Overview

As schools, colleges and universities closed during the pandemic there was a seismic shift towards online learning and teaching. Over the last two years we have learned a huge amount about digital teaching because, in many cases, there was no alternative. As we return to a level of normativity many individual teachers and institutions are grappling with the idea of making the best use of what they learned during lockdown. This page will give you the opportunity to explore some of the best tools and strategies that were deployed during lockdown.

Synchronous online lessons via videoconferencing tool

The University of Washington provide excellent templates for Engaging Synchronous Online Classes. These are licensed under this Creative Commons License which means that you will be able to use and adapt them.

Template One is for Small to Medium Class: Group Discussions in Breakout Rooms

Template Two is for Small to Medium Class: Peer Feedback, Mini Lecture, and Group Activity in Breakout Rooms

Template Three is for Medium to Large Class: Mini Lecture, Video Discussion, Group Activity in Breakout Rooms

Remember these templates utilise the tools that the university uses so you may need to adapt them to feature the tools you have access to.

If you don't yet have a video conferencing tool in your institution this blogpost here gives a clear and unbiased overview of the main options on the market.

Using learning materials for self-paced learning

This excellent 5 minute video provides a short "crash-course" in a technology driven, self-paced instructional model. The interesting thing here is that by using the technology (video lessons + Google Docs) the teacher is then able to let her student learn at their own pace.

There is increasing evidence that technology enhanced self-paced learning can offer significant improvements in learner outcomes.

Asynchronous online lessons with intensive learning activities including group work

This eleven minute video overs a really clear overview of of asynchronous learning as well as highlighting specific tools and how you could use them.

Click on the next button to learn about online classroom management .