JOURNAL ENTRY #7: MORE ABOUT ONLINE TEACHING

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Hello, there. This week I want to pick up on the issues of giving an online class, as I've witnessed how many of my colleagues (and even some of my superiors) keep struggling with adapting to this new mode of education. Recently, I've taken some training sessions and researched a little bit more about the topic as I'm preparing to give my very first online class and I want my students to feel as comfortable as they usually were in the face-to-face sessions. The situation that we are living right now is very uncertain and difficult to ignore, so I really think that we need to consider that, as teachers, we have the power to provide our students a little safe zone where they can forget for a moment about everything that is happening right now and focusing on being productive. Without further ado, here are a few extra tips on how to take your online classes to the next level:

1. Consider your resources: Where will you teach? In an online document? A social media group? A forum? A teaching platform? Take into account every resource and come up with different and creative ways you can use each one of them.

2. Give students some relaxation moments: During the first minutes of the class, allow social chit chat and test some connection aspects in order to avoid miscommunications through the class. Also, if possible, consider having little breaks between activities so students don't get overwhelmed or tired

3. Prepare students for everything: Give students some instructions in case of internet connection issues or problems with the platform pointing out they need to keep calm and avoid trying something drastic like pressing keyboard keys randomly or closing all windows.

4. Experiment with your platform: Have a moment outside the class session and get familiar with every function your platform offers. You can do it either intuitively or with the help of a tutorial or a colleague.

5. Prioritize human contact above all things: Even if you have to pay the price of teaching a little less vocabulary or grammar, try to make your students feel like nothing has changed. Set up activities where they can interact with each other and have bonding moments.

Against this crisis, it's important to remember that as a teaching community, we are able to change our student's mindset so, although it might be a little bit challenging and probably will put to the test our adaptability and creativity as educators, we need to face this and the only way to do it is sticking together.

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