Best Online Teaching Strategies
September 12, 2023In today’s digital world where online tools have become an extension of our limbs; basically a third hand, one cannot ignore the importance of online teaching.
Online teaching has revolutionized the way information is exchanged between a teacher and a pupil. With a successful online teaching strategies, teachers can adapt easily with the revolution in online education.
But online teaching comes with tons of challenges and we know that moving to online teaching can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s new to you.
We’ve put together some tips based on research to help you and your students by implementing online teaching strategies to succeed in this online education.
Strategies for Teaching Online:
Familiarize Yourself with the Technology:
First things first, take a deep breath and get to know the technology you’ll be using. Don’t worry if you run into some hiccups along the way; it’s normal, and know that there are other teachers across the globe going through the same thing as you. Spend some time exploring the tools & upskill yourself in online teaching and remember that many companies offer extra training.
Make sure your students know where to go for technical support. Give them the contact info, so they don’t feel lost if they encounter any issues.
Prepare For The Unexpectedness:
Technology isn’t always perfect, and there might be glitches here and there. So, have a backup plan for assignments and assessments that rely on tech. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Keep your students in the loop about tech problems and what they should do if they can’t submit assignments because of technical issues. It is always more resourceful to solve these challenges in real-time.
Be Present and Engaging:
Ensure to make the online class feel warm and welcoming. Send a video message to greet your students and let them know you’re excited about teaching online.
When you interact with students, try using video chat instead of plain text messages. It’s more personal and helps create a better connection.
Get those discussions going on the discussion board and be quick in responding to questions. Don’t hesitate to use emojis to add a friendly touch!
Set Clear Expectations:
Since live online learning is fairly new to everyone, be clear about how grades will be determined. Participation might carry more weight than in regular classes, so make sure your students know that.
Also, set expectations for response times. A day is reasonable, and that way, students won’t expect immediate responses.
Share resources on how to be a successful online learner.
Build a Supportive Community:
You’re the leader here, so show your enthusiasm and excitement to ease any anxiety or isolation your students might feel.
Make things personal by sharing a welcome video, some stories, and links to articles or videos. Encourage your students to do the same, so everyone can get to know each other better.
Use tools like instant messaging, web cameras, blogs, and vlogs to keep the community engaged and interactive.
Ask thought-provoking questions to spark lively discussions and make sure to respond to the whole community, not just individuals.
Encourage Discussions and Reflections:
Keep the discussions going! If some topics haven’t been fully explored, bring them back to the forefront and encourage more participation and reflection.
Also, keep an eye on student participation in online classes. If someone seems disengaged or dominating the conversation, reach out to them individually to see how you can help.
Be an Active Guide:
You’re the initial manager of the learning community, but as the course progresses, let the students take more responsibility. The steps we mentioned earlier can help with this transition.
Seek Feedback and Avoid Misunderstandings:
Keep a check on your students on a regular basis to see how everything is going. You can use surveys, formal or informal, to get their thoughts on the course.
Use quizzes to gauge their understanding of the material, but keep in mind that misinterpretations might happen, so be patient and clarify things if needed.
Keep Things Up-to-Date:
Don’t forget to check all the links, resources, modules, and activities regularly. Online content can change, and broken links can lead to confusion.
Help any students who are struggling to navigate the course material. Show them how to manage multiple web pages effectively.
So, there you have it! These online teaching strategies will set you up for success in your online teaching journey. Embrace the adventure, and remember that we’re all learning together. Good luck!
