In these uncertain times, it's good to have some sense of normality. I'm lucky enough to be able to offer my students online lessons to enable a sense of normality and so they are able to keep their brains active.
Online Whiteboard
It is hard to get students engaged when you're simply giving them a powerpoint presentation or textbook exercises to work through. Not only are students disengaged but it is difficult to fully understand the information. This is why we use an online whiteboard which is perfect for our 1 to 1 lessons but could also work for larger classroom sizes.
The best thing about this whiteboard is that it is accessible via in the internet - no downloads or special skills. All users can have access to the whiteboard with a simple link. There's a chat feature (although we tend to FaceTime!) so you can communicate between teacher and student although you can all draw on the page.
This is more engaging for students and because it's easy to use, it is suitable for all ages. This means that learning can continue in an effective way while the schools are closed.
Video Chat
I find that it is important to video chat with my students. This helps with some of the mental aspects of being cooped up by having some face-time with someone. However, more importantly, it enables me as the teacher to ensure that they're focused during the lesson and not cheating in any way. It also means that the students who are less able to say when they do not understand, can be seen so that their face can be read. Therefore, it enables a more effective lesson than might otherwise be possible via the internet. This can be via all common forms such as FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp.
If this sounds like it's of interest please do not hesitate to get in touch. It's important that students are able to have effective lessons that help their learning rather than just copy and not fully understand what they are doing or have the ability to ask for help if the work is tough.
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