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The Dos and Don’ts of Teaching Online

Matthew Lynch
Teachers

Teaching online has become increasingly popular, especially in recent times. While it offers flexibility and convenience, there are certain dos and don’ts that educators should keep in mind to ensure an effective online learning experience. Here are some key points to consider:

DOs:

1. Establish clear communication: Maintain consistent and clear communication with your students. Use various channels such as email, messaging platforms, or discussion boards to ensure students can easily reach out to you.

2. Be organized and structured: Plan and organize your online classes, curriculum, and assignments in advance. Provide a clear schedule and outline to help students understand what is expected of them.

3. Encourage engagement and participation: Use interactive tools and activities such as online polls, discussions, and group activities to encourage student engagement. This helps create an active learning environment.

4. Leverage technology effectively: Familiarize yourself with the online teaching tools and platforms available. Utilize features like screen sharing, virtual whiteboards, and multimedia elements to enhance the learning experience.

5. Provide timely feedback: Regularly assess and provide feedback on students’ progress. Prompt and constructive feedback helps students stay motivated and improve their understanding of the subject matter.

DON’Ts:

1. Overload with content: Avoid overwhelming students with an excessive amount of information or assignments. Prioritize quality over quantity to prevent student burnout.

2. Neglect building rapport: Take time to build a supportive and inclusive online classroom community. Foster positive relationships with your students by showing empathy and being available for discussion.

3. Rely solely on one method: Avoid relying solely on one teaching method or instructional material. Utilize a variety of resources, such as videos, presentations, and interactive quizzes, to cater to different learning styles.

4. Ignore technical issues: Anticipate technical challenges and have backup plans in place. Be prepared to troubleshoot technical issues and provide alternative methods for accessing content if needed.

5. Disregard accessibility: Ensure that your online content is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or different learning needs. Provide captions for videos, use readable fonts and colors, and offer alternative formats for materials if required.

By following these dos and don’ts, educators can create a productive and engaging online learning environment for their students.