January 10th, 2021
Andrés Porras
Regardless of your current position, odds are that you’ll be tasked in the not-too-distant future to host a class that you used to run in person, in an online setting. Whether it’s over Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, here are some tips to make your first online lesson a success. Here at Coded-Minds, we’ve got lots of experience running classes, tutoring, and meeting online.
Start With the Basics
Don’t assume that your students will automatically know how to use the software you’re planning to use. What you might consider easy (like clicking a link, or using an app) can be difficult for some of your students. Always start with the very basics until you get a feel for your class. Then, once everyone has the basics you can move on to the more advanced stuff.
Send your students prep-work beforehand
Online class time is precious, and you only have a fixed amount of time before you start to lose your students’ attention. Maximize their learning by asking them to do some prep-work beforehand, this can include downloading software, preparing slides, or anything else really. This way, you can focus on your learning outcomes when you’re teaching.
Prepare more than you think you need
If you’re used to teaching in-person, it’s likely you have a good sense of how long something will take to explain, or how much time you’ll need for each lesson. When you host your first online class, take into account that things can go faster in an online setting than they would in person. It’s always handy to have a couple of extra materials at the ready, in case your lesson’s running a little fast.
Final Thoughts:
The basics of teaching are the same regardless of whether you’re online or in-person. In both settings you’ll want to pay close attention to the learning experience of your students to ensure that you’re helping them create memorable connections. At Coded-Minds, we specialize in teaching the basics of technology, in both online and in-person settings.
-Andrés Porras
Did you know Coded Minds is a pioneer in iSTEAM and one of the first companies to integrate it into their learning objectives and educational programs? To enrol your child in iSTEAM learning or learn how to integrate iSTEAM into your educational program or curriculum, CLICK HERE.