5 Things Teachers Can Do To Improve Online Teaching

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education dramatically, pushing schools worldwide to adopt online learning at unprecedented speeds. For many, this shift introduced significant challenges—from mastering new technologies to maintaining student engagement in a virtual environment. However, it has also unlocked opportunities to redefine teaching methods and expand access to learning.

Online teaching is no longer a temporary solution but an integral part of modern education. Whether you're teaching fully online or blending virtual tools with in-person instruction, enhancing your skills in this area is invaluable. Explore five practical strategies to help you improve your online teaching approach and create more impactful learning experiences for your students.

Ways to Improve

Adapting to an online classroom environment can feel daunting, but with intentional strategies, you can transform challenges into opportunities to strengthen your teaching skills. Here are five ways teachers can enhance their online teaching effectively.

Utilize a Variety of Technology Options

Technology is the backbone of online education, and leveraging the right tools can make your virtual classroom both engaging and efficient. Rather than relying on a single platform, explore a variety of tech options to diversify your teaching methods and accommodate different learning preferences.

• Master the basics: Start by fully understanding your primary teaching platform, whether it’s Zoom, Google Classroom, or Microsoft Teams. Familiarize yourself with features like breakout rooms, screen sharing, and chat functions to enrich your lessons.
• Explore supplementary tools: Consider adding tools like Kahoot for interactive quizzes, Canva for visually appealing presentations, or Padlet for collaborative brainstorming. These additions can vary your content delivery and boost student engagement.
• Optimize accessibility: Ensure your materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. Use captions for video content, share transcripts for audio, and choose tools that comply with accessibility guidelines.

The right combination of technology not only enhances engagement but also equips you to meet a wide range of student needs effectively.

Connect to Students Individually

Building rapport with students is vital in a virtual classroom, where physical distance can impede personal connections. Fostering a sense of individual attention helps online students feel valued and engaged, ultimately improving their academic outcomes.

• Hold one-on-one check-ins: Schedule brief individual meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. These interactions provide insights into students' unique needs and strengthen your relationship with them.
• Offer personalized feedback: Avoid generic comments when grading assignments. Instead, highlight specific strengths and provide actionable advice on areas for improvement.
• Use inclusive communication: While some students actively participate during live sessions, others may prefer email or private messages. Encourage a variety of communication methods to connect with every learner.

Consistently showing students that you’re invested in their success builds trust and boosts their motivation to participate.

Prepare to Work with Parents

Parents play an invaluable role in supporting students during online learning. Collaborating with them can create a team-oriented approach that fosters student success.

• Set clear expectations: Provide parents with a roadmap of the curriculum, objectives, and their role in supporting their child’s learning. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and align efforts between school and home.
• Offer guidance for at-home learning: Not all parents are familiar with how to assist their children during virtual lessons. Share tips, such as creating a quiet workspace or establishing a daily schedule, to help them create a conducive learning environment.
• Maintain open communication: Update parents regularly on their child’s progress and involve them in discussions about any challenges. Platforms like email newsletters or parent-teacher portals can facilitate consistent communication.

When teachers and parents work together, students receive the support they need to thrive in an online environment.

Consider New Learning Methods

Traditional teaching methods don’t always translate seamlessly to virtual settings. To truly enhance online learning, consider adopting innovative approaches that align with the unique capabilities of digital platforms.

• Practice flipped teaching: Assign video lessons or reading materials for students to review independently, leaving live sessions for discussion and application. This method encourages active participation and deeper understanding.
• Leverage gamification: Incorporate game-based learning tools to make your lessons fun and interactive. Platforms like Classcraft or Quizizz turn learning into an engaging experience, appealing to younger students in particular.
• Prioritize asynchronous learning: Online classes provide the flexibility to learn at one's own pace. Share recorded lessons, supplementary materials, and deadlines to empower students to manage their schedules effectively.

Experimenting with new methodologies allows you to adapt lessons to diverse student needs while maximizing the potential of online learning.

Provide Collaboration and Socialization Opportunities

One of the biggest challenges of online learning is the lack of peer-to-peer interaction. Facilitating collaboration and socialization helps students build relationships and develop teamwork skills, which are critical for their personal and academic growth.

• Encourage group work: Assign collaborative projects that require students to work together in small groups. Provide tools like shared Google Docs or Zoom breakout rooms to support teamwork.
• Introduce discussion boards: Use platforms like Padlet or your virtual classroom's forum to start online discussions on relevant topics. Pose open-ended questions to spark conversation and critical thinking.
• Host virtual events: Organize optional activities like virtual talent shows, game nights, or icebreaker sessions to help students connect on a personal level.

By promoting a sense of community, you create a more inclusive environment where students feel connected and supported.

A Chance to Innovate

The transition to online teaching has brought its fair share of challenges, but it’s also a chance to innovate and grow as an educator. By leveraging technology, connecting with students, collaborating with parents, exploring new teaching methods, and fostering peer interaction, you can craft an engaging and effective virtual classroom experience.

Remember, success in online teaching—like traditional teaching—requires continuous adaptation and improvement. Take small steps by implementing one or two strategies at a time. Over time, these incremental changes will drive meaningful results for both you and your students.

Boost Your Teaching Career with WGU

Improving your online teaching skills not only benefits your students but can also elevate your teaching career. If you're looking to deepen your expertise, WGU offers comprehensive programs specifically designed for education professionals.

WGU’s Master of Education program equips teachers with practical skills to excel in both online and traditional classrooms. Our online format exemplifies best practices in virtual learning, allowing you to learn at your own pace while still balancing your teaching responsibilities. From innovative lesson planning to advanced teaching technologies, you'll gain tools and insights to become a dynamic, effective educator.

Whether you're transitioning to virtual classrooms or looking to enhance your in-person teaching strategies, the time to invest in your growth as an educator is now. Start today!