Tips for effective virtual classroom management

Make sure the websites and links you will use are working, and the activities and content proposed is visible and concrete enough.

Try out new apps and find the one you feel more comfortable with and the one that offers you a wide range of possibilities for making your lesson interactive.

If you are carrying out synchronous meetings, it is preferable that you use a video conferencing app that offers you the possibility of having breakout rooms.

Invite students to establish clear rules and expectations to create the best environment for learning.

Explain to students the importance of setting class rules.

Lead a discussion in which they can create their own list of rules; hence, they will be more likely to follow them.

Consider aspects such as discipline, participation, the study process, deadlines, turn-taking, dress code, external distractions, etc.

Work with intrinsic motivation. Remind them about the importance of what they are learning for their lives and how behaving appropriately will bring long-lasting benefits.

Create a delightful and friendly atmosphere in your virtual classroom with a vibrant mood, fresh content, and interesting activities.

Be sure that every student participates in the lesson by encouraging them to ask questions and to answer each other.

Let students know that you’re there for them, make a few announcements, and send them off to complete their activities.

Be sure the online learning experience is fun and easy. Be supportive. You can always pick up the pace once you and your students are comfortable learning online.

The best way to avoid stressful situations during teaching is to prepare in advance.

It's not about quantity, it's about quality. The biggest mistake we can make is assigning too much work, which will lead to overwhelmed students.