Teaching with Video for the First Time
During this period of social distancing, many educators and students are being faced with online video learning for the first time. Teaching over video is not easy, especially when it hasn't been done before.
Luckily, streamingmedia.com has a great list of tips to make the transition a little smoother. We're going to take a look at some of the finer points from that article, below.
With most- if not all in person- instruction suspended, schools are turning to video conferencing tools like Zoom, or Microsoft Teams to keep teaching from home. Videoguys.com recently published a great guide to streaming with Zoom that can help in this regard.
Getting Started
Streamingmedia.com advised that the best way to get started teaching with video, is to simply jump right in. If your class is going to require a video element- don't sit around planning. Get started immediately, with something simple and doable. This will show your students that you are confident and ready to take on this new challenge, and they will be more likely to feel the same.
Know your Technology, and Stay Constant
Another important tip for those just starting with video conferencing technology, is to be familiar with the tools you are using. Of course, this is easier said than done, but the best way to learn is by doing.
Pick one medium, and start using it religiously. If you are teaching over zoom, get familiar with it's features. And keep your class in that medium unless absolutely forced to move. The longer you use your tools, the more familiar you will be, and the better your class will go. Once you have your plan, stick with it!
Provide an Overview
Video has a lot of variables, so it's important your students know that there is a plan in place. Have an outline and plan at the beginning of the week, and make it known. This will provide some normalcy, but will also allow your students to work on material when it is most convenient. Working from home brings new obstacles, so having all of the materials available will make things much smoother.
On top of this, make sure to keep producing. The more video content available to your students, the better off your online class will be.
If you have particularly effective alternative explanations for a tricky concept, go through them either in the same video or another. Be prepared to deviate from your original plan for the course in light of the changed circumstances, and keep your focus on helping students succeed in spite of them.
Streamingmedia.com
Leave a comment