Live Classes Are WAY Better Than Virtual Ones. Change My Mind?

Not too long ago, I was back in a classroom, teaching live.

Yes, everyone had masks on and inter-mingling wasn't "allowed", but it was miles better than running the class online.

I'm no fan of virtual versions of hands-on activities, because a lot of the learning points and, let's face it, fun, are in the unpredictability of what may happen and how your group members will react.

Dissecting a virtual mouse is nowhere near the learning experience of dissecting a real one (that has been humanely killed).

So, I'm glad to be back after so many months.

Based on what I heard, my students had a memorable learning experience.

And that’s what makes it all worth it.

Thank You For Being A Part Of This.

There was a time when I considered daily posting on social media a complete waste of time and energy.

I'm not saying that I now think that it's always the best use of those resources, but I've received messages from individuals who've read my musings, thoughts, and ramblings (cos, let's be honest, sometimes they are) and let me know that they appreciate them.

I'm sure they don't mean ALL of them.

But I get the impression that a couple here and there stood out and meant something to them, perhaps speaking to their situation at the time.

And it's cool to also have heard that some of these posts have been making their rounds in Chat channels on Whatsapp.

I find this particularly amusing, because it sounds like I've somehow attained the status of a "Good Morning" message.

I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Anyway, thank you for letting me know that I'm not just talking to myself, happy as I often am to do so.

More importantly, thank you for assuring me that these thoughts and ideas have been useful to you in some way.

Ever Had That Nagging Voice In Your Head?

A nagging voice in my head told me not to plan too far ahead into 2022.

Because the pandemic will likely still be raging around the globe and a number of other issues may destabilise certain regions that I thought about visiting.

I told the nagging voice that I haven't even planned into December 2021 and to bother me when the last month of this year rolls around.

When It Rains, It Pours. Not Always A Bad Thing, But It Can Be Overwhelming.

When it rains, it pours.

In the past year or so, I've severely cut down my contact with the "outside world". I went days at a time without texting, much less talking to, anyone.

Also got off social media for some time.

But once I re-opened my doors to the "outside world", I suddenly am surrounded by loads of opportunities, interruptions, requests, connections, and so on.

It's not all bad, but it is pretty overwhelming at times.

I'm going to need to clear some brainspace again soon. But, for now, I'll be sifting through the chaff to find the wheat.