Getting started with teaching online
COVID-19 has been a world-changing event. As Aotearoa sits back in a level 3 lockdown, we’re digging back into some of those tools and tricks we developed for life more online rather than face-to-face. I’ve got an online session coming up this week and tried to teach myself Jamboard and Slideshare things - Let’s just say I didn’t crack it this week, and I’ve still got a way to go. Digging into the Jedi emails from last year, I found a list of links that would help if you do find yourself in the online teaching space. This is certainly a growth place for me, so let me know your top tips and sources of information.
I started some tips and links for running Zoom Meetings. That once little-used or understood icon fast became a staple in our workday. Gaining some basic Zoom skills, even if that peaks at finding the mute button, is something the whole world has been learning. There were numerous links to starting on Zoom, so check it out on the website if you need to.
As leaders in healthcare, we often have to step up and learning to lead and support others. Zoom meetings are one thing, what about if you have to run a teaching session or facilitate a workshop via Zoom?
First up from Zoom themselves, a tips and tricks sheet for Teachers Educating on Zoom. Really practical and basic things to think about. Advice on delivery, such as looking into the camera so you are making eye contact with those online with you. There is also a list of all the tools built into Zoom that you can use. I've found using the Chat function and the breakout rooms really useful.
Next share for you is from Bright Classroom Ideas, this is very similar to the Zoom list, but with a bit more detail and timings for you. Also has links to further resources and ideas.
MindTools is a place I often check out to see their suggestions, tools or templates. This article, which has worth beyond this one topic, looks at how to get your voice heard in meetings - both those in-person meetings and the online ones. What's relevant for here was a section at the end of the article on how to help others get their voices heard. Teaching or facilitating is such an interactive experience; bring people to the fore is one of those skills you need, and this applies for online teaching just as much.
Lastly, I fell (well, jumped) into the wonderful Twitter world of Helen Bevan and found (among a whole load of things) a couple of other places and ideas that might be just what you need to take your session to another level. How about an icebreaker with irony - drawing an iceberg. Another tweak shared a link to Jamboard templates. I've been in a session using a jamboard, and it was collaborative and made the session interactive, so check out these templates if you want to give Jamboard a try.
