8 Ways to Humanize Your Online Classes
We gathered eight anonymous responses from instructors on how they are creating more humanized environments in their online courses. Here's what they said and how ActiveClass can make it even easier:
Use Online Icebreakers
Our best tip for instructors who would love to create a welcoming environment for their students online is to engage students in activities where they can learn more about one another.
Consider starting each class session with a short icebreaker. For instance, ask students questions like What are your plans for the holiday? What’s your favorite sandwich? Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Quick, interactive questions and activities can encourage students to become comfortable, more open, and trust their online instructor.
Ask Students to Turn on Their Cameras
I am also an online instructor, and I have found that one of the best ways to create a welcoming environment for my remote students is to ask them to turn on their cameras.
This simple act helps to build trust and rapport between instructor and student, and it also makes it easier for students to feel comfortable asking questions or sharing ideas.
In addition, online instructors can encourage open dialogue by frequently checking in with students, either via email or in the chat function of their learning management system. By taking the time to get to know each of your students, you will create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment that everyone can benefit from.
Encourage Students to Use Zoom Chat
The thought of asking questions in class often intimidates remote students. To combat this, I encourage my students to use Zoom’s chat feature for questions they may have. This gives students an opportunity to get their questions out of the way, without feeling embarrassed or singled out.
Many students are satisfied with asking a question in the chat room but are more than welcome to send me a direct message. I ask my students to do this after they’ve tried using the chat room. This way, they know they have a second option if they are still uncomfortable asking in a large group setting.
Try Out of the Box Instruction
Have students be a part of the learning process, and elicit their feedback on how they learn. Use social media trends and include them in the process to gain success.
Creating a culture where students feel that their input is valuable creates trust and feelings of inclusiveness. Bringing out-of-the-box ideas builds interest in learning and lends ease in teaching core topics.
Don’t be afraid to change the cultural norm of “doing things the way that we always have.” Dare to be different and better!
Offer Virtual Office Hours
Offering multiple options for virtual office hours is the ideal way for instructors to connect with their remote students. Additionally, it helps to suggest that office hours don’t need to focus on academic questions, but can also be used to simply get to know the instructor better.
It actually can be easier to connect with students via Zoom, because both parties do not need to physically be in the instructor’s office.
Create a Casual Discussion Environment
I’ve seen too many online instructors go with rigid, impersonal online classroom software, and I think students notice that. If you’re already online, you might as well use something like Discord, or Slack, depending on your team. They’re pretty easy platforms to use and mostly free. I have seen a lot of online classroom software, but these are more casual.
Both are something students will recognize from other online communities (social media, gaming, etc.). And Discord is also pretty easy to integrate with the online course software you’re using, so you can still keep everything in one place.
Be as Responsive as Possible
The best way to create a welcoming environment for remote students is to be as responsive as possible to their questions and concerns. Although online courses offer a great deal of flexibility, they can also isolate students who feel like they are not getting the individual attention they need.
By promptly responding to emails and constructively framing feedback, instructors can show their students that they are invested in their success. This helps to create a feeling of openness and trust.
Instructors can use video conferencing tools to connect with students on a personal level. By getting to know each student, instructors can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Learn Your Student's Names
Nothing makes me feel more welcome than when someone greets me by name and remembers a detail I told them the last time we spoke. It makes me feel like the relationship is real and valued.
While some people have a knack for doing this effortlessly, I take notes on my students immediately after every session, while my memories are still fresh. Then, I review my notes before my next class so I can make everyone feel welcome.