I’ve been teaching online for over a decade and it can have a steep learning curve.  I feel for all of you teaching an online course for the first time.

Never in a million years would I have dreamed of the current the situation, but here we are.   As schools, teachers, and tutors are all scrambling to support students as we move to a distance learning format, I wanted to share some of my tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.

7 Tips for Teaching an Online Course for the First Time

This is new to everyone

You didn’t start the school year or even the month, thinking this was gonna happen.  This has been sprung on everyone and we are all a little disoriented.  As you begin to figure our how to be a good online teacher remember that most students are also new to the platform and learning environment so give each other a little understanding will go a long way in a smooth transition.  Teaching an online course for the first time can feel like your first year teaching all over again.  Accept the challenges with grace and humor.

Students are Digital Natives.

I’m not saying that there won’t be technical questions, but students feel very comfortable with technology. While students might not be familiar with the platform your school is using,  they are digital natives and can be asked to do more than we would’ve asked students to do a decade ago. Challenge them to think outside the box.    Do the same for yourself.  You can still use PDF resources in Google Classroom or using the Kami app.  When I first started in the digital classroom, I still had students that couldn’t attach a file to an email.  These K-12 students will be tech savvy.

Online teaching and classroom teaching are not exactly the same

Look for ways to adapt to teaching online courses that will help keep students engaged.  When teaching an online course for the first time, you will quickly see areas that will need to be changed.  For example, rather than have each student present, have students create videos and then they must critique them (you can divide them into groups for this work).  Use discussion boards, videos, and other tools.

Classroom Management is a still important

Set expectations early and be prepared for issues with technology and other problems to challenge those expectations.  Create a plan now- set your virtual classroom expectations. You can be flexible, but just make it manageable.  If you already know your students, this will be easier.  Consider reviewing some best practices and expectations in online teaching.  You will also want to set boundaries for when you are on and off.  Don’t answer emails on nights and weekends.  It can wait.

Connection is essential

My best tip is use all of the amazing tools available to see students if at all possible.  Try using conference platforms to see students and help them make connections to you and other students.  This is incredibly important during this time of social distancing.  If that isn’t being supported, use discussion tools and email to connect with students.  Video messages can also be great tools.  This will go a long way in helping everyone that might be feeling lonely and isolated as well as help the kids know that you are invested in their learning.

You might also make a virtual classroom. 

>>>Don’t want to make your own background.  Start with this free classroom template.<<<

Some lessons will flop

Accept that sometimes, you won’t be happy with how a lesson went.  That is part of teaching.  The unfortunate nature of moving to a different learning platform, is it may not be easy to know immediately.  Luckily, we have more technology than ever and you can rely on email and video conferencing as needed to help clarify things.  You can always reteach as needed.

Communication is KEY

Communicate with your students and parents as much as possible.  This will save you in the long run.  Use technology to your advantage. Remember the boundaries we talked about earlier.

Bonus:  Be Kind.  Even when people aren’t kind to you.  It will make your day feel better at the end of it.

You are the best part of the day for some kids

Some of these kids will be waiting anxiously to hear from you and see you and are missing you terribly.  You are such an important part to helping kids feel OK during this stressful time.  Thanks for all you are doing to make it easier for them.