In a previous article Before it's time we looked at some of the challenges posed by the changing role of teachers and expectations of students as technology becomes more pervasive and ubiquitous in the language learning environment.
For many people across a wide range of industries, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns precipitated the near-overnight conversion to online and remote working. Some Industries most notably hospitality and events, as well as essential key workers such as hospital staff, supermarkets and so on, were not able to make such a transition. It was simply good fortune that the English teaching industry was in that former category, and one where pivoting to an online setting was both realistic and achievable to do so whilst maintaining much of the academic integrity of regular face-to-face courses.
There are a variety of reasons for this, for example, the fact that most ELT resources will have been stored as digital copies ready either to be printed or shared in a classroom setting and so therefore did not need to be created from scratch to be delivered online, or the fact that the video conferencing software such as Zoom and Teams facilitated certain functionality like breakout rooms, screen sharing, screen annotations and so on, all of which helped add elements of interactivity and would mimic - if not exactly replicate - many of the in-class activities that students and teachers would do together in the physical classroom setting.
There were of course many challenges that presented to teachers which needed to be accounted for. This essay will look at some of the significant hurdles that have to be overcome, both by those who have already made the transition to online teaching or those who might do so in the future, and look at the particular practicalities of administering a class and facilitating language learning and interaction with students in an online lesson whilst keeping to grips with a clear pedagogic focus.
Adapting Teaching Methods for Online Environments
Transitioning to an online teaching environment requires rethinking and modifying your usual teaching strategies to better suit the online classroom. This change isn't just about transferring your physical classroom activities to a digital platform, but rather considering how to best utilise and deploy them to take advantage of some of the unique features that online platforms offer. Whilst many of the general principles and techniques can be carried over, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, some of which are outlined below:
Embracing Interactive Technology
The wide range of creative and imaginative Interactive tools that are available online can be your allies in the virtual classroom. Many of these platforms allow real-time interactions, such as polls, quizzes, and interactive whiteboards. Such tools can make your lessons more engaging for students, providing elements of competition and allowing for immediate feedback on student understanding. For instance, conducting a quick poll on a specific language point with some binary choice questions can help you assess whether students have grasped a concept before moving on.
Enhancing Visual Engagement
In the digital classroom, authentic resources can be accessed instantly and integrated seamlessly into the classroom delivery. This could be in the form of using high-quality images, infographics, and videos to explain complex language rules or it could be to provide instructional material using software such as PowerPoint or Google Slides. I remember a colleague saying that he preferred to focus on the content of the formatting of lesson handouts but I don’t think the two need be mutually exclusive. Remember, in an online setting, your slides are not just supplementary supporting materials, as they may be in a classroom, but are front and centre of students’ learning experience.
Facilitating Group Interaction
Breakout room features in video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams allow you to split groups of learners into smaller groups for discussion activities. It can be particularly useful for language learning as it encourages speaking and interaction among students in a more intimate setting than the main classroom. It's also a great way to mimic group tasks that would typically happen in a physical classroom.
Incorporating Varied Content Delivery
While synchronous live lectures often deploy a fairly straightforward presentation model, consider how to incorporate additional content such as videos, podcasts, and readings that students can engage with at their own pace. This could be in the form of out-of-class asynchronous tasks. Activities that help prepare students for the live classes that focus more on practice and feedback. Doing so will also help accommodate a greater range of learning styles.
Regular Feedback and Adaptation
Feedback is crucial in any learning environment, particularly online where you might not have the same physical cues to gauge comprehension. Incorporating regular mini-assessments and allowing time for questions and clarifications is a key part of the lesson planning process. Using digital tools that facilitate anonymous feedback can help ensure that you are meeting your students’ needs.
Overcoming Technological Barriers
The transition to online teaching isn't just about pedagogy; it's also about managing the technological barriers that might impede learning. Students and teachers can both face a variety of tech-related challenges and being able and confident to address these is key to ensuring a smooth and productive educational experience.
Ensuring Access to Reliable Technology
A fundamental challenge is ensuring that all students have access to the necessary technology—this includes reliable internet connections, suitable devices, appropriate software and so on. As a teacher, it’s important to consider what the potential lowest common denominator of technological access among your students is to avoid excluding anyone. What will be the most likely bottleneck for your group of learners? The old adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link applies. For instance, opting for platforms that are mobile-friendly and require low bandwidth can help ensure that students can participate even if they don’t have access to the latest technology or high-speed internet.
Simplifying Digital Tools
While it can be beneficial to utilise advanced features of digital platforms, it’s also crucial to keep the technology user-friendly. Simply using something new because it looks impressive is not a coherent plan. Overcomplicating the learning process with too many tools, usernames, login procedures etc. can lead to frustration and disengagement. Instead, make sure to use tools that are intuitive and easy to use, and of course, be prepared to provide clear, step-by-step instructions or tutorials on how to use them.
Preparing for Technical Difficulties
Related to the above, technical issues are inevitable in any online setting. Preparing contingency plans for when technology fails will help you be able to best provide remedial action on the spot. This could include having backup communication channels such as emails or phone calls, preparing downloadable resources for offline use, or even having a plan for an asynchronous class session if live video streaming becomes impossible. Letting students know in advance what to expect/do/proceed with in class in the event that the connection or sharing technologies fail will help ensure that as little time as possible is lost to such occurrences.
Offering Training and Support
Don’t assume that all students are equally tech-savvy. This is a mistake I have frequently made. While working with young students at university, I assumed that everybody would be tech-savvy after all they are always on their smartphones. Yet, whilst they may be able to produce a high-end-looking Instagram or TikTok video in seconds, that does not automatically confer skills in using word processing or presentation software. Preparation of training sessions or tutorials on how to use the various online learning platforms and digital tools effectively will be a necessary step in helping to ensure that all students can access the learning content on an equitable basis.
Regularly Updating and Innovating
Technology and digital tools are constantly and rapidly evolving so regularly updating yourself with the latest developments is an important facet of your teaching repertoire of skills. Experiment thoroughly with new tools that you wish to incorporate to ensure it has been thoroughly tested before integrating it into your lesson plans.
By proactively addressing technological barriers such as the ones above, you can ensure that your online classroom remains inclusive and accessible to all students and thereby maintain an environment conducive to learning. This not only enhances the educational experience but also importantly will help prepare students for the increasingly digital world outside the classroom.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, transitioning to online teaching involves both embracing new pedagogical methods and overcoming technological challenges. By adapting traditional teaching techniques to fit the digital environment and ensuring all students have access to the necessary technology, teachers and course designers can create dynamic and inclusive virtual classrooms. These efforts not only maintain the integrity of language learning but also prepare students for a future where digital literacy is essential. Ultimately, the successful shift to online education will hinge on an educator's ability to innovate and their commitment to ensuring no student is left behind due to technological barriers.