(En Español)

Each issue of the Journal will pose a Frequently Asked Question for discussion. The emphasis on discussion is based on the notion that questions are posed as starting points for dialogue and not for answers. In the spirit of the Journal as a format for interchange, there will be multiple conversation-initiators to each question.

Readers are invited to post their responses to the question as well as their engagement with the initiating responses. 

Readers are also invited to pose questions for the FAQ section of future issues of the Journal. (To post, please scroll to the end of the page to the Comment box.)

Question:

“How can we foster relational-collaborative learning communities in an online/virtual setting?”

Conversation Initiators:

Sylvia London
Mexico City, Mexico

Jamie Handy
Houston, Texas, USA

Richard de la Cuadra
Houston, Texas, USA

Sylvia:

Covid-19 and its implications have influenced the way we construct ourselves and spend time with each other. In just a few weeks, we were forced to explore alternative ways of communicating and relating while striving to keep strong relationships and a sense of community. Thanks to online platforms, we were able to enact the type of conversations and relationships that respect our philosophical stance and create virtual collaborative learning communities (CLCs) where there is room for all and where participant is present and welcomed.

Jamie:

In April, we hosted virtual CLCs at Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center as a means of restoring some normalcy to our lives. One way we tried to foster a relational collaborative environment was by incorporating wellness circle checks during each meeting, asking each participant to speak about how they’re feeling. It would often take 20 minutes or more, but it was time well spent.

Richard:

In thinking about online CLCs, I begin to think about a combination between the familiar and the new. When we first invite participants into one of our online conversations, we allow time to visit and mingle, just as we would whenever we enter a room or a meeting space. When the time seems right, we begin with a round of introductions.

Sylvia:

This “slow start” allows time to settle in and invites participants and facilitators to listen, speak and develop a sense of trust and belonging. Investing in this time and space at the beginning allows all members of the community to have the opportunity to connect and construct together.

Jamie:

Now, adjusting to the new normal of virtual CLCs, we still spend time making connections and celebrations. We ask participants to share wonderful news on Wednesdays (“wonderful Wednesdays”) or what they are thankful for on Thursdays (“thankful Thursdays”).

Richard:

As I continue to ponder about the newness of online CLC, I also begin to wonder if the context of this newness requires us to think of it as different, or is it rather a continuation of doing what the occasion calls for? In other words: Do we have to think of online CLCs in a different way simply because we have changed the modality under which we meet?

Sylvia:

We host the meetings in the same way we host other spaces. We continue to explore ways to be good hosts and invite others to be good guests.

Jamie:

Virtual CLCs occur just as face-to-face meetings would, but we achieve so much more. We collaborate in smaller teams with channels or breakout rooms, and use file host and synchronization services to work on documents together. Often, deliverables are completed during or before the close of the meeting. Will we go back to the way we hosted meetings before COVID-19? Not likely. Aside from being in the same room (when we can be), the efficiency, collaboration, tech tools, and wellness checks will remain.

We pause our conversation with this question: Is Zoom just another Room?

Author Note:

Sylvia London
Grupo Campos Eliseos, Mexico City
sylvialondon@yahoo.com

Jamie Handy
Associate Principal, Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center, Houston ISD
jhandy1@houstonisd.org

Richard de la Cuadra
Principal, Xavier Academy
richard@xavieracademy.org

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