I’ve started using Blackboard’s OneNote Collaboration Space with my students, and I think it’ll help us stay in touch. They’re already posting responses to each others’ coronavirus narratives (last week’s assignment), and are so sweet and encouraging.
I’ve just added a section that isn’t at all course-related, but these days I’m really thinking about what my work is, as a teacher in this time. Some of it has to be helping them keep on track with their studies, for those who still want to attempt that, at least, which means helping them stay steady generally, I think. So I just opened up a new page, staying positive, and added this to it:
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Staying Positive
This is a tough time, and hopefully, we can help each other through this. What are some things that are helping you get through the days right now? Let’s make a list!
• I just started listening to the podcast, “Staying in with Emily and Kumail” — they have experience of quarantining before, because Emily has a autoimmune disease, and it’s cheering, listening to their tips. (There was a movie made about them, _The Big Sick_, which Kumail starred in, so you might know them, and he produced _Little America__, a series of short episodes telling immigrant stories, on Apple TV+ right now.) — Mary Anne
• I try to exercise for at least 15-20 minutes 2-3 times / day – sometimes it’s just going for a walk, sometimes some heavy gardening, or doing jumping jacks with the kids – Mary Anne
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I’m going to ask them all to try to add at least one thing to the list; looking forward to seeing what they come up with!