HOW TO CREATE ENGAGING ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCES AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Students become better learners when they play as active participants in the learning process, instead of just listening to a teacher’s lecture. With the continuing threat and detrimental risks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the educational system has opted for learning alternatives such as online courses and programs.

School, universities, training centers and various educational institutions are continuously developing in-class course for students.

Along with the unprecedented rise and popularity of virtual education, teachers are discovering new techniques on how to maintain student engagement in online platform.

Educators are utilizing several approaches in order to maintain interaction and engage students online during the time of the pandemic.

One of the most important factors to be considered is the need to increase interaction between students and teachers. Despite physical distance, teachers should make best efforts to create a social connection.

Before the start of classes, use chat feature to initiate a personal exchange or small talk, like greeting everybody and their families, how was their weekend, how everyone is coping with prolonged stay at home, etc.

After this initial exchange, when everyone already feels comfortable with the group, the teacher or moderator can proceed to course orientation, structure and requirements.

Everyone must switch on their videos so that they will pay more attention to the class and stay away from distractions at home. Teachers can enhance their presence online or onscreen by choosing a well-lit background, and using good quality audio system with clear video transmission.

It is also important to position the camera in front of the monitor at eye-level, to ensure that students and teachers look at each other at all times instead of looking down at laptops, desks or notepads.

Maintaining a standing position during class will enable teachers to project more energy, express themselves fully and at the same time communicate their messages freely through the use of hand and body gestures and movements.

By adapting these basic online class procedures, teachers can make sure that students will become more comfortable with each other, interact with ease, communicate and ask questions and encourage everyone in the online class to contribute and make the online session more
productive and successful.