Dealing With Isolation Using Online Morning Huddles for University Lecturers During Physical Distancing by COVID-19: Field Notes

Authors

  • Yasuhiro Kotera University of Derby https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0251-0085
  • Pauline Green University of Derby
  • Christine Rhodes University of Derby
  • Alan Williams University of Derby
  • James Chircop University of Derby
  • Rachel Spink University of Derby
  • Rebecca Rawson University of Derby
  • Uche Okere University of Derby

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i4.4843

Keywords:

isolation, well-being, team cohesion, COVID-19, crisis management

Abstract

Isolation can affect our well-being negatively. To prevent the spread of the infection COVID-19, many workers, including university lecturers, are required to work from home. In order to maintain high levels of well-being and team cohesion, academics at the University of Derby Online Learning initiated a virtual huddle to briefly socialise and check on their colleagues’ well-being every morning. This piece of field notes reports the context (COVID-19 in the United Kingdom), the details of this morning socialization, the first-hand experience of attending this huddle, and possible applications. Perceived positive impacts of our huddles include better well-being, cultivating compassion in team culture, and enhanced team cohesion. These advantages can be also useful in student supervision, wider socialization with colleagues to counter the silo mentality, and other occupational sectors. Our field notes will be helpful for lecturers and other types of employees who work collaboratively yet in isolation during this uncertain and challenging time of crisis. 

Author Biography

Yasuhiro Kotera, University of Derby

Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead for Counselling, Psychotherapy & Psychology at the University of Derby, Online Learning, is an accredited psychotherapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, working with people from diverse backgrounds. His research areas include mental health, diversity in education, and cross-cultural psychology.

Published

2020-06-09

How to Cite

Kotera, Y., Green, P., Rhodes, C., Williams, A., Chircop, J., Spink, R., … Okere, U. (2020). Dealing With Isolation Using Online Morning Huddles for University Lecturers During Physical Distancing by COVID-19: Field Notes. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 21(4), 238–244. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i4.4843

Issue

Section

Notes From the Field