Tips and Tricks to Remote Teaching

Who would have thought that in just a single day the whole world can change?
I didn't, and assuming that you did not either- the joke is on us!
The whole world has changed and every sphere of life has been affected- including studying and teaching.

Teaching face to face and online is as different as apples and oranges. Luckily, some tips can make this nightmare less scary.

#1 Choosing the right online platform
This may seem easy, but it isn't. There are millions of choices present and choosing the one that suits the needs of the grade level you teach is crucial. You do not want to change the platform in the middle of the school year or semester. Personal recommendation, especially to those who teach Elementary level students is to lookup an online platform that allows you to share your screen. That way, your students will be able to see everything you do on your computer and therefore be able to participate and have a better understanding of the matter.

#2 Not Too Critical
Do not have too high expectations. Just because a few students did not log into your Google classroom doesn't mean you are a bad teacher. Everything comes in time and both you and your students need to adjust to this new way of communicating. Instead of criticizing them try encouraging them by giving them an option to get the materials via any other platform or email. This way, they are still participating and doing work but are not under the pressure to use a platform that they are not familiar with.

#3 Study at Your Own Pace
Nobody expects students to figure it out all. We understand that Science projects cannot be just done as if those would be done in the school with the help of a teacher. Math problems are tricky on their own- let alone when done via Skype.
Relax and try again.

#4 Sharing is caring
Share, share, share, and share! Share your materials, share materials that somebody else has given you, share something that you made last year. It doesn't matter if your students did a similar exercise last week or if your colleagues teach subjects different than yours- share with both them and online sites. This way, your materials may be useful to some other teachers or some students who might be struggling with the matter.

#5 Independence is the key
Are your students independent enough in their work?
Do they get a chance daily to search, investigate, ask, and find answers on their own? This is the right time to develop this characteristic and make them more responsible. Give them instructions and let them find answers on their own. Let them structure their investigation to find answers. By making your students more independent, asking them how they got a solution, where is the best place to search for answers they are going to be more confident and willing to research.

In conclusion, it doesn't matter if you choose Zoom or Skype. It isn't important if you teach 6 or only 1 group of students, the important thing is that you are comfortable. The important is the effect and impact your classes during this time are going to have for those kids.

It doesn't matter if you get straight A's the important thing is that you tried.

In times like these, when everything fails, let's not fail each others.