Online learning is challenging at the best of times. Students have many demands on their time and energy, and study must be fitted in around those. But a pandemic adds a new level of anxiety and overwhelm to the online study experience. As teachers, what can we do about that? (more…)
How To Engage Online Students Using Positive Language
Maintaining online student engagement is an ongoing challenge. Much has been written on the topic, with a range of innovative suggestions offered, such as gamification, real-time interactive activities, or flipped learning, for example. But there’s also a simpler, more “organic” approach you can use to increase student engagement. (more…)
Online Teaching: Effective Strategies for Overwhelmed Teachers
The recent shift to teaching online has been sudden and widespread. It’s been difficult for many teachers to navigate this different teaching setting, especially with little-to-no notice. The pressure to become an expert in online teaching – and fast! – can be overwhelming. But there are ways to cut through the overwhelm. (more…)
8 Ways To Simplify Your Online Teaching Approach
In online teaching, simpler is usually better! Most online students start out feeling overwhelmed – perhaps as early as week one of your course. Usually, they’re juggling work, family, and a range of other commitments. As they already feel time-poor and harassed, they often see online learning as complicated and frustrating... (more…)
How to Teach Online Like a Superhero
I believe online teachers are real life superheroes. Of course we are. We impart new skills and knowledge. We change lives by offering our students a different future. In fact, we make the world a better place every day. And we don’t even need a cape or a sleek, shiny futuristic car to do it! (more…)
How Effective is Your Online Teaching? 6 Quick Ways to Find Out
Online teaching presents a unique professional challenge. You may interact with hundreds of students (and a handful of colleagues) every week. You may send dozens of emails, and return piles of carefully graded student work. But it’s very difficult to know whether your efforts are actually making a difference, isn’t it? (more…)
Zen And The Art Of Online Teaching
In the middle of a busy day of online teaching, the calming sound of a trickling stream may be impossible to imagine. There’s no room for restful imagery today. Instead, you furiously multi-task between multiple student demands, administrative responsibilities, and a large pile of unmarked work waiting to be graded.... (more…)