The past few days have seen increasing numbers of schools announced that
they are moving to conduct online Classes only. Every teacher is busy working
to move their face-to-face lessons online. Designing online classes takes
significant time and effort. Here are few tips for them.
Find new engagement indicators.- Classroom teachers have
traditionally been able to capture a quick measure of student engagement by
just looking at their faces. Are they curious, interested or passionate about
class activities? While you may still be able to measure engagement visually
during video-oriented synchronous online sessions, classes this fall will have
many more scenarios where this won’t be possible. Much of the work students
will be doing won’t be on camera, so educators may need to find new indicators
of engagement.
Here are a few
engagement measures to consider: Are students logging on often? Are
they submitting their work on time? Are they reacting to the learning in some
way, by asking question and seeking additional resources? Are they responding
to feedback and is their voice apparent in classroom forums and boards? These are
all indicators of how well a student is connecting with class topics.
Flexible class
design offers:
Learner Choice: Provide
meaningful alternative participation modes and enable students to choose
between participation modes daily, weekly, or topically.
Equivalency: Provide learning
activities in all participation modes which lead to equivalent learning
outcomes.
Reusability: Utilize artifacts
from learning activities in each participation mode as “learning objects’ for
all students.
Accessibility: Equip students
with technology skills and equitable access to all participation modes.”
As much as we want to meet their
needs educationally, we can’t if they are distracted by their need to feel
safe.
Meet the Social Emotional need of your learner-- Set clear
parameters for where / how students can ask questions or express their concerns
such as a message to the teacher or a message board that is only on while the
teacher is monitoring. Let students see your face when possible, such as
through a good morning video. Create routines with clear expectations so
students can feel successful.
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Present your best (online) self
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Use best technology to your advantage
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Find what inspires your students
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Set goals and help students stick to them
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Keep it interactive
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Break down the lessons and make it digestible
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Make your students feel valued
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Be patient with your students
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Motivate Your Students
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Ask For Help And Feedback
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Innovate And Stimulate Discussions