How to make Virtual Learning an Enjoyable Process
Here are some easy tips on how you can make virtual classrooms a productive and enjoyable experience.
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Making Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meets classes effective.
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Start the class with a lighthearted discussion.
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Create a routine which encourages student involvement.
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Form smaller study groups for peer discussions.
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Be creative in how you educate.
The pandemic in Brunei has come to a pause. This has allowed authorities to implement the 4th phase of Covid-19 de-escalation measures, allowing groups of no more than 100 people to gather.
Starting on the 27th of July 2020, schools around the nation have begun allowing nearly all students back into classrooms, with the exception of those from international schools, depending on the guidelines. But knowing the erratic nature of the virus, we shouldn’t be ceasing eLearning just yet.
Though after the months of Zoom calls, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meets, anyone can attest that current virtual learning technologies just could not provide what a real physical classroom could.
Nonetheless, e-learning (Electronic learning) was never meant to simulate a classroom. It is the bridge that connects students to a wealth of knowledge online. It is the future of education.
So, here are some ways to make online learning more engaging, more interactive, and a more fruitful process!
1. Selamat Pagi, Cikgu!
Class is about to start. But hold on, don’t go straight to the books just yet. Consider a quick ‘Good Morning’ session with the class first.
Kickstart an open floor discussion with outside-curricular topics (e.g. what they had for breakfast, or what movies they had recently seen), this personal connection between teacher and student will help create a less formal, and more accepting studying environment.
2. Follow a Routine (But not too much)
The most productive direction in an educational journey is usually done with a routine. In planning a schedule for assignments, video calls, activities, and homework, it encourages self-discipline for both the student and the teacher, but, that sounds very bland, doesn’t it?
In adhering completely to a strict timeline, it restricts learners from their own development and passions. As an educator, allow your students to pick the topics and questions, instead of spoon-feeding chapter after chapter. Come up with a simple list of compulsory units or recommendations, and let the students ultimately ‘pin the tail’ on what they themselves find interesting.
3. Putting the ‘Fun’ in ‘Fundamentals’
It’s hard to imagine someone having the time of their life when going through books on additional mathematics. However, what is often missed is that the curriculum itself isn’t the source of un-excitement; the fault typically lies in the method of delivery.
A teacher’s best means of approach is one that engages with the class, to feel a genuine connection with peers, to feel like they belong. Try and allocate various study groups with a class, checking in on them once in a while. This encourages peer interaction & learning, while also monitoring an individual’s progress.
