Hello . Pull up a chair, pour a warm drink … here’s what’s on my desk this month.

☕️ Good day, Professor.

Whether you’re reading this with your first cup of coffee or between classes, welcome. Here, you’ll find teaching tips, technology tools, connection builders, and joyful inspiration to help you design vibrant, memorable, and student-centered college classes.

🧠 INSIGHT: Students respond to what they can see, hear, and feel.

You already know students need to hear you clearly, but when your face, eye line, and presence are also clear, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and connected.

• Small visual distractions (poor lighting, low camera angle, lack of eye contact) can unintentionally create distance
• A few intentional adjustments can make your teaching feel more direct, human, and engaging

👉 TRY THIS: The Eye Line Reset

In-person:

Pause for a moment and scan the room → make eye contact with 3–4 students across different areas → continue your point

Virtual:

Place a small sticky note or arrow near your camera → when making a key point, look directly at the lens for 3–4 seconds → return to your notes

Add one more layer: use students’ first names when possible and bring them into the moment.

Now students feel like you’re speaking to them, not past them, and connection builds much more quickly.

This works especially well when introducing a key idea or emphasizing an important point.

💬 Ask Yourself

What’s one small adjustment you could make to your camera presence that would help students feel more connected to you?

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FROM MY CLASSROOM & CAMERA

Lately, I’ve been seeing these ideas come to life in my own classroom:

My students have been building virtual presentations using tools like Camo, Canva, and Zoom - layering visuals, audio, and on-screen presence in ways that go far beyond traditional slides.

As they experiment with camera framing, eye line, and engagement strategies, it’s clear how much these small shifts change how a message feels to an audience.

As we approach the end of the semester, they’ve been pulling everything together: their message, their visuals, and how they show up on camera.

In one activity, students created their “t-shirt thesis” on a Miro board, distilling their core idea into something simple, visible, and memorable.

Shoutout to my friends, Lucie Agolini (designer & Miro Master) & Said Saddouk (The Facilitainer and also a Miro Master) for helping me create engaging Miro boards for my classes. 

It’s a simple exercise, but it pushes them to think carefully about what they really want their audience to remember.

My goal is to teach them how to show up and deliver in a way that feels clear, authentic, and engaging.

💬 How does your presence on camera shape the way your message is received?

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💛 PERSONAL MOMENTS

I’ve been spending more time outside lately: e-bike rides, walks, fresh air, and stepping away from screens when I can.

It’s a small change, but one that’s made a noticeable difference in my energy, focus… and my neck. Here's an action shot from the e-bike. It is much harder than it looks to use one hand on such a heavy bike!

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RESOURCES

Free

Before students even hear you speak, they’re already forming an impression.

In this short video, I show how to create a custom Zoom waiting room to set the tone for your class and make the experience feel more intentional and welcoming.

Featured

Did you know I have a Teachers Pay Teachers store?

Here is a lesson that I offer on Public Speaking: Teach Your Students to Overcome Fear and Build Confidence. Easily deliver a successful Public Speaking lesson on Fear & Confidence using this customizable 41-slide deck with 3 hours worth of lessons. Designed with love and laughter by me (who’s not into lecturing!) to teach your college students how to overcome fear and build lasting confidence. Entertaining activities, discussions, and examples are included.

Click Here to view the lesson

What’s Next:

As I prepare for the Rutgers Active Learning Symposium, I’ve been refining how virtual camera tools can support more dynamic, engaging teaching. I’ll be sharing how camera tools like Ecamm, Camo Studio, and even Zoom itself can be used to create more dynamic, engaging teaching experiences. I’m excited to share what’s been working (and what’s surprised me) as I continue to refine this.

At the Course Design Institute, hosted by the Rutgers Institute for Teaching, Innovation, and Inclusive Pedagogy, I’m looking forward to exploring how intentional design choices shape the student experience from the ground up. Plus I genuinely love gathering with other educators. 

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Here’s to a month of meaningful moments, warm coffee, and the quiet victories that no one sees but still matter.

Until next time... Keep learning, inspiring, and teaching beyond the bland. 💛

Warmly,

Tatiana Rodriguez ☀️ ☕️ 🧠

Creator & Educator, Tatiana Teaches

💌 P.S. Share with a colleague who might enjoy Morning Office Hours. Send them this link please: https://sendfox.com/tatianateaches

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