Remote Classes Connected German Students and Faculty in Novel Ways

When the Department of German Studies had to move its spring 2020 curriculum from face-to-face instruction to remote learning, it continued to connect with students via Zoom conferencing, by email and through interactive Canvas assignments. While the new model brought its own challenges, it also offered opportunities to connect with students in novel ways, from online drill sessions to virtual office hours. Getting glimpses of the course participants' home life with occasional greetings by family members that walk by the webcam created new bonds that were previously not thought possible in an online environment. To be sure, everyone looked forward to meeting in person again, but in the meantime, instructors and students worked together in support of one another and in support of the continued excellence of the program.