12 online teaching tips

1. Keep content organizedAll material on display to the student should be relevant and focused on the lesson.

2. Keep transitions smoothPre-load all web pages in advance, and minimize time spent switching between windows.

3. Use proper lightingDon’t be a shadowy figure in a dark room illuminated only by the harsh light of a computer monitor. Light yourself from the front with a lamp or sunlight.

4. Use the right camera angleAn upward angle, where you are peering down into the camera, can be unflattering. It’s best to keep your camera as close to eye level as possible.

5. Have a nice backdropYou want your student to be focused on you and the lesson content, not on a distracting background: avoid backlighting, TV screens, or windows.

6. Wear proper attirePut forth the best image possible; you’re on camera after all. Regular business casual is fine.

7. Make eye contactLook into the camera, not into the eyes of the person on the screen.

8. Keep the right distanceTo avoid the “garden gnome” effect caused by being too close to your webcam’s wide-angle lense, sit at arm’s length to your computer.

9. Sit up straightTo your student, slouching may make you seem tired or uninterested. If you sit up straight, you’ll appear more enthusiastic. It’s also good for your health!

10. Use body languageUse universally recognized gestures to help you convey your message to student’s with limited English, and keep your movements slow enough to be caught on camera.

11. Find a quiet placeTeach from a place without unwanted background noise or echo, which you can test for by clapping your hands together loudly.

12. Use props and realiaBring real, physical objects into the lesson and ask your students to do the same. Bringing in a stuffed animal, toy, or piece of fruit can pique a flagging student’s interest.

About us

WeTeach connects experienced teachers with Chinese primary school students to learn online. Part of our proceeds goes to charities supporting education projects in rural China.

Any questions?You can find out more at weteach.info.