Five Characteristics of a Great Online Teacher
There is no denying that a teacher’s job is demanding but equally – if not more – rewarding. As they shape the future of impressionable young minds, several expectations rest on their shoulders. However, in the post-pandemic world, the gradually evolving education landscape witnessed some dramatic transformations concerning digitization.
As schools and classes shifted online, teachers needed to not only adapt to these changes but also restore and build the education experience at home. In this endeavour, a digital whiteboard with an interactive panel is a smart class room solution as it helps teachers engage their students in the online forum. However, an interactive whiteboard alone won’t alone construct a wholesome online learning experience. The online educators will also have to possess certain skills to engage students and be comfortable with online classes.
To help you deliver immersive online classes, we have enlisted some characteristics of a great online teacher:-
Possess Technical Skills
While this might come as no surprise, knowledge of technical skills is an important component of being a great online teacher. Although this might have been challenging initially, there are several courses online to help you acquaint yourself with technology for seamless delivery. Using technology regularly can help teachers stay abreast with the latest innovations.
Acknowledging the knowledge gap, we at Senses Electronics have free demo sessions for teachers who are investing in an interactive whiteboard. This free demo session is also for teachers who are thinking of investing in a smart board but don’t know enough about the technology.
Know How to Be Creative
The digital learning environment needs teachers to be creative and think outside the box to help students understand the concepts clearly. Online classes allow teachers to be innovative and enhance their teaching methods to deliver engaging sessions. As the online medium is different from an in-person class, the rules of engagement also change. If teachers are not creative, the students in online classes will be absent-minded and it will be challenging to get the concepts through to them.
A digital whiteboard with an interactive panel can help make sessions immersive and engaging. The smart board is equipped with interesting features such as intelligent shapes that, ability to insert images and videos to make sessions interesting with visual aids.
Are Adaptable
Teachers in online classes need to think on their feet and leave room for improvisation to keep students engaged. If online sessions are interrupt owing to technical or other difficulties, there always needs to be back up so that the learning is not disturbed. Even if the presentations are slow and not loading in time, resourceful teachers should not waste the time and fill that time with making their delivery more engaging. By being flexible and personalising the learning experience for students can help the latter understand the fundamentals of challenging concepts with greater clarity.
A digital board for teaching can help you plan and schedule your sessions so that you always have an action plan ready. Moreover, the reasonable smart board price in India makes it a suitable investment for teachers. The digital board price will pay for itself with its host of engaging features
Are Patient
Both students, as well as teachers, are on a new learning curve with regard to online classes. The experience is entirely different from an in-person class where the opportunities to engage were plentiful and hassle-free. In such a scenario, patience is crucial. Whether it is helping students navigate through technical issues, encouraging them to stay focused, pay attention to whether they are having any doubts, and answering a string of questions, online classes require patience. The only place that will not demand your patience is an interactive board with its ease of use.
Are Flexible and Open to Feedback
Whether it is adult learners who bring to the table their professional expertise or millennials who think they know more about technology than you (which sometimes might be true), teachers in online classes need to be prepared for feedback – sometimes unwarranted. However, instead of taking this the wrong way, online teachers should be empathetic and allow a free-flowing conversation for an interactive online class. Teachers know how to use the experience and enthusiasm of their students to consistently improve and deliver an engaging online class.
In conclusion, a great online teacher makes for a great online learning experience and a digital whiteboard with an interactive panel is a smart class room solution that helps teachers in this journey. When you invest in a smart board, you take a step towards digitization in learning which is the future of teaching. It helps you as well as your students become well acquainted with technology which is an asset for all professional endeavours. According to Rhonda Bondie, director of professional learning and lecturer on education, “Excellent instruction is based on decision-making — how teachers decide to respond to and engage with students, select curriculum materials, organize learning, and use communication strategies.” She believes this principle stays alike in both physical as well as virtual learning. Considering this, investing in a digital board for teaching is a smart decision to be taken by teachers.
