Teaching a class remotely can be challenging, especially when you want to create a sense of community among your students. However, with some planning, creativity, and communication, you can foster a positive and engaging learning environment online. Here are some tips to help you achieve this goal.
One of the first steps to build a sense of community is to set clear expectations for your class. This includes the course objectives, the learning outcomes, the assessment criteria, the participation rules, and the communication channels. You can use a syllabus, a welcome video, or a live orientation session to share this information with your students. By doing this, you can help them understand what you expect from them and what they can expect from you and the course.
Another way to foster a sense of community is to use interactive tools that allow your students to communicate, collaborate, and share their ideas with you and each other. For example, you can use online platforms such as Google Classroom, Moodle, or Canvas to create assignments, quizzes, discussions, and feedback. You can also use video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams to host live sessions, breakout rooms, or office hours. Additionally, you can use social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to create groups, polls, or hashtags related to your course.
I always encourage students to have the camera on and not only answer questions but ask questions. I also give them input into the content of the lesson so they take ownership for their learning.
Having collaborative chats will foster growth and understanding and help the class feel more connected. Even if synchonous conversations are not possible, there are tools which can help. Voice Thread is one such great tool. It allows students to record themselves conversing on a topic. They can do this at any time but can insert questions and commonts on the conversation so tgat it plays out in time order like a real class discussion. It can also be used for sharing presentations or lecture by students or teachers.
A third tip to foster a sense of community is to encourage personal connections among your students. This can help them feel more comfortable, motivated, and supported in their learning journey. For instance, you can ask your students to introduce themselves with a video, a photo, or a bio at the beginning of the course. You can also design activities that require your students to work in pairs or small groups, such as peer reviews, projects, or presentations. Moreover, you can create opportunities for your students to share their personal experiences, opinions, or interests related to the course content.
Embed opportunities for meaningful collaboration and social interaction throughout the course. This can range from introductory posts to specific materials and assignments that require students to work together in a meaningful capacity.
Provide creative opportunities for students to get to know one another. Think beyond the typical introductions and encourage deeper interaction and understanding.
A fourth tip to foster a sense of community is to provide timely feedback to your students. This can help them improve their performance, monitor their progress, and feel valued and recognized in your class. For example, you can use rubrics, comments, or audio recordings to give feedback on your students' assignments, quizzes, or discussions. You can also use surveys, polls, or chats to solicit feedback from your students on the course design, delivery, or content. Furthermore, you can use praise, recognition, or rewards to acknowledge your students' achievements, efforts, or contributions.
A fifth tip to foster a sense of community is to model and promote positive behaviors in your class. This can help you establish a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative culture among your students. For instance, you can use respectful language, tone, and gestures when you communicate with your students. You can also use inclusive practices, such as using diverse examples, perspectives, or resources in your course content. Additionally, you can use collaborative strategies, such as assigning roles, setting norms, or facilitating interactions in your group activities.
A sixth tip to foster a sense of community is to celebrate and reflect on your class achievements and experiences. This can help you and your students appreciate the learning process, the outcomes, and the relationships that you have built online. For example, you can use a final video, a slideshow, or a portfolio to showcase your students' work, progress, or feedback. You can also use a farewell message, a thank-you note, or a certificate to express your gratitude, appreciation, or recognition to your students. Moreover, you can use a survey, a reflection, or a testimonial to evaluate your course effectiveness, impact, or satisfaction.