Managing Online Classes
Online teaching is now a major part of the ESL world. Managing an online classroom requires some different strategies — but the goal is the same: an engaged, participating, comfortable class.
✓Why online teaching is different
- Students are easily distracted — phones, notifications, other tabs
- It is harder to read body language
- Technical problems interrupt the flow
- Students can "hide" with cameras off
✓Strategies for managing online classes
- Encourage cameras on — students with cameras on participate more and focus better
- Use names constantly — "Maria, what do you think?" keeps students alert
- Interact every few minutes — online attention drops fast without regular interaction
- Use the chat box — a great low-pressure way for quieter students to participate
- Use breakout rooms — they bring back the pair and group work that makes lessons interactive
- Give clear instructions — write them in the chat as a backup
✓Keeping online students engaged
- Use polls and quizzes — quick, interactive, and fun
- Use digital tools — Kahoot, Quizlet, shared documents
- Ask frequent questions — do not talk for more than a few minutes without involving students
- Vary activities — switch between speaking, chat, and shared task.
Have a backup plan for technical problems. If your slides will not load or a student loses connection, stay calm and keep teaching. How you handle tech problems shows students that learning continues no matter what.