8 refreshing tips for successful online teaching in 2022

Als je op zoek bent naar tips voor online lesgeven ben je bij ons aan het juiste adres. De afgelopen tijd hebben veel onderwijsinstanties en bedrijven de overschakeling gemaakt van offline naar online. We passen ons met z’n allen aan. Online werken, online lesgeven, online samenwerken en online vrijmibo’s waren niet meer weg te denken uit 2021. Wat 2022 ons gaat brengen is nog altijd de vraag, maar je kunt maar beter goed voorbereid zijn, en jezelf blijven ontwikkelen! 

8 tips for online teaching

So, how do you ensure that online education becomes a success? Our 8 refreshing tips can give you new motivation to get the most out of it. This year, too.

Tip 1. Choose suitable online teaching tools

A good start is half the battle. And that is how it works with choosing the right online learning environment. Are you currently satisfied with the software you use to facilitate your online lessons? Does the platform contain enough features? Can you make your lessons sufficiently interactive? Does the learning environment support your goals regarding the didactics of online teaching? Always choose an online learning environment that fits the teaching material you share. Keep your students in mind as well. How strong are their online skills? Often, a complex system has more functionalities. However, such a system can also be confusing. Especially for students who struggle to find their way online.

Pluvo is very suitable for giving online lessons.

Most students who value a user-friendly platform are very satisfied! Moreover, as a trainer, you can put together an online lesson in no time. Take a look, now that you are here anyway ;-)

Do your classroom lessons already contain online learning methods? Then expand on this. After all, students are already familiar with existing online teaching material. Try to keep as many parts of your classroom lessons as possible so that the students get a familiar feeling. In addition, ensure that you are comfortable with the technology yourself. This way, you can quickly help your students move forward. ‍

Tip 2. Provide structure

The second tip for digital teaching is about providing structure. In terms of clarity and clear communication, online teaching is very different from offline teaching. When your students participate in classroom education, they know their schedule. They know when the lesson starts and ends. They can find other important dates in your syllabus.

But make no mistake! When students study online, there is just as much need for structure. Often, there is even a need for more structure. After all, your students are sitting alone behind their laptops and talking to each other less. In short, clearly explain your expectations and create a clear timeline in which all important (submission) dates can be found.

Tip 3. Appreciate the flexibility of online education

If students voluntarily choose e-learning , flexibility is often one of the most important motivations. This means that a student wants to be able to study at a time and location of their own choosing.

If you normally teach in a classroom, but are now opting for online education, you can keep the same lesson schedule. Your students are already used to this anyway.

But you can also consider making video recordings of your lessons and then sharing them in the online learning environment. This way, everyone has access to your lessons, but they can go through the lesson at the time that suits them best. Often, your lessons will then be watched more often and watched to the end.

Moreover, this way your students can rewind if they want to hear a certain part again. You can probably imagine that it can be more difficult for students to stay focused behind a laptop. The fact that they can pause the video is the perfect opportunity to reset and continue the lesson later with a fresh mind! The need for breaks is different for everyone. And that is why freedom and flexibility are so beneficial!

However, that does not mean that you can just 'dump' all your teaching material into your online learning environment. In addition to a lot of freedom, your students also really need a helping hand. They are often on their own, even when cramming for an exam week. And you can give them a nudge in the right direction, for example by encouraging them to apply the right learning strategies. Nico, our own e-learning expert, wrote an interesting piece about this, including concrete tools to get started with this yourself.

Tip 4. Online presence‍

Let the students know that you are available, even outside of the scheduled online lessons. You might not see them in the classroom every day or every week anymore. However, that does not mean that you do not need to be actively present. On the other hand, it is also not workable to be on standby 24/7 to answer questions. If you are going to teach online, it is advisable to find a balance for yourself in this.

So, clearly state the following in your online learning environment:

• when you are available;
• what your average response time is for emails;
• the best way for students to contact you.

There, that’s clear!

Tip 5. Online teaching methods

This is a stressful time, for students as well. Therefore, keep the tone of your e-learning positive and motivating. Be flexible and considerate of your students. Show them why online learning can be just as fun and educational as classroom learning. For example, use a variety of teaching methods suitable for online instruction. This allows you to offer different assessment options, giving students the chance to choose how they demonstrate what they have learned from your online lesson to you and their fellow students.

We have written an extensive blog about testing knowledge online. Feel free to click through if you are interested.

Tip 6. Encourage online collaboration

Collaboration is also very possible online. It requires a bit of creativity, but it’s well worth it!

And be creative with it. For example, start a blog, hold a debate, or have your students give online presentations.

Students can collaborate via video platforms such as Zoom or Hangouts and still feel like they are not in it alone. A discussion forum is also perfect for this.

Want to know more? Read this blog about collaboration and e-learning.

Tip 7. Ask for feedback on your online lesson

Students are your best advisors. After all, they know exactly what works for them and what doesn't. Give them the opportunity to provide feedback. This could be about the lessons, the online learning environment, or the online teaching methods. It could also be about how connected they feel to you, the training, and their fellow students.

In addition, you can also connect online with other teachers or trainers who teach online. There are many different Facebook groups and LinkedIn pages where valuable information and tips are shared.

Tip 8. Prevent an online burnout

Don't forget about yourself! Create a home workspace where you feel comfortable and that is ergonomically sound. Also, make sure you aren't too distracted. Take regular breaks and consciously end your workday so that work and private life remain in balance. This blog with working from home tips can help you avoid falling victim to the well-known Zoom burnout!

Need help with digital teaching?

Do you need personal help with designing your online lessons? Pluvo is here for you! Feel free to contact us if you would like to brainstorm together.