How To Become A More Effective Online Teacher
The recent move toward digital classrooms has given teachers all over the world a lot of new problems to solve. And these uncharted waters seem scary because they are new and because most teachers have used traditional teaching methods for most of their careers.
So, teachers need a list of best practices to help them build a strong foundation for their teaching. In the next article, you’ll learn some good ways to put your best foot forward when you teach online. Even though distance learning is still fairly new, it can be made easier with structured course plans and the right materials.
Make sure you’re easy to reach and present
The biggest problem with teaching online is that it makes it hard for students and teachers to talk to each other. Most online learning is done asynchronously, which means that a learning management system (LMS) handles most class activities and communication between students and teachers through email.
Teachers must often be reminded that online teaching is easy to understand and use. But unlike in a traditional classroom, where a teacher’s presence is based on their tone and body language, an online teacher’s presence is based on their classroom’s structure, organization, and clarity.
Setting up the student LMS, so it is the place to go for all resources and materials is a great way to build a strong online presence. It’s also a good thought to tell learners when and how to turn in assignments, how to use common tech tools, and how to use discussion forums.
Some teachers might think they don’t know enough about how to teach online to keep doing it. The good news is that most colleges now also offer their major programs online. So, if you feel the same way and are having trouble with it, adding more credentials to your name, like a Master of Arts in Teaching (mat online), might help. So, you can improve your teaching skills while working simultaneously.
Help people connect in a virtual community
One benefit of physical learning is that it can help you make friends for life. But it also creates it harder to comprehend ideas. In the past, teachers didn’t give instructions. Instead, they used their physical presence to keep their classrooms under control and keep students interested.
Since there are no walls or limits on what can be taught in an online classroom, teachers need to rethink some things. First, they need to find out what online students think about taking classes and being part of a virtual community. Second, find ways to stabilize the different power dynamics so that students can feel a sense of belonging without giving up their independence.
Teachers must still get to know their students well in online classes, just as in regular classes. More importantly, make sure that students have chances to connect with their peers. Check-in with your students to give them the feedback they need.
Use the technology and other tools you have
Another important part of teaching online is being able to use technology. Many ways knowing about helpful tech tools can add to online education. For example, online trivia/quiz platforms like Kahoot! Also, your students will need digital options to learn better and get skills that will help them compete in the job market. So, if you want to improve teaching, use many easily accessible learning software, online tools, and software.
Lower expectations and being flexible
Most teachers are full of new teaching methods they can use in their classrooms. But they don’t do it because they’re afraid students won’t be as interested and don’t have enough time. Also, planning and passing around physical learning materials can be tiring, especially when teachers have to keep up the pace of a time-limited curriculum and the classrooms around them.
So, teachers rush through their lectures without thinking about how well the students can follow their instructions or understand the ideas. Online learning is great because you don’t have to worry much about time and managing physical class materials.
So, teachers are faster and more sure of themselves. With just one way to teach, it’s almost impossible to achieve every student. Still, being flexible regarding time zones and a student’s ability to understand ideas can greatly benefit the class’s success.
Increase student interest by giving them more freedom
Having students, lead class discussions would be another good way to teach online. It would help if you gave each student a different topic each week, so they know you’re counting on them to explain and deliver. That way, you can be sure they will work hard to learn everything in class.
You can also get students to interact with the material and each other by asking them to find more study materials to discuss in class. Teachers can set up online discussion forums to get students more involved, or they can add peer or self-evaluations for certain assignments.
Use creative, outside-the-box thinking
It’s been shown that when teachers encourage creative and critical thinking in the classroom, students do better on tests and are more interested in the class. And digital classrooms give teachers many chances to try new things and improve their students’ learning experiences. I don’t believe that any e-learning system or curriculum is too hard to teach, whether it’s in STEM or the humanities.
All you require is a small bit of imagination. Teachers who teach online can use a mix of virtual classes, group projects, and individual tests. In turn, these different ways of learning will let students try different ways to learn. Also, when teachers use creative methods, students remember the information better.
Conclusion
It’s hard to give online students a learning experience that is both satisfying and interesting. It takes a long time and a lot of practice to get used to. And for people who have never done this, these things might make them not want to do it.
But if you follow some helpful tips, you might be able to learn more from digital sources without getting too overwhelmed. These include making sure you are present by communicating, letting students take the lead, and being flexible.
