Tips for Online Classes
We asked our “ongoing support” team for tips to heighten a sense of connectivity with students outside of the instructional component of class. Here’s what they said:
Send a 2-minute YouTube video with an encouraging message telling students you are looking forward to connecting with them and that you are available for individual conversations if they’d like to talk.
Send weekly (or more often) emails/videos to students; include class information that is needed, but also personal stories/news/etc. to keep up the personal chit-chat element that can get lost online.
Simplicity and consistency online will allow students to focus on the objectives of the course rather than the navigation.
At least once a week, touch base to see how students are doing, and share how you are doing. Can be via email, or announcements in Discovery, or in a Discussion Forum set up just for General Conversation. Could include brief selfie videos (think of an Instagram or Snapchat kind of post, but using Discovery—to help train and motivate them to check in to Discovery often).
Have them stay on all live sessions with video. It has changed my perspective on online teaching.
Be flexible. Take time (especially in a Zoom session) to talk. Address concerns and perhaps share a story (the sillier the better) of what is happening to you and your family during this time.
