Many instructors were unprepared for the sudden shift to online learning that resulted from the implementation of COVID-19. There was no time to ponder the aspects of the traditional classroom that could be preserved in an online classroom.

Three Steps to Online Classroom Success 

With everyone having some experience with online learning, now is a good time to think about the aspects of the traditional classroom that can be maintained in online classrooms.

The Standard Classroom

Many things are enforced in the traditional classroom, but the most noticeable is the use of a blackboard, adequate spacing to establish small student groups, live discussions, and one-on-one teacher interactions. The spread of COVID-19 became a global issue, and many people encountered the difficulties of online learning. The majority of teachers were simply not prepared. Some may argue that because they are part of the technology generation, the majority of students are already proficient in using online tools (Gen Zs are commonly used to technology). However, education should be equitable, taking into account the needs of all students. As a result, all students (proficient or not) should be planned for, and all instructors (ready or not) can improve their instruction.

In this piece, we will look at how traditional classroom elements can be maintained in an online setting. Consider the three simplest things an instructor can do:

1. Utilize the Learning Management System’s (LMS) Features

Before the pandemic, common LMSs available to instructors in higher education included Blackboard, Blackboard Collaborate, Moodle, and Canvas. Using PowerPoint to present a lesson is a common mode of delivery. When delivering the lesson, instructors can instruct learners to use the drawing tool and the text box to match terms or even circle important terminology. Students who are used to doing this in a traditional setting may find it entertaining to do so in an online class. While classroom size is an issue, it is worth noting that having students use a different text color may provide the necessary differentiation. An LMS may not be provided for high school teachers, but using Pear Deck (a technological tool for transferring your slides to the students’ device) can suffice. Teachers can use Pear Deck to make all or some of their slides interactive, and students can respond from their devices. The responses can be displayed anonymously on the teacher’s screen, which is very cool.

2. Provide Enough Resources

We may be unaware that students consider their instructors to be the most resourceful aspect of their courses. They rely on us to connect the dots even when they have textbooks, videos, and PowerPoints. It is critical to expand on the course syllabus and even provide a topical outline. Students should feel competent to do their work at all times, and these suggestions can help. The task is made easier if live links are included in these documents. Sample projects, templates, and guides are also examples. Creating a resource hub is one way to provide these resources. “The Additional Document Folder,” “Course Supplementals,” and “Do More, Learn More” are some examples of common names.

3. Make Strategic Use of Breakout Rooms

The effectiveness of breakout rooms, like many other things, is determined by how they are used. Will the students be effective? Perhaps. Some students were unproductive when they were in the presence of a teacher. But consider how we can ensure accountability. As with assignments, a brief moment before breaking out should be set aside to explain “the charge.” Let’s be honest! Students must first listen and then decide what to do. How many times have we skipped a task because no one was looking? If learners are asked to assign roles in their rooms, such as a chair, timekeeper, reporter, and so on, their presence may be required. Educators are encouraged to attend each breakout room, as in the traditional setting, to commend good form or provide support. Then, make it clear to students that there will be a way to demonstrate the outcome, and a share-out may be ideal. The most effective way to measure success in the rooms is to have a share-out protocol.

How Efficient Are Online Classrooms?

Given the uncertainty about when COVID-19 will be fully eradicated, an intentional effort is needed to make online classrooms effective. Change begins with developing the proper mindsets. The online teaching mindset for the teacher, and the online learner mindset for the student. There may be many other inventive ways to restore the learning environment, but let us first see if we can master these three.