The current paradigm shift in teaching methods has caught the teachers and students off guard. Teachers are trying to the best of their ability impart their lessons online. They too are facing difficulties as not all are tech-savvy. 

Make a Schedule

It helps to make a schedule and following it before conducting an online class, whether it will be reading a textbook or watching something pre-recorded or it would be a live class etc so that no crucial aspect of covering the syllabus is missed

Don’t try to be a superstar to make great videos

It is better to do your research and make your own short videos to convey the relevant and current information. You can also make PowerPoint presentations of your lectures and share with students to review. This can be helpful in keeping the students engaged. 

Few tips to help you record yourself:

  • Select an interesting backdrop to record the video like your backyard or a garden etc
  •  You could use an avatar or animated character instead of your face for the narrative
  •  You can also record while you lecture. You can have a visual to lecture with so that your students have something to focus on. 
  • Having a clear sound/audio is very important because the students need to hear and understand you clearly
  •  Keep the video  short and simple, maybe under 10-minutes to keep your students engaged. 
  • Caption your recorded video appropriately for easy accessibility.  
  • Put your best side forward by paying attention to your camera angle. 

Add humor to your video to increase interest

Humor in a virtual classroom enhances students’ interest. Memes, GIFs, a memorable quote, a little giggle in between the lesson will add to their interest and boost engagement and learning.

Maintain contact with your students 

There are numerous tools and techniques that will allow you to stay connected to your students.

Tools and tricks to stay connected

Surveys can be conducted to know how your students are coping up academically and emotionally. An online community can be created where anyone and everyone can say something or hold discussions/meetings through video conferencing.

Ask questions

Judging a confused or blank facial expression is difficult in an online classroom. So post questions on discussion boards or you could ask the students to email their doubts after the session is over.

Stay positive and take mental health breaks

Remote learning is here to stay. The new mode is ‘different’ but not ‘difficult’. Stay positive to cope with the ‘different’.

 

Source : edtechreview