Teaching Online – 10 tips for a better experience

In these viral times, a lot of universities will need to switch to video teaching, and for many teachers, this is a new experience. Here are two videos with tips on how to become a better video teacher. I have used video conferencing extensively since the mid-‘90s and also mentor young teachers.

The first video focuses on the video experience itself—and is valid for anyone using video conferencing to get a message across.

The five takeaways are: 

1. Sound is more important than picture.
2. Look into the camera!
3. Don’t make the obvious mistakes: Background, lighting, and clothing.
4. Be lively! The medium consumes energy; you need to compensate.
5. Get to know the tools

The second video focuses on how to “teach” online, i.e., what are some important factors for successfully moving what you do in the classroom to a video environment. The main thing is that you still know your material and care about the people at the other end.

There are man things to consider, however, so here are five tips to think about when you move your course online:

  1. Talk to one student, not many.
  2. Structure, structure, structure (much more important in online teaching).
  3. Interaction is possible but needs to be planned.
  4. Bring a friend: Teach with a colleague, for mutual help and a better experience.
  5. Use the recording as a tool for making your teaching better, by reviewing it and editing it yourself.