Although distance learning existed before, the trend gained remarkable global popularity after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the practice of online teaching and learning is part of educational institutions worldwide.
With the ever-evolving advancements in technology, the practice of learning and teaching digitally isn’t about to elapse. The latest statistics by TechJury indicate that the global e-learning market is projected to be worth $325 billion in 2025. E-learning enhances the learners’ retention rate by 25% to 60% retention. It is also convenient, flexible, and associated with an incredible work-life balance for educators and tutors.
To substantiate, guru99 studies show that 63% of US students use online learning tools daily with the US and European markets contributing 70% of most users of the e-learning services market globally. Although online teaching proves to be a life-saver in many ways, it comes with its set of challenges.
Online teaching methods differ depending on the subject, and type of learners, among other factors. It involves live classes, video conferencing, webinars, and other online tools that teachers must select carefully. This method of teaching requires a strong connection between teachers and learners, otherwise, it may not serve the intended purpose. If you’re an online teacher, we have curated some of the best approaches to teaching online that actually work despite what you teach and the type of learners.
7 Amazing Approaches to Online Teaching That Work
- Choose Technology & Tools Wisely
There are different types of education technology tools available on the market. Before selecting the type of virtual teaching platform or tools, it’s essential to evaluate how it will facilitate smooth learning. The ease of use and technical support are some of the crucial factors to assess before using an educational technology platform.
Today many local and global educational institutions use LMS (learning management system) to create and deliver content and as well track student performance. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the technology and additional support tools like Zoom, and Google Voice to make teaching seamless. Also, before choosing a given technology, be sure that your students can use the technology and tools effectively.
- Create a Supportive Learning Environment
Online teaching isn’t intricate, however, it requires well-defined and actionable strategies to meet its goals. Unlike traditional classrooms, virtual classes require strong connectivity between the teacher and the learner. Learners can easily get distracted or find it hard to understand concepts due to physical distance.
With that, the following can help you create a supportive learning environment for your learners. Foster curiosity in the virtual classroom. Together with brainstorming it will prepare your learners mentally for the topics or concepts you want to teach. Be empathetic where necessary to build a bond with learners and encourage self-paced learning. There is a range of e-learning apps learners can use depending on their self-set learning schedules and targets. Besides, they are also suitable for all learning styles.
- Use Different Mediums of Delivery
Students learn differently and retain concepts better uniquely. There is a range of online teaching methods teachers can use to deliver lectures or provide learning material to students. Depending on the type of subject and goals, teachers can use presentations, discussion forums, live lectures, or pre-recorded lectures; generally a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching strategies.
Considering several mediums of delivery can help offer support to live video lectures. It also caters to flexibility for students who may be absent during the live lectures or those who would want to revisit learning material. A mixture of delivery mediums helps develop a ground for deeper learning and self-paced learning which enhances classroom performance.
- Monitor Engagement
Student engagement during online learning is a major aspect every teacher must be concerned about. A lack of face-to-face interaction makes it difficult for teachers to directly monitor students and analyze their motivation levels. As a teacher, you may think that your students are engaged yet their minds are captured by other things. With that, you must cultivate and implement ways through which your students can be kept engaged throughout the lesson. Begin by fostering curiosity among the learners, not only for the day, but let it be a culture.
Also, brainstorming before embarking on teaching, ask questions during the lesson, and cultivate a learning community. Student engagement increase when students feel that teachers understand them and are willing to guide them throughout the entire learning process. Cultivate grounds for student collaboration, and participation, and discuss coursework to increase student engagement.
- Develop a Culture of Continuous Feedback
Feedback sharing is a vital aspect of student-teacher communication. In fact, effective communication can’t occur where there is no culture of feedback sharing. Ensure to provide timely feedback regarding assignments, student performance, and future curriculum plans. Also, make it a point to check in with your students about their experience with the implemented technology or tools.
Analyze and assess their response to class assignments, learning material, and schedules. Besides, inquire about their comfortability with learning technologies like VR (Virtual Reality) and gamification. These technologies provide the best online learning experiences, however, only when learners have the required equipment like special glasses and software.
- Allow Purposeful Free Time
“Work without play makes Jack a dull boy” and this phrase also remains true to online teaching. Although there is no face-to-face interaction, ensure to create a purpose free time where you and the students can plug out and rejuvenate the mind. Depending on the lecture period, you can set aside 15 minutes in-between and allow your students to interact via a chat group.
You can also bring up candid discussions where you and your students share real-life experiences. Through this, you would have helped to enhance their engagement levels and expand their knowledge.
- Always Prepare in Advance
Online teaching requires educators and tutors to prepare for the unexpected. With the fact that lectures are conducted virtually, there are higher chances of technical difficulties. These glitches can happen at any time and can cause remarkable distractions in a virtual classroom. With that, it is essential for teachers to have a contingency plan.
For example, you may consider pre-recorded lectures where possible to ensure that you complete the task on the same day in case there are internet issues. Providing additional learning material is another approach to supporting every online teaching method. But above all, teachers and students must know how to obtain technical support in case of any technical glitch.
To encapsulate, online teaching is part of the new normal and it is here to stay. Thanks to technology, there is a range of online teaching approaches educators can use to deliver productive lessons to learners. Online teaching strategies can be implemented depending on the subject, objective, and type of learner. Many of these strategies provide seamless learning experiences that ensure enhanced student engagement and academic performance.