It’s not shocking news that delivering lectures, classes and training online is like the new normal, considering that a lot of countries around the world are still just coming out of Lockdown and observing Covid-19 social distancing protocols.
Online teaching became very sort after during and after the pandemic, with a lot of virtual platforms being used to train new and existing learners. This type of teaching involves live classes, video conferencing, webinars, and other pre-recorded courses. This mode of teaching is different because no physical presence is required and it allows for flexibility.
Although, as good as online teaching sounds some tutors still struggle with delivering a top-notch online class experience for their learners.
If you are on this table then there is no need to worry, we have put together 5 important tips to help you maximise the benefits of online teaching.
1. Be confident and well equipped
Upskill, upskill, upskill! This is the first tip towards ensuring your confidence level is 100 per cent. You are more confident If you are sure of your expertise in that subject matter you will be teaching, and you know how to make use of the virtual platform that will be used to deliver the training. Ensure you prepare well and stay prepared, You definitely want your learners to show up prepared to learn and they expect the same from you as their teacher.
Always re-read the material you’ll be teaching in an upcoming course or session. You may pick up on something that went overlooked before it also allows you to jot down important notes to uses as talking points during the class
Rehearsals also allow you to perfect your speaking skills. Are you talking too fast? Too slow? Carrying on too long in a certain section or not explaining well enough?
All of these are common issues in the online teaching world which practising helps go perfect and this, in turn, boosts your confidence level while teaching
2. Utilize courses empowered by multiple content formats
Make use of video content, infographics, audio recording and not only lengthy PDF notes. The attention span of humans is very low and distractions are bound to come in when learners take an online course. However, studies show that learners are more willing to focus when the content is more engaging and sparks multiple sensory organs. When students adopt videos for online learning, they increase their digital competency, and this is undoubtedly one of the most important skill-sets of the 21st century.
3. Result-Oriented Assessments
Just like a traditional diploma, degree course, professional course or certificate training, eCourses also assess the knowledge of students via assessments and it’s upon completing these tests that the student gets awarded with a certificate. Hmmm, you may be wondering what if someone fails to achieve the expected score? This is where result-oriented assessments play a pivotal role.
Most of the online courses do lack result-oriented assessments, due to which if a student does not score well, they would have to repeat the course altogether and go through the same curriculum and chances are they would end up with similar scores, such a cycle can be broken with the help of result-based assessments.
4. Re-Orient Lost Students
Always remember to point students who are lost in the right direction. Remind them that they can always pause and rewind if it is a pre-recorded class, and if it is a live class allow them to ask questions
Students who have lost their way in the course often simply need you to point them at a road sign. This takes only moments, but you need to be willing to stop for a second and help, rather than expect them to draw their own maps.
5. Your course should reflect your teaching style
Think back to when you were first learning the subject matter you’re now teaching. What stood out to you the most? Reflect on those highlight moments in your presentation to help you approach the course or lesson plan with as much confidence as possible.
Consider what is going to be on-camera in your lesson. Does it reflect who you are? The decorations on your walls, the letterhead or the imagery on your documents
This, in turn, translates to the student’s learning experience. They chose you out of all the online tutors available for a reason.
