Online Learning in the Classroom: Practical Tips

Prepare for Online Learning for Classes

Walk into any classroom today, and you can’t miss the emphasis on online learning—you’ll often see giant screens on the walls and computers on the desks. Also, many students take their full courses online. The digital age has arrived, and while the benefits are many, online learning has the potential to turn into a loss if not done in a meaningful, thoughtful way. So here is today’s question for almost all educators: how can we make sure that students are truly engaged and successful in an online learning environment?

Tips for Ensuring Students Engage and Succeed

The following tips offer specific ways to improve online learning in the classroom and bring clarity to what can feel like a chaotic academic environment. Whether you’re a teacher using an online assistant or an online administrator yourself, you’ll want to know the following best practices.

Knowing You

Rule number one—when introducing online instruction, don’t start talking right away. Give your audience (kids!) a chance to think. Building relationships encourages students to engage meaningfully in any physical environment.

1. Start by logging in
   Start each class with a short, low-stress introduction. A simple question—“What is one thing that made you smile today?”—can help students feel noticed and appreciated.
2. Encourage the culture of using cameras (kindly)
   Although it’s not always possible or comfortable for every student, fostering a culture where students feel safe to open their cameras can help re-create the personal learning connection.

Keep it Simple

Technology in online learning in the classroom can be a great resource, but it can also be a hindrance. Introduce too many tools and platforms, and your readers can become overwhelmed and, to put it mildly, bored.

1. Stick to a few essential tools
   Choose one or two main platforms. Put together a little more tools. Students learn better when they are not interacting with multiple inputs or interfaces.
2. Give clear instructions
   Online learning should have clear, step-by-step instructions for accessing assignments and participating in activities.

Engage in Effective Learning Strategies

Slow reading—watching endless videos or reading long slides—can lead to “more” reading. Children may retain test material, but real learning does not occur. Online classes almost always fail students when they feed children by feeding content without interaction.

1. Use team meeting rooms effectively
   Small group discussions or collaborative activities in group meeting rooms can resemble the dynamics of an in-person classroom. But structure is key—give clear goals and time limits.
2. Gamify lessons
   Tools can be used to turn review sessions into engaging games, creating “friendly” competition or collaboration.

Create a Cycle and Forecast

Learning online in the classroom can sometimes feel disjointed, like trying to do a little bit of everything without managing anything. Students need structure and consistency—without it, they don’t know what to do and anxiety sets in.

1. Set up a daily schedule
   Have a predictable flow for each class session (eg warm-up, lecture, discussion, wrap-up). This helps students know what to expect and reduces the cognitive load.
2. Enter customs
   Whether it’s a weekly trivia game or a “question of the day,” subcultures give students something to look up to and build a sense of community.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Feedback

Without a common and straightforward answer, students are left guessing if they are on the right track.

1. Provide timely responses
   Instant feedback helps students correct their understanding in real time.
2. Encourage peer review
   Students can learn a lot from evaluating each other’s work, with the added benefit of developing a sense of accountability and collaboration.

Address Accessibility and Equality

The digital divide is real. In underserved communities, online learning can widen gaps if not done well.

1. Offer offline options
   Not all students have reliable internet access. Providing downloadable materials or other activities can ensure that no one is left behind when there is limited access to online learning in the classroom.
2. Make things easy
   Avoid overloading students with complex instructions or redundant tasks. Clear, concise material makes reading accessible to all.

Empower Parents and Caregivers

Parents can often be critical cheerleaders in this brave new world, but many feel ill-equipped to effectively support their children in the virtual world.

1. Provide parent training
   Provide easy tutorials on how to navigate the platforms and tools your students use.
2. Talk often
   Keep parents informed with weekly updates, tips, or short video messages explaining what’s going to happen.

Advocate For Professional Development

Finally, teachers also need support; Effective online teaching requires continuous professional development.

1. Invest in training
   Schools should prioritize workshops and resources that help teachers develop online teaching strategies.
2. Create peer networks
   Teachers can learn from each other by sharing successes, challenges, and creative solutions.

Improving online learning doesn’t require fancy tools or endless innovation. Instead, it needs to return to the core principles: communication, clarity, and consistency. It’s about removing the noise and focusing on what works.