Online teaching inherently involves technology. It is part of the deal. But all too often, technology can make us feel more distant from our students. It can be a barrier preventing connection instead of a tool to facilitate connection. If you have ever faced a sea of black screens during a synchronous Zoom class or read a catalog of superficial discussion posts, you know what I mean. Yet online classes don’t have to be disconnected and unfeeling. There are many technological tools available that can help us build rapport-filled classrooms to promote learning and make the teaching experience more rewarding.
