Since the pandemic, online teaching has become ubiquitous. But both students and teachers agree, it’s harder to engage if you are learning and teaching online. If you’re a teacher or lecturer looking to create an engaging online class, there are six tips for delivering a better online class.
1. Create a Compelling Introduction
One of the most important things you can do to start off your lecture is to create a compelling introduction. This can be as simple as introducing yourself and the topic you're discussing. It’s also important to ensure that you’re speaking clearly and confidently and that your presentation is captivating from the very beginning.
2. Use Visual Aids
Visual aids essential to creating an engaging lecture. Include images, slides, videos, infographics, or other visuals to illustrate your lecture. Not only do visuals help focus attention, but they also provide visual learners with a helpful aid to better comprehend the material. Check out Craft’s templates for ideas on how to make your lectures look beautiful.
3. Offer Interactivity
Give your viewers the opportunity to interact with your material. Incorporate polls, quizzes, and other interactive sections into your lecture. This will not only draw students in, but it will also help them to learn and retain the material better.
4. Make It Memorable
Make sure you’re providing your students with something they can remember. Whether it’s providing actionable tips or sharing personal stories, give your students something they'll remember long after the lecture is over.
5. Incorporate Breakout Sessions
It’s even easier to get distracted when attending an online lecture than one in person. So, help your class refresh themselves with regular breakout sessions. You can use them to allow your students to discuss certain topics related to the lecture or to ask questions.
6. Set Homework Assignments
Notifying your students at the start of your lecture that you will be setting an assignment based on your material will help sharpen their focus.
7. Ask For Feedback
You can only improve your lectures if you know what worked and what didn’t work. Set aside the last three minutes of your lecture to ask your class to complete an anonymous survey so you can continually hone your lectures and make the next one even better.