A few thoughts on the first week of remote university teaching: I'm breaking up two 50 min lectures into four pre-recorded 15-20 min. chunks, and then an optional 20 min. real time Q&A. 1) Students tell me they appreciate pre-recorded lectures, esp. if they have bandwidth issues.

2) they like having the lecture available as both a video & an audio podcast (thanks zoom). I am encouraging them to go for a walk as they listen to get away from their computers and combat #zoomfatigue. #highered #soctwitter

5/ I'm holding regular office hours and a weekly virtual lunch of up to 5 students which ended up being surprisingly fun as we ate in front of our monitors. Though I'm sad to not be teaching in person, I'm glad to be finding ways to build community online.

3/ Students want to connect with each other outside of class. In addition to their section and writing introductions on a discussion thread, one student just set up an optional groupme for the class. I'm so grateful to him.

4/ I'm also starting lectures with an image and taking 3 deep breaths. I was worried students would think this was hokey, but so far they have told me they like it. I know I definitely need the reminder to relax. I'm asking them to send in pictures of their special places.