With social distancing going on and many people in isolation, lockdown, or working from home, the social aspects of life are taking a big hit. Many people have turned to online resources, particularly free MOOCs, to keep themselves occupied for all those hours that they would normally spend commuting, shopping, working, and socializing.

Humans are a social species, so how can we keep some social connections while staying physically apart from our friends and workmates?

Instead of “social distancing”, let’s call it “physical distancing” and practice our social interaction online instead.

Cultivating Connections While Learning

If you have enrolled in an online course, here are some ways to engage socially while learning online:

• Sign up with a friend. Even if you are taking the course from separate locations, you can phone, video call, or message each other frequently to discuss aspects of the course;
• Better still, if you can sign up with someone living with you, it’s an instant talking point at home;
• Join the formal discussions in the course:
  • Post your views on prescribed discussion topics
  • Look for a “General” forum where you can introduce yourself
  • Start threads on general interest topics
  • Engage with other learners’ views. Add your comments
  • If you disagree with other points of view, politely explain your stance without insulting, abusive, or coarse language. Everyone is entitled to an opinion
  • Back up your statements with reputable links
  • If wrong information is posted in the forums, include legitimate, verifiable data and sources to prove why your statement is right
• Post about your course in social media and have some discussions with your online friends.

If your chosen course has sluggish discussions, you can connect through the Coursera Community which I explored last year. Discussions have escalated in the last few days. Anyone can read the community threads but you need to sign in to add your own comments.

Recently, I took a course in Python programming on three different course platforms. One difference between Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn was the format and activity of the discussion forums. I am looking forward to investigating whether the dynamics of discussion forums change with more people enrolling from home and craving social interactions.

Coping with a New Reality

Some MOOC providers have suggested ways to cope with the current reality.

FutureLearn published Social distancing: Nine alternatives to Netflix parties. From games (both at home and online) to Houseparty or adopting a pet, there are plenty of ways to stay social. Remember, though, if you decide on a pet, it will still need a home after the coronavirus crisis is over and you spend more time out and about again.

Coursera has published an interesting interview with a professor of Psychology, titled Mental Health Tips for the COVID-19 Outbreak. It mentions aspects including panic buying and keeping your physical fitness levels up while isolated at home.

For those finding themselves working from home, FutureLearn also has this course: Collaborative Working in a Remote Team.

New to Online Learning?

Social aspects aside, perhaps you are new to online learning. You have signed up for a course and are thinking “What now?” Here are some ways to help you finish that course.

Tips for Successful Online Learning is a post by edX with plenty of ideas for people new to MOOCs.

You can also find plenty of strategies here at Online learning Success. Try browsing posts in the Study Skills, Time Management, Organization, and Motivation categories.

If you are feeling alone and struggling with course material, look for inspiration in How to Find Answers When You’re Studying in Isolation.

And if you want to learn more about COVID-19 without the misinformation, find some courses in this post: Researchers are Using Free MOOCs to Teach About COVID-19.

A Final Thought

While not the same as person-to-person contact, we can maintain social connections online even while in isolation or lockdown.

By Pat Bowden, published March 24, 2020.