During the covid lockdown, alternative lengths became observed for learning and productivity, making humans take another step in other creative ways, productivity could still continue.
One of the ways possible that were exploited was the online platform. Business organizations found a way to keep work going through video meetings like Zoom and Google meet likewise schools.
Now that the introduction of this method is prevalent. It is still exploited and more ways are continuously convived to enhance easier and efficient ways through this online platform.
Teaching online could first seem like an impossible task with questions like how will coordination be possible, will the ability for development be effective without the presence of a teacher, there to guide their work, will I achieve success with this method.
Well, you can. Even with this new method of using an online platform. Efficiency and success are still achievable.
You can still build healthy relationships and a strong sense of community teaching in a synchronous online classroom.
The medium may be different, but the important parts—you and the children—are still there
Tips on building a healthy classroom online
Include students in all parts of the decision-making
Fearing not losing control, a teacher may take extreme measures in protecting the learning space by withholding the students from using the annotating on the screen or using the chat feature because they may tend to overuse it in a bothersome way.
This is not a smart choice because it limits the children from expressing their minds and limits interactions while learning, a necessity for learning productivity.
Teachers should make up chat agreement rules with the students, making it known to them what they can do with the chat feature and what they cant do with it.
For example, students can use it to ask a question or send a private message to the teacher while they cant use it to send inappropriate letters or words.
This feature helps the students, to feel free in the learning space by asking questions or say comments. It can also help the shy students to text the teacher privately.
Seize opportunities to retain traditions
Students could request, extracurricular activities like having a joke and dance parties day. Celebrating birthdays could serve as an obstacle but still try creative alternative ways to make it happen to keep the children happy.
You can ask students how they want to celebrate their birthdays online, for example, what songs they would like everyone to sing and dance with them.
Make use of the home environment to an advantage
One of the advantages of a home environment that beats a school is an access to all the things that make each child special. The teacher can get creative and decide to have how-to-draw classes, cooking classes.
At the end of the year, the teacher can decide to have a talent show, including every student parent as a guest speaker. It could serve as an opportunity to connect to the family.
Include digital breaks
Breaks should still be included digitally, so students could still feel the classroom presence. This time allowed the children to play together in an unstructured way, similar but different from physical school.
Sometimes teachers could stay present for the fun and interaction between students. Allowing students to bring their toys and create stories together, chat about their days and weekends, tell jokes, and eat their snacks.
This time allows the children to build relationships on their terms.
Know that nobody is above mistakes. You’ll lose control or make a major tech flop or have some topics that don’t work in an online environment.
But when it comes to creating a healthy group, just trust yourself, trust your students, and know that it’s possible.
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to edbuild daily digest for updates
