The sudden transition from the live classroom to distance learning early in 2020 took everyone by surprise, particularly teachers and administrators. Many education professionals had no knowledge of or experience in online teaching and had to do their best to conclude the 2019-2020 school year.
As the 2020-2021 school year starts primarily using distance learning, teachers have had a chance to become familiar with teaching online. These five tips will further enhance both the teachers and students online teaching experience.
1. Tweak your lesson plans
Teachers typically have learning objectives and goals tailored to an entire school year with as much as three hours of in-person instruction per week. Converting the whole three hours to video is not an effective way to teach online. Students will not sit in front of a computer and listen to someone talk for that amount of time.
Take a look at the learning objectives of your class and identify essential information. Rewrite your lesson plans to accommodate no more than a 30-minute video per week. If you need help, check out the High School Curriculum Builder.
2. Always have a backup plan
Although live interaction with students is an ideal way to deliver distance learning, you cannot rely solely on technology. Video conferencing solutions, such as Zoom, have become very popular since the onset of COVID and can become overwhelmed and crash.
Along with your in-person interaction, prepare recorded videos that the students can access via the internet. A day-by-day syllabus outlining expectations and learning aids are useful tools, allowing them to continue with their studies even in the absence of a teacher.
3. Include the students in planning
Distance learning is likely as new to the students as it is to the instructors, often resulting in fear and uncertainty on both sides. Invite the students to collaborate in the class’s reinvention by suggesting topics to research and books to read.
Also, if you feel they are capable of self-paced study, incorporate it into the curriculum. If you are clear about the course’s expected outcome, let the students explore the topic using their research and resources. This approach will not work for everyone, especially students who need clear direction and oversight, but it is worth pursuing with the more advanced members.
Don’t be afraid to change course if your original approach does not seem to be working. Frequent feedback from the students is crucial to determine if everyone is on the road to success.
4. Check-in with students
Be sure to interact with each student personally if you can hold Zoom classes. They miss the interaction with their classmates and speaking to the teacher, or the entire group will be to their advantage. Encourage group problem solving, but if a student seems to be struggling, make yourself available for one-on-one communication or Zoom conferences.
Although the grading system will be much different in online education, administering a quiz or assigning a short paper will determine if they understand the subject matter. As we said before if most students are not meeting the learning objectives and goals, it is the teacher’s responsibility to make the required adjustments.
5. Identify and support struggling students
Despite your best efforts, some students will not adapt well to distance learning. Teachers must keep an eye out for these most vulnerable students and take action before it is too late. Give them extra attention, possibly even speaking with them on the phone or texting, within boundaries.
These are just a few suggestions on how to conduct a distance learning class. Collaboration between teachers and students will be the backbone of future success.
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