Technology has brought newness and sophistication to learning with the help of online teaching. However, this also leads to confusion among the learners and the teachers because of the newness. Not being well aware of how to use the tools, how to live classes, record videos, etc., can be one of the reasons. The other reason could be a lack of confidence. Whatever be the reason, if you want to teach online, you should know what should be done to be good at it.
Here is how you can excel in online teaching:
- Set Expectations
Clear out what you expect from your students and what they should expect from you at the beginning of the session itself. Ask for their expectation as well. Additionally, you may emphasise the level of involvement you anticipate from them, their participation in class, frequency of tests and quizzes, assignments, etc.
Also, you should also inform them about the things like when they should be turning on or off their cameras and microphone, etc.
- Make Them Feel Your Presence
Students should feel your presence in the class. As there is no physical contact when you teach online with the students, you should try to reach out and connect with the students and make them feel your presence.
For this, you should be there for your students whenever they need you. Be there for your students. Be approachable.
Lay down all your rules and means of communication channels to use.
- Promote Collaborative Learning
The idea or the method of encouraging students to come together and learn is known as collaborative learning. It is equally important to promote group learning activities in an online classroom. Encourage your students to support, assist, and learn from their peers. Students that interact with one another learn from one another by sharing their ideas, and doubts and helping each other learn. It encourages effective learning and a strong relationship between them.
- Assign Individual as well as Group Projects
To make online learning more effective, you should assign assignments not only for the students to do individually but also in groups. When you incorporate various learning methods, the learning interest and capacity of the students are increased.
Additionally, it helps them understand the necessity of group learning, teaches empathy and promotes good relationships.
- Build Healthy Relationships with Students
When students learn online, they are already learning in isolation because there is no physical presence of other students and the teacher. However, you should never let them feel it.
Not every student has learned online from the beginning of their learning years. Hence, for most students, the shift to online education is new. Therefore, as a teacher, you should also focus on building a healthy relationship with the students.
You should use a variety of communication channels including personalized feedback and responses, whenever necessary.
- Ask for Feedback
Ask for genuine feedback from your students to understand their problems and needs. If necessary, conduct anonymous surveys. You can also talk to them one-on-one to make them feel comfortable.
Also, you should do this in a timely manner.
Final Thoughts
Teaching online may require you to try out certain different ways of teaching or modify your pedagogy. However, to be a good online teacher, you must understand and cater to the needs of the students. Your aim should be to create a healthy and positive learning environment.
