How to keep students engaged in a virtual classroom

One of the most common problems teachers face is engaging students while they are educating them. Whether it is a traditional lecture or online, keeping students engaged is one of the tuff challenges. Especially in the current scenario, online education is widely practiced due to COVID-19, the instructors must use smart tricks to keep the students attentive in the lecture. 

This blog focuses on ways to maximize students’ interactions in a virtual classroom. Let’s explore the details together!

SET RULES BEFORE THE SESSION BEGINS

Since the concept of the virtual classroom is new, students might not be familiar with the overall system. Hence, guide them thoroughly and provide a demo if necessary. Once the students get familiar with the communication app they are using, it will be easier for them to participate in the class actively.

Moreover, the teacher should be well prepared for the class. The early preparation makes the virtual class more appealing. For instance, teachers should verify their material, including the accessibility and presentation of their materials. Also, check the audio clarity of the app and other technical aspects. The beforehand preparation supports keeping the students engaged in the class. 

ASK QUESTIONS

Asking questions is an essential way to make the audience attentive. Instead of only reading or explaining the lesson to the students, ask WH questions. This practice will support in engaging students in the online session. The instructor must also entice students; to ask questions to increase the engagement levels in a virtual classroom.

Further, use polls to know students’ opinions about a subject matter. Many school communication apps are offered. Use polls as a starting point for discussion, or to check their understanding of a language point. And then, use the answers your students give to skip what your learners already know.

KEEP THE CLASS SHORT AND INTERESTING

This one of the reasonable alternatives to keeping students on track. Short lessons have been proven to catch the audiences’ interest until the last minute. Especially while educating school children, it needs to be practiced sincerely. 

Additionally, make the session interactive by using interactive aids like PowerPoint slides, charts, images, videos, etc. Similarly, the flipped classroom model also catches students; interest easily. Teachers can send students resources such as texts, podcasts, videos to provide background information to the subject being learned.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Online teaching is only available through the advancements in technology. If you want to make the session impactful or increase pupils’ engagement, it can help too. Use the functionality like the chat to reinforce instructions or backchannel with a struggling student with private chat. Also, encourage them to give answers in the private chatbox, so if a student gives a wrong answer, he/she does not have to be embarrassed. 

Besides, school management apps offer many other features for the online class such as recording, mute/unmute the participants, private login, attendance reports, assignments allocation, and many more. Use these functions to encourage students’ active participation in a live class. 

MAKE STUDENTS FEEL MORE VALUED

Isolation can make students feel demotivated while studying through an online class. They might assume that no one will discern or care if they miss a class or do not actively participate in the live session. 

The most reliable way online teachers can help alleviate this is by making their pupils feel valued in the classroom. 

• It’s a primary one, but learn your students’ names and use their name throughout the session (make sure they know your name too).
• Emphasize on incorporating students’ interest into the lesson where possible.
• Take initial 5-10 minutes of the session for the follow up on the learnings of the previous class. This will create students’ participation right away and follow up on what you did in earlier lessons for better interactions.
• Always seek an opportunity to give feedback to students and encourage them to be active in the online class. 

Use a smart school management app that helps in making an online class more interactive and engaging. This will improve the reputation of your educational institute as well, along with offering a modern yet creative learning experience to your students. 

The bottom line is that a virtual classroom needs to be as interactive as the traditional classroom session. With the proactive approach and early preparation, teachers can successfully conduct an interactive virtual class for the students. In fact, with technological advancements, there are many opportunities available to make the session lively. Use of images, videos, PowerPoint presentations, are vital in the live session. Plus, the distinct features of a school communication app play a crucial role too. 

So, follow the trick as mentioned above, and keep students engaged in a virtual classroom easily and effectively.