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.
Ìý

Check out our GSE teacher resources to help your lesson planning

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A group of university students sat in a library together studying

    Built for trust: Why security and accuracy matter in at-home English testing

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When we set out to create the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test, we knew we were stepping into a new era of language testing. One where students could test from anywhere, at any time, in less time! But with that flexibility comes a big responsibility, to make sure the test is secure, accurate, and trusted by institutions around the world.

    So how do we do that? And why does it matter so much?

    Security is not optional

    At-home testing opens doors for students who might otherwise be left behind by logistics. But it also raises questions. How do we know the right person is taking the test? How do we prevent cheating? How can institutions trust the results?

    We’ve built ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test with these questions in mind. Every test taker must present a government-issued photo ID, verified using facial recognition technology. They are monitored throughout the test using both their webcam and a second camera, from a mobile phone, to give a better view of their environment 

    This dual-camera setup helps deter malpractice and gives our proctors a clearer picture of what is happening in the room.ÌýWe perform audio consistency checks to ensure the same person is speaking throughout the test and any mismatches are flagged as suspicious. We alsoÌý lock down the test environment so no one can navigate away or use unauthorized devices. 

    Accuracy that goes beyond the score

    Security is only half the story. Accuracy matters just as much. Institutions need to know that the scores they receive reflect a student’s true ability.

    ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test uses AI scoring engines trained on over 147,000 responses, with a 0.98 correlation to human scoring. That means the scores are not just fast, they are reliable. And every test is verified by a human expert within 48 hours to ensure fairness and consistency.

    We also provide institutions with access to samples of graded spoken and written responses, so they can see exactly how a student performed. 

    Why this matters for admissions teams

    As an admissions professional, you are making decisions that shape futures. You need to trust the tools you use. ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test was designed to give you that confidence.

    It is not just about catching potential cheaters or ticking compliance boxes. It is about making sure every student has a fair shot, and every institution has the information it needs to make informed choices.

    Looking ahead

    We are not stopping here. Our roadmap includes even more security enhancements. Because trust is not something you build once, it is something you earn every day.Ìý

  • Students sat in a library looking over a computer smiling

    Why students still choose the U.S. for their study dreams

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    In a world full of study destinations, the United States continues to stand out. Despite shifting visa policies and rising competition from other countries, students from around the globe still set their sights on the U.S. for one big reason, it offers more than just a degree. It offers a valuable launchpad.

    So, what keeps the U.S. at the top of students’ wish lists? And why should admissions teams continue to lean into this global interest?

    Prestige that opens doors

    The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. From Ivy League institutions to top-ranked public colleges, the reputation of a U.S. degree carries weight. For many students, studying in the U.S. is not just about education, it is about opportunity. Employers around the world recognize the value of a U.S. degree, and that recognition can open doors to global careers. 

    Flexibility that fits ambition

    Unlike many other systems, U.S. universities allow students to explore. They can choose a major and a minor, or even switch paths as they discover new interests. This flexibility is a huge draw for students who are still figuring out their future or who want to combine passions, like pairing economics with environmental science, or computer science with music. 

    A campus experience like no other

    American campus life is iconic for a reason, made famous from movie scenes seen across the world. From sports and clubs to dorm life and student unions, the sense of community is strong. For international students, this can make all the difference. It is not just about the academic life, it is about belonging. And for many, that community becomes a second home. 

    Career-boosting extras

    Internships, research opportunities, and strong alumni networks are all part of the U.S. university experience. Students are not just learning in the classroom, they are building resumes, making connections, and preparing for the job market.Ìý

    The American dream still inspires

    For many, the U.S. represents possibility. It is a place where ambition is welcomed, where diversity is celebrated, and where students can imagine a future that feels bigger than their present. That dream still resonates, and it is one that admissions teams can help bring to life.Ìý

  • uni students stood in a hallway together looking over books and notes

    Rethinking access: How at-home English testing Is reshaping global admissions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I think about the students we serve, those dreaming of studying in the U.S., sometimes from places far from test centers or perhaps with limited resources, I’m reminded why we do what we do and why, as a company, we evolve. Access to education shouldn’t depend on geography, cost, or circumstance. However, for some international students, proving their English proficiency has long been an extra hurdle to jump.

    That is changing. And it is changing fast.

    A new kind of test for a new kind of student

    The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test was built with flexibility and accessibility at its foundations. It is available 24/7, can be taken from anywhere quiet and secure with a stable internet connection, and delivers results in minutes, with certification in under 48 hours.

    That means no more waiting weeks for a test date or traveling hours across land (and sometimes sea!) to a test center. For students juggling work, family, or unpredictable schedules, this is a game-changer.

    And it is not just about convenience. It is about equity.

    Fairness, built in

    One of the most exciting things about ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is how it levels the playing field. The test uses AI scoring that has been rigorously developed and validated by human experts. This reduces bias and ensures that every student is assessed consistently, no matter where they are from or what accent they have.

    We’ve also built in overÌý90 security features including dual-camera proctoring, ID and speaker verification. So, institutions can trust the results, and students can trust the process.Ìý

    Meeting students where they are

    Today’s learners are digital experts. They expect speed, flexibility, and transparency. ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test meets them where they are, both literally and figuratively! It is a test that fits into their lives, not the other way around.

    And institutions are taking notice, with universities and institutions joining the list to accept the test for their future admissions windows. At NAFSA, we heard again and again how refreshing it was to see a trusted name like ÃÛÌÒapp offering a modern, student-friendly alternative.

    This is just the beginning

    At-home testing is not a trend. It is a transformation. It is about removing barriers and opening doors. And while ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is still new, to be launched to test takers in certain markets later in 2025, it is already moving towards helping students take that first step toward their academic dreams.