So, how do you ensure online education will be a success? Our 8 refreshing tips can give you new motivation to make the most of it. Also in this year.
Tip 1. Choose suitable online teaching resources
A good start is half the work. Here’s how it works with choosing the right online learning environment. Are you currently satisfied with the software you use to facilitate your online teaching? Does the platform have enough features? Can you make your lessons sufficiently interactive? Does the learning environment support your goals regarding the didactics of online teaching? Always choose an online learning environment that fits well with the teaching materials you share. Think about your students too. How many online skills do they have? It is often the case that a complex system has more functions. However, such a system can be confusing. Especially for students who have difficulty finding their way online. Most students who attach great importance to a user-friendly platform are very satisfied! Additionally, as a trainer, you can set up an online lesson in no time. Check it out while you’re here 😉
Does your classroom teaching already include online learning methods? Then expand this further. After all, at this point, the students are already familiar with the available online teaching materials. Try to keep as many parts of your lesson as possible so students feel familiar. Also, make sure you can make good use of the technology yourself. This way you can quickly get your students started.
Tip 2. Provide structure
The second tip for digital Teacher connect online is about creating structure. In terms of clarity and clear communication, online teaching is very different from offline teaching. After all, when your students attend class, they know their schedule. You know when classes start and end. Other important dates can be found in your syllabus.
But make no mistake! When students study online, they need just as much structure. Often even more structure is required. After all, your students are sitting alone at their laptops and talking to each other less. In short, clearly state your expectations and create a clear schedule that includes all important (submission) dates.
Tip 3. Appreciate the flexibility of online education
Volunteer for e-learning as a student Flexibility is often one of the most important reasons for choosing one. This means that a student wants to be able to study at a time and place of their choosing.
If you normally teach in a classroom but are now opting for online education, you can stick to the same schedule. Your students are already used to this.
You can also consider making video recordings of your lessons and then sharing them in the Teacher Connect online learning environment. This way everyone has access to your lessons, but they can go through the lesson when it suits them best. Your lessons are often viewed more often and are viewed in their entirety.
This also allows your students to rewind if they want to hear a certain part again. As you can imagine, it can be more difficult for students to stay focused behind a laptop. The fact that they can pause the video for a while is the perfect opportunity to reset the lesson and resume the lesson later with a fresh mind! The need for breaks is different for everyone. And that’s why freedom and flexibility are so beneficial!
However, this does not mean that you can roughly “throw” all of your course material into your online learning environment. In addition to a lot of freedom, your students need a helping hand. They are often on their own, even if they block for a week of exams. You can give them a nudge in the right direction, for example by encouraging them to do the right learning strategies to apply. Nico, our very own eLearning expert, wrote an interesting article about it, including concrete tools to get started yourself.
Tip 4. Presence on the Internet
Let students know that you are available, even outside of scheduled online classes. You may no longer see them in class every day or week. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be actively present. On the other hand, it is also not practical to be on call 24/7 to answer questions. If you want to teach online, it is advisable to find a balance for yourself.
So clearly state in your online learning environment:
- when you are available;
- how long it takes you on average to respond to an email;
- how students can best contact you.
So, that’s clear!
Tip 5: Communicate online teaching methods
This is a stressful time, even for students. Therefore, keep the tone of e-learning positive and motivating. Be flexible and think along with the students. Show them why online learning can be just as fun and educational as classroom learning. For example, work with different teaching methods that are suitable for online teaching. This allows you to offer different rating options. This allows students to choose how they want to show you (and their classmates) what they learned in your online lesson.
We have written an extensive blog about the Internet knowledge test. Feel free to click further if you are curious.
Tip 6. Encourage online collaboration
Collaboration is also very possible online. It takes a bit of creativity, but then you have something!
And be creative. For example, start a blog, lead a debate, or have your students present online.
Students can collaborate via video platforms such as Zoom or meeting points and still have the feeling that they are not alone. A discussion forum is also ideal for this.
Tip 7: Get feedback on your online course
Students are the best advisors. After all, they know exactly what works for them and what doesn’t. So allow them to give feedback. This can be about the lessons, the online learning environment, or the online teaching methods. But it can also be about how connected they feel to you, to the training, and to their fellow students.
Additionally, you can also connect online with other teachers or trainers who teach online. There are many different Facebook groups and LinkedIn pages that share lots of valuable information and tips.
Tip 8. Prevent online burnout
Don’t forget yourself! Create a home office where you feel comfortable and that is ergonomically responsible. Also, be careful not to allow yourself to become too distracted. Take regular breaks and end your working day very consciously so that your work and private life remain in balance.