25 Virtual Teaching Tips from Teachers

When I asked my Facebook Group “If you’re already teaching virtually, what is your best advice for those just getting started?” the post received 98 replies right away. There were a lot of common themes and I’ve compiled them into this concise list of advice.

1. Test your activities ahead of class. And test them again on every device type you have access to.
2. Give yourself a break as things will not always go as planned.
3. Always have an alternative option for students to complete independently if they cannot see or hear your live lesson.
4. Have a backup plan and a second back up plan because you’ll need both.
5. Blue light glasses, a good chair, and 2 monitors.
6. Self care! Make time for yourself every day.
7. Quality microphone or headset.
8. Be patient and slow down. You’re learning a lot of new things!
9. Good teaching is good teaching. Trust your teacher gut.
10. Commercial breaks during video lessons – ask random silly questions to break it up.
11. Relationships over rigor.
12. Music while waiting for kids to join.
13. Make friends with your tech contact via candy, flowers, etc.
14. Take attendance as students enter the video meeting.
15. Keep it simple with a few apps and websites you use all the time.
16. Get comfortable with making screencasts.
17. Lower your own expectations.
18. Record your lessons ahead of time and play the video during your lessons.
19. Take a deep breath!
20. Use unplugged activities just like you would in the classroom. Whiteboards and notebook paper activities are just as effective as digital and can save a lot of effort.
21. Cut your activities in HALF.
22. Turn off your computer when the school day is over.
23. Spend at least 2 weeks on procedures before trying to teach anything new.
24. Get stronger WiFi if you can.
25. Accept that it is different than teaching in person.