when you're not the main speaker!