Keys to Effective Online Teaching

Leoneth D. Viray

Online teaching has become the new normal in Philippine education. However, teaching online requires different types of interactions with students.

For effective online teaching, here are some tips that I have gathered from my personal research online.

First, master the needed technology. Yes, this is new to everyone, so you have to prepare to troubleshoot by taking the time to familiarize yourself with the technology. Also, be clear to students about where they should go for technical support, whether online or someone they know in case they face technical difficulties.

Second, be prepared for all scenarios. During the lesson, the technology might fail, whether it is a video chat not connecting or assignment and/or resource links not working properly. As teacher, you need a backup plan for all assignments and assessments that rely on technology.

Moreover, don’t be afraid to solve technical challenges in real time, such as during discussions or real-time activities, to save time.

Lastly, as teacher, you have to create and maintain a strong virtual presence. To do this, you can send a message to all students, by video if possible, to welcome them to online learning and reassure them.

Aside from that, you have to encourage students talking by beginning discussions in the discussion board, and then contributing rapid, regular, and open responses to questions.

Using non-verbal communication such as emojis can also help in engaging students to participate during discussions.

These are only some ways to help us teachers to effectively engage our students despite the distance.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher II at Magliman Integrated School