Best Practices for Teaching with Video Conferencing

Best Practices for Teaching with Video Conferencing

Online learning has become more accessible due to technological advancements. With video conferencing software, teachers can connect with students in real-time and deliver their lessons efficiently. This is particularly useful when teaching students who are geographically dispersed or when a physical classroom is unavailable. In this post, we will discuss some best practices for teaching with video conferencing software with real-life examples and case studies to support the points.

Prepare Your Equipment and Environment

Before starting a video conferencing session, it is crucial to ensure that your equipment and environment are ready. Ensure that your internet connection is strong and stable, and your computer has all the necessary software and hardware to use the video conferencing platform. Check that your camera and microphone are working correctly, and that you are in a quiet, well-lit space, as this can help students focus on the lesson.

Mike, a high school teacher from Florida, teaches literature online to his students using a video conferencing platform. Before every session, he makes sure that his laptop camera is at his eye level, and the lighting is consistent and bright enough. He also uses a headset to ensure the audio quality is excellent, and the surrounding noise is muted.

Promote Active Learning

Teaching remotely can be challenging, and teachers need to ensure they are engaging their students. One of the best ways to do this is by encouraging active learning. Use interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, and chat functions to get students involved and engage them in the lesson.

In Peru, Francisco leads a class of students majoring in Marketing through a video conferencing session. He uses the chat feature to encourage discussion and get his students involved in the topic. By using targeted questions and asking for opinions, he ensures that his students remain engaged throughout the class.

Maintain Attendance and Participation

It can be challenging to keep track of attendance and participation when teaching online. However, with the right approach, this can be achieved. Teachers can ensure that students participate in the class by encouraging them to ask questions, share their opinions, or complete assignments.

Samantha is a math teacher in Paris, and she also teaches online using a video conferencing platform. She takes attendance at the beginning of every class and uses breakout rooms to get students working on projects collaboratively. She also sets assignments that require students to present and discuss their work, ensuring that every student participates in the class.

Conclusion

Teaching with video conferencing software provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to reach a broader audience. However, it is essential to prepare adequately, promote active learning, and maintain attendance and participation. By using these best practices, teachers can provide students with an engaging and efficient learning experience. With remote teaching becoming the norm, teachers can enhance online teaching with video conferencing.