Oh this was such a useful exercise! I have thought of and developed a few activities, but I think this is the one I will be able to use in my classes right now. I had to think about how to create community beyond just the first day icebreaker stuff, so I challenged myself to come up with something that is appropriate and useful at this time of the term - MIDTERMS.
The activity uses Padlet which most of my learners are familiar with and have the app for (recommended app on syllabus). I think it will help build community because they can see each other's thoughts on the term/encourage each other and the image becomes part of the course aesthetic. I also think it works well for a variety of class delivery modes and sizes.
Challenges: Ensuring participation...no grade = no effort?
My activity:
Find/Create, post, vote!
As we approach the middle of the term, it is important to remind ourselves of where we have come from and what we feel about our class' journey ahead. Do some searching and find an image that summarizes what this class has meant to you and will mean to you going forward. Can't find the perfect post? Make one! Post your found or created image here. Be sure to like and vote on others too!
The top 10 images will be identified and we will vote, in class, to select our #MidtermMotivation image.
(The winning image would then be displayed as the class banner on D2L and printed on the back of the midterm exam).
I was also thinking another variation could be to have learners take #StudySelfie and post it to padlet or twitter with a midterm prep tip!