Online Classes Ground Rules
Virtual classroom etiquette refers to how learners should behave during their digital lesson, such as not eating and drinking, talking about others, and muting the microphone unless they have the background. Especially with large classes, without a harsh, fast mute rule, a number of sounds will permeate – the neighbor`s dog, people moving around in their seats, the Cobra Kai theme melody – so ask everyone to stay silent unless they have the floor or participate in a group activity. Predictable and structured lessons make online courses more productive. Routine usually promotes a quieter environment. Students know what to expect, allowing them to fully focus on the topic. If you want engaged classes, you need people to get involved – so make it a rule. Try not to eat snacks during your online course. No one wants you to stuff their mouths with chips talking about tasks. Not only does it distract others, but you also can`t focus on the task at hand as you have to worry about dropping crumbs on your keyboard. As an online student at Achieve Virtual, communication is a little different than in a face-to-face environment.
We pride ourselves on providing many ways to interact socially, but the difference is that most written communications take place in an online environment. Since this means that you lack body language cues and instant feedback from your “listener”, it is very important to understand some general rules for good online etiquette. This ensures that the message you are trying to convey is received correctly. When you enter your new online classroom (about two to five people), register when you register. It can be uncomfortable to hear the “someone just joined” followed by silence. You`ve just finished your crash course on netiquette guidelines, so go out and post like the well-behaved student you are! If you`re interested in participating in an online program, check out Rasmussen University`s comprehensive online degree programs. Remember: learners have an innate understanding of the rules of engagement implicit and expressed in the traditional learning environment. Spend time explaining how you expect learners to participate in the virtual classroom and what virtual classroom rules await you. This makes it – and your live online learning events – a success! Switching from classroom to virtual learning can be stressful for students, which can have a huge impact on motivation. Make it an online teaching rule for students to listen, respect, and encourage others in the class. For example, if someone has a good answer or idea, students can share a fun emoticon to encourage their classmates.
With a few practical rules for virtual classrooms, you can minimize these issues, keep lessons focused and effective, and help create a safe and positive learning environment for all. These rules have been adapted from the following sources: An online course can be very noisy, very fast. Especially when children are taught online. When everyone is talking at the same time, it is very difficult to hear and be heard by other students. To ensure that everyone can participate and be heard, tell students to speak one by one, and if another student is speaking, they should listen. If necessary, you can ask students to mute their microphones until it`s time to speak. Alternatively, as a host, you can mute the participants` microphones until it`s their turn to speak. If you use Zoom, learn how to do it.
This applies to posting on classroom walls or online discussions – such as those found in Rasmussen University`s online programs – as well as in-person email communication with your professors and advisors. Using appropriate capitalization and focusing on your tone while writing will give a boost to your virtual communication. This trend doesn`t surprise us – the world and our classrooms have changed. And while approaches to lesson design and moderation need to be updated, learners also need to adapt to this learning environment. Participation, collaboration, interaction, and contribution are different in the virtual classroom, and there are rules for the virtual classroom that must be followed. By demonstrating the behaviors you value in your learners and repeating your rules whenever appropriate during your course, you motivate your learners to participate in a positive experience that should be a positive experience for everyone. Just like in the regular classroom, eating and drinking should be prohibited in the online classroom. Students may be tempted to get out of bed and have breakfast during class, but this can be very distracting for students. In addition, students will not be able to speak and participate if they have their mouths full of cereal. We wish all teachers an effective and productive virtual classroom for the benefit of all participants. These rules are a step in the right direction.
A step in the right direction would be to use Kaltura`s powerful virtual classroom solution, designed specifically for teaching and learning. Click on the link below to find out how Kaltura Virtual Classroom can help you motivate your students and improve your lessons in a reliable and practical way. Virtual classrooms often bring people from different backgrounds, cultures, and time zones together, making them a great opportunity for students to share ideas and learn from each other – but it depends on their willingness to contribute and collaborate. A good start for the rules of your virtual classroom is that each learner has a quiet space where they can attend classes without interruption. Students should be in an environment conducive to attentive virtual learning and classroom interaction, which helps set the tone for the group as a whole. If you appreciate certain behaviors in your learners, show the same behaviors in your classes and interactions with students. The most important rules for the virtual classroom for high school students are: An out-of-control environment can detract from the online learning experience. A classroom in any form – whether on campus or online – should be a safe place to encourage open discussion without hostile, discriminatory or inappropriate comments. It is important for online instructors to ensure that students adhere to proper internet etiquette to keep contributions organized, targeted, and productive.