Before the Session
Practice in advance
It is important that you take time to practice your first lessons to familiarize yourself with the web-conferencing tool, using the screen share (different options are available), switching between different presentation modes, and explore the tools that will be used to facilitate the activities (e.g. polls, whiteboard, breakout rooms, annotations, etc.). Teaching online allows for practice more easily than if you were to teach in the classroom. Use it to make adjustments to your lessons where needed.
Note: Students might need practice too. Consider holding a practice session for students, or arrive to the session early, to ensure they can enter the live session without technical issues.
Prepare for the session
Check your surroundings before you go on camera. Clean up your desktop if you plan to share your computer. Close all programs you do not intend to use. Log in early to the technology for the session and get everything set up and ready to go. Preload your materials (i.e., load PowerPoint presentation). Login to any websites you plan to use. This will save valuable class time and help eliminate any last-minute issues.
During the Session
Provide feedback
Pause throughout the live class session to answer student questions and clear up any misconceptions. Acknowledge students who participate and are active in the class.
Record the session
Recording live sessions provides access for students experiencing internet connectivity problems, students who are in different time zones, or students who have conflicting commitments. It is recommended to communicate with students that the session will be recorded. Also, be sure to inform the students when the recording will begin.
Make cameras optional when they are not truly required for learning
You might ask learners to turn on their cameras near the beginning of a session to greet one another, and then allow them to turn their cameras back off for the rest of the session or until they are needed again. This can help reduce the cognitive overload on all learners and allows learners to move more freely in space without needing to frame their face in their camera.
After the Session
Self-reflection and follow-up
After the live session, spend a few moments reflecting on what went well and what could have gone better. Check-in with students and ask how the session structure worked for them. Update your materials or make notes for next time.