Way back in Spring 2020 – aka the surprise pivot to Togethering Remotely — I wrote a bit about how I stay Together while teaching online. All of this info still holds true, AND I’ve learned a ton along the way, just like many (all!) of you. Coming up on almost one year behind multiple screens, I’ve got a few more innovations to share. And I want to hear yours, too!
Maia’s Desk Setup
1-7 Days Before Teaching
- Re-read all participant pre-work from surveys.
- Publish all decks in Nearpod and ensure they are in the right folders.
Maia’s Nearpod Folders
- Ensure Zoom links are tight, and triple-check our class website (where we store materials).
- Share lesson plans with Together Teaching Assistants.
- Print a copy of the class roster and blank copies of my Together Training guide.
- Print my Vibe Sheet — a new addition to help me keep track of running so many courses (and meeting so many awesome people) concurrently. I record the mood of the group, funny moments, and more. For example, the time Russell the Cat busted into my session with some Together Project Managers.
- Select my Zoom shirt for the week. Yes, week. You heard that right.
Class Vibe Sheet
Four hours before teaching
- Set up my Together Tray
Maia’s Together Tray
One Hour Before Teaching
- Don headphones and listen to various peppy songs. I won’t tell!
- Turn on ring light, raise standing desk, apply red lipstick, slip into clogs, and prepare my clipboard.
- Set up Together Training Guide, Vibe Sheet, watch, and pens to the right of my laptop.
- Pin all videos for class and conduct final audio check.
- Check my tabs on Toby and load class website so it’s ready to go.
- Gather my Together Tray of beverages and snacks, and watch my kids fall over in laughter as I haul this baby up the stairs.
- Lock said kids out of The Together Studio.
- Get my extravert on by showing up to class early to start getting to know my audience.
Virtual Classroom Notecatcher
After Teaching
- Ummmm. . . repeat as above, if it’s a double-header day. I find I need at least 45 minutes to regroup and refresh.
- Capture and file all notes on adjustments for future classes.
- If I’m not teaching again that day, I regain energy by doing something vigorous like vacuuming, running to the mailbox, or tossing a ball with my kids.
- If I DO teach again right away, I try to walk downstairs. Or I just do this.
Maia Between Sessions
How about you? How do you stay organized while teaching online? What tips and tricks have you picked up this year?
