As a teacher, you know that online classes can be difficult to manage. Here are the best ways to manage an online class and how to make it more fun. In addition to the usual concerns of attendance and grading, there are additional challenges. Like keeping students engaged and ensuring that they’re following instructions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task of managing an online class. Here are the best ways to manage an online class and some tips on how to make it more fun and engaging for your students:
Consider your learning style
Knowing your learning style can help you understand how you learn best. For example, if you’re a visual learner (meaning you prefer seeing things rather than hearing them), consider including videos and visual aids in your class.
Use the information from your quiz to help you personalize the way you teach online classes.
Take a tech-check break
Check that your microphone is working by asking someone to listen to a few words and ask you to repeat them. Ask the same person if they can see you clearly on their computer or smartphone screen. If they can’t hear you clearly or see you, check:
- That your microphone isn’t plugged into the wrong port on your computer.
- That there’s nothing blocking the path between your mouth and the microphone (this means no scarves or blankets!).
- That no one else is talking nearby when you’re speaking into it (or if they are talking, try asking them to stop).
Check that your camera is working by having someone watch how well their image appears on their screen as well as hearing from them how clear it sounds – does it look pixelated? If so, check:
- That there’s nothing wrong with either of those devices themselves; for example, maybe there’s an update needed for one of them (the camera or computer).
Check that the internet connection works by downloading something small such as a picture from Google Images; if it takes a while then something needs fixing!
Make it personal
- If you’re wearing your favorite pants, or a shirt that says something funny, get used to wearing it for your online classes.
- Try to create a dedicated space for your online classes. Put up some pictures of family members or friends who often support you and remind you how much they love having fun together (or whatever makes sense).
Get creative with your workspace
Many schools recommend working in a separate room, away from distractions and other people’s noise. But this isn’t always feasible—especially if you live in an apartment or dormitory with small bedrooms.
Instead of looking for a specific location, focus on what works best for you personally: whether it’s your favorite chair, bean bag chair, or standing desk; whether it’s clean and well lit; even what kind of view it has! As long as these things feel good to you when you sit down at work every day (rather than feeling like an obligation), then they should be fine for running an online class too.
Make a class community
Create a group chat. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it will help you stay in touch with your people outside of class time. If you’re using Slack or Discord for your class, opt for one of those over WhatsApp (it’s impossible to search through the archives on WhatsApp).
Ask questions! One thing that can make an online course more bearable is getting to know the other students in it, so if there’s anything you don’t understand or want clarification on, don’t be afraid to voice them out loud! If they seem like nice people, they’ll probably be happy to help out.
Use webinars
Webinars are an excellent way to keep students engaged If you want to go even further, try using a studio webinar platform. Studio webinars have become very popular because they allow you to stand out and give your students more value while getting the latest technology and the best recording quality.
Listen to music
When the clock strikes the hour and you’re ready to start your class, consider playing some music. Music can help keep you focused and reduce stress, calm you down if you’re feeling anxious about being on camera, get you into a creative space if that’s what’s needed for your lesson plan, or make it more fun.
Seek guidance whenever you need it
The best way to manage an online class is to encourage students to ask questions. You might choose a private messaging system or you could post a link for students to use when they have questions. The important thing is that there’s a place where your students know they can go if they need help.
You should also try to answer questions in a timely manner, ideally within 24 hours of the question being posed. If you’re too busy teaching the material and grading assignments at first, this may be impossible; but once things settle down, try answering some questions each day (or every other day). It will help build trust between yourself and your class members—and it will show that you care about their success! After all: nothing builds community like helping out one another!
We hope this guide has provided you with some useful insights into how to manage an online classroom. Though virtual learning can be challenging at times, we believe that with the right planning and mindset, it can also provide some valuable opportunities for your students. Plus, the more time you spend investing in your students’ education now—whether that means finding new ways to connect with them or making their home learning environment as comfortable as possible—the more they will benefit from their experience in your class.