10 Actions for Successful Online Classes

7 minutes

We need spaces that propose clear solutions focused on maintaining education in times of crisis. We are going through a difficult period worldwide, so here are strategies for successful online classes.

Strategies for teachers

“Understand yourself, your students, and the digital ecosystem they belong to”.
“Continuously explore the digital tools available”.
“Work as a team with other teachers”.
“Establish assessment criteria as clearly as possible”.
“Create spaces for collective learning”.

1 Understand yourself, your students, and the digital ecosystem they belong to

We have realized that remote education is very different from the face-to-face approach we were used to. The difficulties experienced by everyone involved are proof of this. An ecosystem is a system containing life, made up of a community of beings interacting with one another and their surroundings. We undoubtedly need to analyze and reflect on the characteristics of teachers, students, parents, and educational authorities. Next, list the physical and digital tools this educational community has available. Finally, seek to understand each person's possibilities and limitations for participating in the teaching and learning process. It is advisable to list the strengths and weaknesses we share.

2 Continuously explore the digital tools available

Technology evolves at a remarkable pace. Hundreds of new options emerge every day, while existing ones are constantly improved and expanded. Users of mobile apps, programs, platforms, websites, and other educational software need to take two specific actions. First, improve their knowledge of the tools they already have, explore new ways to use them, and investigate success stories shared by other users. Second, continually monitor the internet and digital educational communities for emerging tools. Naturally, an expected outcome is for teachers to develop the ability to choose only the tools they absolutely need and handle each one proficiently. However, the aim is to remain open to discovering new possibilities and evaluating them in a way consistent with their ecosystem.

3 Work as a team with other teachers

Teachers should never be isolated. Educational communities grow better when their members maintain effective communication and genuine collaboration. This is neither new nor unique to the crisis we are experiencing as a society, but now more than ever it is important to emphasize teamwork. We have realized that distancing has caused many difficulties in communication and in carrying out specific tasks, and obviously in teaching and learning. This is readily apparent in the extra time teachers must spend preparing and reviewing classes. Likewise, students and parents take longer and find it harder to attend to every class. The best recommendation is therefore to foster collaboration among teachers, not only for support with ideas, planning, and implementation, but specifically to find ways for two or more subject areas to converge. This will help students reduce the time they spend while significantly improving the quality of their work and, more importantly, their learning.

4 Establish assessment criteria as clearly as possible

This is recommended in all teaching planning, regardless of educational format. Over time, however, planning merely to satisfy a requirement rather than provide a truly structured guide to a course has become a bad habit. Assessment and assigning weights are fundamental parts of planning. We emphasize this because teachers and students alike will feel more confident if they understand how and when assessment will take place. Ideally, the strategies to be used and the types of assessment instruments teachers will design should be shared. Finally, teachers and course structures should also be part of the assessment process. Students should be encouraged to offer critical opinions and suggestions to improve the form and effectiveness of that process.

5 Create spaces for collective learning

We must be clear that teacher–student interactions are not the only means of learning. Teachers should create virtual spaces where students can learn from one another, with situations that motivate them to assess each other and interact outside the classroom with their own social groups. Remember that teachers must ensure these collective interactions are free, but guided by them and supported with feedback when assessed. This is an excellent opportunity to dispel the myth that students should learn only from teachers and what teachers provide. Most importantly, students must understand that the most effective way to learn is through sharing knowledge, reflection, and analysis within groups.

Strategies for students

“Establish and respect a study schedule that is consistent.”
“Keep an open mind when sharing and communicating ideas, experiences, and opinions.”
“Embrace the change in rolefrom passive to active.”
“Fully understand the assessment criteria and suggest improvements.”
“Use critical thinking and decision-making in the learning process.”

1 Establish and respect a study schedule that is consistent

You are now primarily responsible for organizing a study routine. There is no longer a bell telling you what to do, and probably no one checking whether you are doing what you should. Accept responsibility for your new role. Your main goal is to learn. Your study routine needs a structure with places and times for completing at least what your teacher and school request in terms of homework, assignments, videoconference sessions, and studying. Use a flexible schedule that still respects the time of others in the educational community.

2 Keep an open mind when sharing and communicating ideas, experiences, and opinions

You have tools that allow you to share, manage, and create information as never before in human history. Make sure you take advantage of them. Knowledge is built through relationships within society; sharing relevant information helps you construct your own knowledge.

3 Embrace the change in rolefrom passive to active

Change your main activity from absorbing information to producing knowledge. In class, you were limited to the teacher's presentation and the textbook on your desk; now you have access to countless sources of information on every course topic. Be proactive. Remember that your teacher will ask for a minimum of what you should achieve, but you set the upper limit. You must now find information, filter it, analyze it, and decide whether to share it with your group.

4 Fully understand the assessment criteria and suggest improvements

In a different environment with different tools, you cannot expect assessment to be exactly the same; even the same assignment must be assessed using different criteria. You cannot do an assignment without knowing which elements will be assessed. Make sure you understand the new criteria. You may need to acquire new skills, particularly in using software. Part of this new active role is proposing alternatives, criteria, and new tools.

5 Use critical thinking and decision-making in the learning process

At this time, you have greater autonomy, which you must exercise responsibly and for the benefit of your learning. On your screen is a world of information, articles, fake news, distractions, and more. You need sound judgment in using and managing that information. The same applies to the educational software you use: it is a tool to make the most of, but for the benefit of collectively building knowledge. A generation's success is largely in your own hands; be aware of that.