Now that I have a few weeks of virtual learning under my belt, I thought I’d start posting about a few things that are working for me. First up: engagement. Talking to myself got old really fast, so I had to figure out how to get some kind of feedback from my students even if they weren’t ready to talk yet. As a side note, I don’t require my students to keep cameras or microphones on as I do not believe that is what’s best for anyone. Now that students are comfortable, they are permitted to use video and microphones if they want and they are starting to come around! Here are some things I did to get students comfortable with communicating with me.
#1: Students Use Emojis to Respond in Chat
I am now starting to say “give me a thumbs up if…” in my sleep! Students are willing to participate if they know all I’m looking for is a thumbs up. It’s an easy way to check for understanding.
#2: Ask for Specific Items in the Chat Box
Be very specific about the questions you ask and students will start answering using the chat feature to respond. I find that many of them stay quiet when they have no idea what I want. I’m cognizant of how I phrase things and find that the more specific I am, the more answers I get.
#3: Use the Poll Feature
Most learning platforms have a poll feature. My students love when a poll pops up. They often answer it before I’ve even started talking about it. It’s an easy way to check for understanding and see who knows what!
#4: Use Google Forms to Check for Understanding
Sometimes I don’t hear from a kid for an entire lesson, but they then fill out the Google form and it helps me connect with them. Use them for anything – content, social emotional check in, etc. The possibilities are endless.
#5: Attendance Questions
One thing I know FOR SURE, attendance questions work. They get kids comfortable, it builds classroom community, and everyone looks forward to them. (You can see my blog post on attendance questions here and find 130 done for you in my shop.) If you aren’t doing these, start today.
Choose one of the above strategies and try it in your own class. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the slow and steady transformation these practices will have on your virtual classroom.
Happy teaching!