By Tamara Fyke
Over the last week I’ve heard myself and many others say, “I’m tired of Zoom. I want to be with real people.” At the same time, I’ve led several professional trainings and student workshops online this past month. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share time and space virtually, but building genuine connection in a digital environment can be challenging. With remote learning and virtual meetings likely to continue for the rest of the school year and possibly into the fall, how can educators and leaders create meaningful, authentic interaction? Below are practical, research-informed strategies you can apply now.
Start and end on time – Begin your class or meeting at the scheduled time. If your session is set for 8:30 a.m., start at 8:30. Waiting for late arrivals unintentionally rewards tardiness and disrupts everyone’s rhythm. Starting promptly signals that you respect attendees’ time and sets a professional tone. Consider setting a norm like “early is on time” to reinforce punctuality and encourage everyone to arrive prepared.
Open the room early and leave time after – Give participants a chance to connect informally by opening the online room 10–15 minutes before the formal start. That small window allows casual conversation, reduces anxiety, and helps people transition from their previous tasks. Similarly, when possible, leave five to ten minutes after your agenda ends for optional debriefing or socializing. These informal moments build rapport and strengthen the sense of community.
State clear community norms – At the beginning of each session, establish simple, consistent norms. Briefly state expectations so everyone understands how to contribute to a safe, productive environment. Examples of norms include:
- This is a safe space.
- What is shared here stays here; confidentiality is respected.
- We use respectful, positive language.
- We minimize distractions by limiting other devices during this time.
Having written or spoken norms reduces confusion and models the social-emotional skills we want students and colleagues to practice.
Encourage cameras on when possible – Seeing faces strengthens connection. Nonverbal cues—facial expressions, nods, and eye contact—help presenters and peers gauge understanding and emotional tone. While it’s important to respect privacy and accessibility needs, encouraging camera use whenever participants are comfortable increases engagement and helps everyone feel more present.
Use a one-word check-in – Start meetings or classes with a brief “one-word check-in” where each person shares a single word to describe how they’re feeling. This quick practice invites reflection, builds emotional awareness, and gives others insight into the group’s mood without taking too much time. Over time, it also normalizes emotional check-ins and supports social-emotional learning.
Schedule time for meaningful conversations – Set aside regular moments—fifteen minutes a day, a weekly hour, or a monthly circle—dedicated to real conversation about students’ lives and current events. Use structured social-emotional learning materials or trusted books as conversation starters. Frameworks and curricula can help guide discussions, create shared language around feelings and resilience, and ensure conversations are developmentally appropriate and inclusive. Be intentional about these sessions so they become a predictable, valued part of your routine.
Some of these strategies may feel basic, but after ten months of remote teaching and learning, refreshing the fundamentals is essential. Small, consistent practices compound over time and help sustain connection, trust, and engagement in virtual spaces. Remember: this is not about perfect technology or flawless performances—it’s about cultivating human connection in the ways available to us right now.
About the author
Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur focused on supporting children, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and author of Love In A Big World, which offers mental health, social-emotional learning, and wellness curriculum and resources. During quarantine, Tamara launched MusiCity Kids, an online educational show for children ages 6–12 that covers health, movement, character development, STEAM, and related topics.
Note: This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news organization focused on the shift in education toward digital curriculum and instructional models.