Yuben Moodley, Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Shares Three Ways to Improve Your Online Teaching

The coronavirus has thrown multiple curve balls at societal norms, including the way we teach. Though online teaching was already utilized, social distancing has made its popularity and use skyrocket. Many universities only offer online classes to their students, which can be stressful or overwhelming for first-time online educators. 

Luckily, professors like Yuben Moodley are here to attest otherwise. Dr. Moodley, Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Western Australia, says that teachers new to this technology will soon find how simple online teaching can be maneuvered. Below, Dr. Moodley goes into detail on how to further develop online teaching skills by providing these three tips:

Tip #1: Create Classroom Discussion Strategies

It is not a rarity to struggle with discussions in an online teaching setting. Luckily, there are several proven strategies to keep all students engaged and participating in topics of conversation. If your students participate in live video chats during remote learning, an excellent approach for more extensive engagement is called spider web discussion. 

Before the video chat starts, teachers should have students respond to discussion questions independently and be prepared to share their answers with the rest of the class. While students are exchanging thoughts over video chat, the teacher listens to who is talking and draws lines on a piece of paper to mark and trace who contributes to the conversation. In the end, the paper reflects an image of a spider web. At the end of the video chat, the teacher should share the spider web drawing with the rest of the students, have students reflect on their experience, and share constructive criticism regarding how to better the discussion elements. 

Tip #2: Practice Teacher-Student Communication and Support

As a leader of an online teaching platform, it is crucial to both create a supportive learning environment and practice effective teacher-student communication. To embrace and keep an influential learning community, teachers must establish support and engagement standards from the start. Instructors should show students that they are visible and available as a reliable resource for the duration of the online course. 

There are various ways to inspire successful teacher-student communication, as well as student-student communication. Teachers should set an example of clear and direct communication. After each online session, a great way to do this is to rate each student for their class participation and engagement. In return, allow each student also to rate you on your teaching and communication effectiveness. 

Tip #3: Use Technology to Save Time and Energy

Utilizing technology for teaching can save a lot of time and energy. Specific video chat options like Zoom, Jing, and Google Classrooms allow teachers to pre-record their lessons and lectures. This tool will enable students to watch what is taught during sessions, however many times they would like. Programs like Zoom and Screencast-o-matic have tools that open gateways for teachers to record their computer screens to assist in classroom lectures as a learning tool. Screen recordings can further help students walkthrough presentations, new programs, or websites.

About Yuben Moodley

Yuben Moodley is a devoted physician, researcher, and Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine. His research focuses on investigating mechanisms and finding novel cellular therapies for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He serves on the National Health and Medical Research Council panel, where he got funding for his research.