We’re onto week 3 of our online Into the Woods class and I already feel like we’re growing closer in our own little version of community. Last class, when we tried splitting up into breakout groups, I was reminded of how strange some of our actions were. Under the guise of being a regular class with particular etiquette (splitting up into groups, raising our hands to talk, acting engaged with the computer screen), we have formed an academic bond with people we would never have known through a virtual classroom. We’re each learning about the natural lags, the weird little noises in the background when our microphones are left on, and the various sites/programs used to communicate with one another.
Last class, for instance, several students were not able to attend class for various reasons, meaning participation in ~classroom~ discussion works in a much different way. This is similar to an internet chatroom, perhaps something on the WELL as Rheingold would have experienced, where poor attendance can guide a discussion one way or another. Aside from that, I found it funny that our professors would pop into our breakout rooms as though they were walking around the classroom checking on the conversation and helping sort out any problems along the way. It reassures me to see that even the professors struggle with the logistics of the technology we use.
Aside from that, I had my first experience talking to someone from an intentional community today. The conversation went really well and I’m excited to see where this goes. More blog posts to come! – Dana