For teachers used to interacting with their students face-to-face in a classroom, online instruction is a novel notion. Teachers in online classes have to rely more on screens and chat windows than on physical observation to make sure their students are paying attention and understanding the material. While there are significant differences between managing online classrooms and managing in-person classes, many of the fundamental ideas of classroom management remain the same regardless of the delivery method.
The following are some strategies for online classrooms that may help you connect with your remote students, keep their attention, and facilitate successful communication despite the unique difficulties of online teaching.
Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/students-watching-recorded-lecture-with-professor-talking-from-tablet-podcast-courses-audio-video-recording-class-recording-access-concept-vector-isolated-illustration_11668304.htm#query=teacher%20online%20students&position=28&from_view=search&track=ais
- Be available
Teachers in virtual classrooms have the same obligation to be accessible to their students as those in physical ones. The primary distinction is how readily accessible they are. It's possible to do this in a number of different ways, including through texts, phone, video chat, email, and online forums. When and how students may reach you should be made very clear though. You may facilitate this in a number of ways, including designating regular office hours during which your students can reach you by phone. This manner, both students and you will be aware of the times when they may reach you, and last, but not least, you will be spared the burden of constantly checking their inboxes and answering calls and text in the middle of the night.
- Establish a “virtual classroom etiquette”
There should be a unique set of "virtual classroom ground rules" established for each class to ensure that students are protected and that learning is engaging. You have the freedom to establish any guidelines you see necessary for your virtual classroom, such as "how to let me know when you want to talk" or "what terms and phrases may or cannot be used in class" etc. You may either poll the whole class for their input, or divide them into smaller groups to establish ground rules for how they would want to be taught. Following guidelines for conduct in a virtual classroom allows educators to provide an environment where all students may thrive.
- Outline expectations very clearly
Every teacher of an online course has to be extremely specific when outlining the requirements for the students enrolled in the class. There has to be a common understanding between you and the students on what is expected of them in an online learning environment. You should provide detailed information about due dates, anticipated class participation, grading and testing procedures, expected classroom behavior, etc. at the very beginning of the learning process in order to avoid misunderstandings, miscommunication and confusion.
- Simple tips and tricks that can make all the difference:
- Before using the software and technical equipment, make sure it works properly!
- Turn on your camera so that your students can see you at all times.
- If you project some video materials to your students as a part of the teaching, keep it short (not more than 10-15 minutes). You know that youngsters can’t keep their attention focused for too long.
- Ensure that the resources you use are open-access so that all students may utilize them.
- Create engaging activities for the students. Think outside of the box.
- Listen to what students have to say and use their feedback to improve your teaching habits.
- Make activities for the end of the day that can easily sum up what was learned that day.
Online learning is just as stressful for students as it is for you, so keep that in mind. If needed, slow down so that students don't get behind.
In the article Effective Communication in the Classroom: Skills for Teachers, published by High Speed Training, one of the UK’s leading online training providers, you may find additional useful information on the significance and impact of classroom communication with students, but also with parents and colleagues. Also, you will discover eight strategies for effective communication in the classroom, which you can apply easily in both remote and face-to-face learning environments (ex. improve body language, giving feedback, active listening, encourage teamwork, etc.)
There are challenges to teaching students remotely, but there are also rewards. At first, you may be concerned about how and if your distant pupils will ever catch on to what you're teaching. But eventually, you'll figure out what does and doesn't work. Obviously, it is not possible to always be perfect, and not all of your students will appreciate or even comprehend your attempts to relate to them.
But don’t get discouraged and don’t stop trying new strategies to find what works best: your online course and students' experiences will be much better when you find out what are the most effective ways to communicate and connect with them.