Linkedin | Videos | Blog | Printables | ELT News | TpTs | Youtube Channel
“Let’s try not to build the plane while we are flying it.”
[Visit ELT Buzz’s Directory to view many articles about teaching online.]
Many schools and teachers are rushing to deliver their lessons online and have students learn online. However, in this panic, many are missing the fundamentals and there are a lot of concerns being raised. See this article.
Here are my 15 suggestions and “best practices” for being the best online teacher one can be. Lots of advice also for institutions who should be setting the standards. In no way are they in order of importance – that will depend on your particular teaching situation. At the end - see the large list of references, resources on this topic.
Download The List As A PDF >>>
1. Consult a professional! If you are really serious about a quality learning experience for your students, bring a consultant on board or seek the advice of professionals (tech coordinators) with knowledge of educational standards in ed tech. For example, security, privacy, delivery, curriculum and more. It’s not just a matter of asking teacher James because he seems rather techie.
……………………………………….
2. Think “Blended learning”. Online teaching (and learning) is not just a flipped model of face to face classroom teaching held in a video conference room. Synchronous or live teaching should only be a small portion of student time. Most student time should be devoted to asynchronous or independent learning. That said, teachers should schedule small group or individual sessions and communication with all students just like a face to face blended learning program. What is Blended Learning?»»
………………………………………………
3. Ensure Equity. Your classroom is a diverse place. Not only is every student unique but also their circumstances. As much as possible make sure all students have access to what they need to complete their learning online. A device, access to reliable wifi, access to all materials and resources needed, a secure and safe place to study outside of school. Also be sure to provide non-digital options for those students who might not be able to learn online, for whatever reason.
………………………………………………
4. Design a student or school code of online conduct. Students, particularly teens and young adults will have differing cultural and behavioral expectations when using technology versus being in a regular classroom. So right from day 1, go over how you expect students to behave online in conversation, in video conferences etc … Otherwise you might get bullying, posting embarrassing photos, rude, profane language and so on …
………………………………………………
5. Think “Backward Design“. Start with your learning objectives. Then decide how best to achieve these given your online tools, platform, student and teacher affordances etc … and the learning experiences you expect students will have online. Also, be sure to design your materials for the online platform you’ll be using. Text, photos, size, clarity, white space, format – all considerations.
………………………………………………
6. Start with What You Know. You don’t have to start from ground zero. What digital tools and platforms are you or your staff already using? Begin with the familiar and then go from there. The transition to online teaching will be a lot easier. Do a tech needs assessment for your school, district or even yourself if teaching independently.
………………………………………………
7. Safety First. A virtual classroom just like the regular classroom needs to be a safe and secure area for all students. Review the policies and Terms of Service of all online tools used. Also have them approved by your school superiors. Students should log into a secure school environment prior to using tech tools. Make sure hardware is secure and free of viruses and vulnerabilities. Review these tips >>>
……………………………………………...
8. Settings. Student safety won’t happen unless schools and teachers ensure all settings maximize and promote a safe learning environment. You don’t want Zoombombing happening during your online lessons! Check thoroughly how you can provide through digital tool settings, the most secure online learning environment possible. For example. When video conferencing – use an encrypted link, password and also a waiting room for student access. Check out the provider and their reputation and standards. Control functionality as much as possible and assign “in situ”.
……………………………………………...
9. Privacy. Be aware there are strict protections for learners under the age of 13. Make sure your online environment and tools comply with COPPA (Child Online Privacy Protection Act) and FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act). Review providers to make sure student data is not shareable nor stored. Students where possible should not register with personal email accounts. Get consent from parents when teaching young learners. Also, review policies with students including the non-sharing of screenshots, images, copyright rules and so on. Slowly educate your students in the realm of digital responsibility and media literacy.
……………………………………………...
10. Have Clear Expectations. Provide transparent expectations and selected educational outcomes to all stakeholders. Parents and staff. This includes not just learning outcomes but information about the digital/online program, tutorials on how to use and access learning, hardware requirements, FAQs, assessment policy and so on. Over-communicate in clear and concise language what is required for the online learning.
……………………………………………...
11. Schedules. Establish two types of schedules for learners. The overall course schedule and also a daily schedule for when students are expected to be learning, logged in and available. Include initial daily meet and greets, even if just chat. It will help put a more human face on the interaction. Build an online class team!
……………………………………………...
12. Avoid Too Much. One thing I see too often with digitally enacted curriculum is teachers assigning too many activities and piling on work and submissions. Think through your curriculum and try to avoid this. Student learning activities should be simple in design, aligned to course objectives and with an openness to provide students the opportunity to be creative and show their learning. Cut out the chaff!
……………………………………………...
13. Engagement. Robustness. Learning online needn’t be the boring activity it is often pictured. The online classroom should not consist of uploaded pdfs and worksheets to complete nor fill in the blank webpage activities. Challenge your students with creative assignments that work towards their strengths. Break learning into smaller chunks, check student understanding often, get students leading and teaching each other.
……………………………………………...
14. Be Accessible. Students will need help both with the tech side of things and also with their independent learning. Provide a safe and secure way for students to access help and their teacher. Teachers should provide scheduled contact times for all students, young or old. Just like a face to face classroom – teachers need a lot of personal communication with each student. Communication and relationships are still job number 1. Stress the personal, caring touch.
……………………………………………...
15. Commitment. Teaching online is a journey of continual professional development and reflection. It does get easier over time but there is lots to learn and continual professional development in educational technology is a must. Teachers should seek out mentors or pair with other teachers to review their online curriculum and teaching. Continually refine and reassess what you do and the things you do it with. The realm of educational technology is a continually changing one. See the International Society for Technology in Education standards.
Evaluate what you are doing online in light of these 15 principles. Make some change, some tweaks. It will make a big difference, I promise you.
Recommended Readings & Resources
General directory with information about teaching online. Go Here.
Online Classroom Requirements. Blog Post. Infographic.
Staying Online Teacher Healthy. Blog post. Infographic.
Tips For Working Remotely. Blog Post. Infographic.
Tips For Teaching Online. – Infographic
Qualities Of An Online Teacher – Infographic
Teacher Wellness – Booklet
Online Teaching Checklist & Teach From Home Self-Care Checklist
Online Meeting Checklist. Online Report Card – Feedback.
Teaching Online. Dos and Don’ts.
Online & Left Behind
How To Be A Better Online Teacher >>> Chronicle of Higher Education
Online Learning and the Digital Divide >>> Medium
10 Strategies For Online Learning >>> ISTE
5 Concerns about the mad rush to online learning >>> Washington Post
6 Elements At The Core Of Online Teaching >>> Center For Transformative Learning and Teaching
3 Biggest Remote Teaching Concerns >>> Ed Surge
Shift To Remote Teaching. Boom or Bane? >>> Inside Higher Ed
100 Worst Ed Tech Debacles >>> Audrey Watters
Essential Tech Support >>> BAM! Radio Podcast
15 Best Practices For Teaching Online