Tips for setting up an optimized online classroom

ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
A smiling little girl on a laptop with headphones on

Technology and the learning space

How a physical classroom is organized, decorated and laid out impacts how your students feel, interact and learn. It’s just as important to think about how your virtual teaching space functions and what it looks like, as it will greatly affect your students’ learning experience.

Classrooms are usually full of posters, examples of students’ work and other decorations. Just because you’re teaching online doesn’t mean your environment needs to look dull.

Take some time to think about your virtual teaching space. Picture it in your head. What’s behind you? What’s on either side? Is there an echo? Is it light or dark? How far away are you from the camera?

Online classroom setup dos and don’ts

While teaching online isn’t always that different from teaching face-to-face, there are quite a few things you might not have considered before. Here are some of my top dos and don’ts to help:

Lighting

  • Don’t sit in front of a window or other source of light; otherwise, your face will be in shadow and hard to see. If you have no option, close the curtains and use an artificial light source to illuminate your face.
  • Do reflect lighting off a wall or ceiling, so it hits your face indirectly. This creates a much more pleasing image. If possible, sit in front of any windows or to the side of them so that the light hits your face directly or from the side. If the room is naturally dark, reflect a couple of lamps off the wall in front of you or the ceiling.

Audio

  • Do invest in a set of headphones with an inline microphone. Even cheap ones will make you easier to understand, and reduce environmental noise interference (traffic, your neighbor’s stereo, etc.).
  • Don’t teach in an empty classroom (if you can avoid it). They are a terrible place to teach online classes from because they suffer from echo, environmental noise, lighting and bandwidth problems.
  • If your teaching space has an echo, try placing pillows or cushions on either side of your screen. They help absorb echoes and make it easier for your students to hear you.

Video

  • Sit far enough away from the camera so your students can see most of your upper body and arms. If you use a laptop, raise it up on an old shoebox or a couple of books, so that the camera isn’t pointing up your nose!
  • Do invest in the fastest internet connection you can afford (school administrators may want to consider offering subsidies so teachers can upgrade their connection speed). It is vital that you have enough internet bandwidth to stream good-quality audio and video and share materials with your students. Learn how to use your mobile phone data plan to create a wifi hotspot for your computer as a backup.

Using technology with your students

Here are some ways to get the most out of technology, build your student’s digital literacy skills and increase motivation:

Space

Students should connect from a private space where they are not interrupted by siblings, pets, housekeepers, or parents. The space should be well-lit and have a good Wi-Fi signal.

Communication

Just like you, they should use earphones with an inline microphone. Their webcams should be on, not just so you can see them, but so they can see each other. Encourage learners to have fun and personalize their space by changing their backgrounds or using filters.

Distractions

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the negative effect of noise and distractions on their children’s learning. It’s important that where possible, they avoid having business meetings in the same room their children are learning in. They should also ask other people in the house to respect the children’s right to enjoy a quiet, private, productive learning environment.

Resources

If you and your students are online using some form of computer, tablet, or mobile device to connect to class, make sure to use the resources available to you. Reinforce how to correctly use spell check when writing a document; for example, have your students use their cameras to take photos of their work to share or even their favorite toys.

Flexibility

Instead of trying (and often failing!) to get all your students to speak during the class, have them make videos or audio recordings for homework that they send to you or each other for feedback. Alternatively, experiment with breakout rooms, if using a platform that allows this.

Preparation

If you want to show a YouTube video during class, send the link to your students to watch for homework before class, or have them watch it during class on their own devices.

Besides saving your internet bandwidth, they may even be inspired to click on one of the other recommended (usually related) videos alongside the one you want them to watch. It’ll be on their recently watched list if they want to go back and watch it again.

Collaboration

If you set group work that involves writing a text or designing a presentation, ask your students to collaborate with a shared Google Doc. You’ll be able to see what they’re doing in real-time and give them feedback. It works like you are walking around the classroom and looking over their shoulders.

Feedback

Explore the focused feedback tools your web conferencing platform offers, such as breakout rooms or an individual chat. But also, don’t forget to share relevant information and learning with the whole class. This helps them all benefit from your expertise, just like if they listen to you answering a classmate’s question in the classroom.

If your students are at home, they can access materials and props they would never have at school. Think about how you could incorporate this into your teaching.

Materials

Finally, ensure that the materials you use are suitable for online learning. If you use a book, it should have a fully digital option and a platform available to your students with practice activities, videos, and audio recordings. You should avoid using static pages in favor of dynamic activities, or online documents that allow real-time collaboration.

Involving parents and caregivers in your online teaching environment

Create an online learning document for parents explaining how they can create a positive and productive learning environment for their children. Some families may experience significant difficulties and may be unable to implement everything. But it’s still important to explain to them how to optimize the experience if they can.
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Check out our GSE teacher resources to help your lesson planning

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    The benefits

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    Motivational tool

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    Feedback for growth

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    Tracking and assessment methods

    Diverse assessment methods

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    Technology integration

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    Online language teaching tools: A comprehensive guide for educators

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    Online language teaching has become a prominent facet of modern education, especially in light of recent global changes. The ability to instruct and learn languages online has opened up new possibilities for educators and students alike.

    The importance of using tools in online language teaching cannot be overstated. In this digital era, these tools serve as the linchpin for effective and engaging instruction. They enhance the learning experience, promote interaction and provide valuable resources that traditional teaching methods often lack.

    The digital language teaching landscape

    The shift to online education

    As a result of the digital revolution, which has completely changed how information is accessible and disseminated, education is moving toward being done online.

    has several benefits, such as:

    • Accessibility: Online language courses break down geographical barriers, allowing students worldwide to access quality instruction and teaching.
    • Flexibility: Students can tailor their learning schedules to their needs, making education more accommodating for a diverse range of learners.
    • Interactivity: Online platforms offer numerous interactive features, such as virtual classrooms, video conferences and chat tools, enhancing student-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions.
    • Rich resources:ÌýOnline language teaching can harness a vast array of multimedia resources, making learning more engaging and effective.

    Challenges for language educators

    While the shift to , it also brings challenges that language educators must navigate, including:

    • Adaptation: Educators must adapt to new teaching methods, technologies and platforms, which can be a steep learning curve for some.
    • Engagement: Maintaining student engagement in an online environment requires creative approaches and the integration of various teaching tools.
    • Assessment: Assessing student progress can be more complex online, but it also offers the opportunity for innovative assessment methods.
    • Technical issues: Connectivity problems and technical glitches can disrupt online classes, requiring educators to be tech-savvy troubleshooters.
    • Isolation: Online learning can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation among students, so educators need to foster a sense of community and support.

    Essential online language teaching tools

    The right tools are essential to create engaging and compelling learning experiences. This section explores the key categories of tools that educators can utilize to enhance their online language teaching.

    Tools for interactive lessons and activities

    • Video conferencing platforms: These platforms enable real-time interaction with students, allowing educators to conduct live lessons, engage in discussions and facilitate group activities. Video conferencing helps replicate the classroom experience online. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet provide a virtual classroom environment with features for video, audio and chat communication.
    • Interactive whiteboards: Tools like Jamboard andÌý allow educators to write, draw and share resources in real time. This feature enhances engagement and enables educators to illustrate concepts effectively.
    • Screen recorder: software allows educators to capture their lessons, which can be invaluable for students who miss a live session. Recorded lessons can also serve as a reference for students during their self-paced learning.
    • Teleprompter: A helps educators maintain a smooth and organized delivery during recorded lessons. It ensures that lessons stay on track and within a predefined timeframe, improving the clarity and effectiveness of instruction.

    Tools for assessment and feedback

    • Quizzes and surveys: Platforms like ÌýandÌý allow educators to create online quizzes and surveys for assessing students' knowledge.
    • Assignment submission tools: Learning management systems (LMSs) such asÌýÃÛÌÒapp English Connect (PEC)Ìýand MyEnglishLab (MEL) enable students to submit assignments electronically, making it easier for educators to grade and provide feedback.
    • Feedback forms: Google Forms and Microsoft Forms can collect student feedback, helping educators improve their teaching methods.

    Tools for content and resource creation

    • Video creation tools: Video editing software empowers educators to create engaging educational videos, lectures and tutorials. This multimedia approach can make complex concepts more accessible to students.
    • Video compressor: tools reduce the file size of videos without compromising quality. This is especially useful for ensuring students can easily access and stream video content, even with limited bandwidth.

    How to implement online language tools

    Implementing online language tools effectively is crucial for creating a dynamic and successful learning environment. Here are some best practices for integrating these tools into language teaching.

    • Alignment with learning objectives: Ensure your tools align with your course objectives. They should enhance the learning experience and help achieve specific educational goals.
    • Teacher training: Invest time in training educators to use these tools effectively. Familiarity with the tools' features and functionalities is essential.
    • Clear instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions on how to use the tools. Create tutorials or to help students navigate them effectively.
    • Accessibility and inclusivity: Ensure that the tools and content you use are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This means considering factors like compatibility and providing transcripts for multimedia content.
    • Regular feedback: Encourage students to provide feedback on their experience with the tools. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments.

    Explore the tools discussed in this guide, experiment with them and adapt your teaching methods to the digital age. By staying curious, adaptable and open to innovation, you'll be better equipped to provide your students with the best possible language learning experience in the online realm. Happy teaching!Ìý

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