Isaac Stern once said that music happens in the thousandth of a millisecond between one note and another—it’s how you get from one to the other that makes it music. 🎶
Simon Sinek adds to this idea by saying that trust in a professional environment happens between the meetings. 🤝
Well, I say that community is what happens between the materials in an online course!
Many companies and leaders hold regular “huddles” to check in with their teams. These short, structured meetings aren’t about strategy—they’re about connection. Some are virtual, some are in-person, but all have a similar tone: keeping things light, checking in, and building camaraderie.
The most successful huddles I’ve seen typically follow this format:
- Share something fun from your weekend – A highlight, a funny moment, or anything enjoyable.
- Preview the upcoming week – Will it be busy? Mellow? Stressful?
- Identify top priorities – What’s on the list of must-dos?
- Offer support – Where do they need help, and how can you assist?
Short and sweet, right? But this small investment of time creates a sense of belonging and support, turning another isolated Monday into a connected start to the week.
The Digital Huddle for Online Courses 🖥️
Now, what if we took this same concept and applied it to online learning?
In many asynchronous courses, students engage with materials, complete assignments, and interact in discussion forums—but they may never feel like part of a community.
A weekly digital huddle could change that.
Here’s a simple standing huddle format you could implement (optional, of course, but highly valuable!):
- Personal check-in – Anything they’d like to share? (Respect comfort zones, but always nice to ask.)
- Reflections on last week – What stood out? What was challenging?
- Accomplishments – Did they nail a tough concept or do well on an assignment?
- Looking ahead – What excites or concerns them about the upcoming content?
- Where they need support – How can you or their peers help?
These huddles don’t need to be long (15-30 minutes is plenty) or mandatory—but they create opportunities for students to talk about their learning, build connections, and feel like part of something bigger than just another course.
Overcoming the “What If No One Shows Up?” Concern
If you’re thinking, What if no one joins?—don’t worry! Even if just a few students participate at first, those early adopters set the tone for others. As word spreads and students recognize the value, participation can grow. Plus, you can record and share key takeaways for those who couldn’t attend, keeping the whole class in the loop.
Small Things Make a Big Difference
A 15 to 30-minute investment each week could transform how students experience your course. They’ll engage more, feel more connected, and—most importantly—learn better.
So, what do you think? Would a weekly digital huddle work in your course? Give it a try, and let me know how it goes!
Happy huddling! 🎉
