How To Structure Your Online Class Effectively
“Gone are the days when students use to sit in a classroom to make notes during lectures”
Since the rise of global pandemic, the way of learning has evolved immensely. The online classes has taken over the original classes.
I remember the first time I heard about Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate. I thought it was a genius concept but like any new idea there are few drawbacks. From my observations these are all unknowingly caused by both the teachers and students.
But these can be easily resolved by building a strong structure and getting organized for the online classes.
Let’s dive into the world of online classes and renew its structure.
Reduce Distractions
By distractions I don’t mean family members barging in and pets wanting attention. Reducing distractions such as social media, calls, and messages and eating. When you are at an online class, your entire attention should be on it and on it only.
To improve the efficiency of an online class, you need complete and undivided attention from both the receiver and giver.
Your Own Space
By distractions I don’t mean family members barging in and pets wanting attention. Reducing distractions such as social media, calls, and messages and eating. When you are at an online class, your entire attention should be on it and on it only.
To improve the efficiency of an online class, you need complete and undivided attention from both the receiver and giver.
Organized Notes
As a student you are expected to make your own notes while you are attending your online class. Things have become harder for teachers particularly because they have no aids such as a blackboard available to teach.
Lack of such tools have caused minor obstacles for teachers. The solution to this problem can be solved by providing a detailed PDF file that consists the entire lecture by the teacher. This way the students can redo the topics they did not understand.
Time Management
Online classes are shorter than regular classes. There is so much curriculum that can’t be covered within an hour.
Teachers should designate weekly schedule of homework, reading books, assignments and essay. Making the most of online learning. Academic calendars will give the feeling of a regular classroom.
Small Classes
On average a regular classroom has 30 to 50 students. But online classes do not work that way. You cannot provide attention to more than 20 students in one online classes.
Staring into 50 small screens all at the same time is not feasible for teachers. Therefore the sizes of these classes should be smaller than normal classes.
Participate More
Participating not only on the online classes but being active within the student groups. You can help out your classmate in their assignment or essay topic. You have discussions on the previous lectures and makes notes together.
Students can also set aside 30 minutes of open discussions between them before every class. These practices makes a lot of difference at the end. You will feel the learning curve ascending at a good pace.
Mandatory Break
A long online class can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. Be it the teacher or the student. Staring at a screen for a long period of time can cause headaches and dizziness.
Therefore mandatory breaks of 10 minutes should be given after every hour. These breaks were the highlight of my online classes.
This naturally improves the efficiency of the online classes. A good break provides motivation to concentrate for the next hour of a difficult class.
Online Resources
IN A NUTSHELL!
Only you know how you learn best. Do you like to keep post it notes around your desk? Do you like to highlight key points?
All these questions can be answered by you. Taking responsibilities will make your online classes worth it. You need to keep your motivation high and attend your classes with a positive vibe.
If you are the teacher giving classes, you need to maintain the discipline during the classes. Rescheduling classes leaves a bad impression on the students.
Make sure your internet connection is good and you are present at the video platform few minutes before the class starts.
