Cindy and I belong to a Zoom group that meets once every two weeks. The group consists of individuals all worked in the Iowa State University hall system as students or grad students nearly 50 years ago now. Most are just now coming into retirement or are already retired (it depends on whether the participants were ungrads or grad students at the time). It is a very interesting group, accomplished as adults, with mostly all small town or farm backgrounds as kids. I am kind of an honorary member as a spouse, but I did live in the Residence Halls with Cindy because her job came with room and board. For older folks, this was the time at which there was a transition from “house mothers” to professional residence all staff – probably way before most readers’ time in higher ed to make sense.
Anyway, we take an hour or two and socialize, but also have a theme we discuss. Selecting the theme rotates. Cindy came up with asking each individual to list three things they had discovered during the pandemic. Mine were Ice Bugs, the Moka Pot, and the Brave Browser. Many folks offer television programs or movies or books.
Last night someone described the value of reading to children with many in the group having been doing this remotely during the pandemic. As part of this discussion, Storyline Online was suggested. Storyline Online streams videos of typically recognizable celebrities (e.g.. Oprah, Kevin Costner, Betty White) reading books. It is a great opportunity for kids to spend some screen time on a literacy activity.
BTW – I had nothing to do with the organization or conceptualization of this group, but it was a brilliant idea and perfect for the forced isolation we now all endure. The mix of a common origin and very different life experiences creates a remarkable experience and an ideal example of the wisdom of crowds.
