Significance of Technology in Building an Effective Online Classroom

The integration of technology in a classroom is beneficial for both teachers and students. While teaching in an online environment, educators might wonder if the students are attentive or not. 

Educators can foster an engaging and learning environment by integrating technological resources. The use of interactive content such as videos and presentations can greatly enhance the learning experience for students. Additionally, in an online classroom, involving learners by asking them questions is a great way to increase participation. 

Furthermore, technology can aid teachers in creating a positive learning atmosphere in an online classroom. It not only helps in delivering better lessons but also helps students retain information better and for a longer time. To carry out effective sessions, there are three aspects of a classroom that need to be met. Let’s take a look at what they are and how teachers can meet these requirements -

A major challenge of online classrooms is the lack of face-to-face interaction and emotional support towards students. Although it is at times difficult to solve this, with the help of some technological tools and a little extra effort, teachers can try to meet the needs of students emotionally. Here are a few tips in which teachers can fulfil the emotional aspect of online learning using technology:

• Create groups of students using an online application or email where they are welcome to share their feelings and emotions. 
• Create a structure of dos and don’ts to avoid bullying and help students who feel unsafe. 
• As teachers, plan your sessions in a way that the students get to explore new challenges. In case they get stuck or aren’t able to understand the problem, make them feel comfortable to ask for help. 
• Additionally, teachers must integrate class assignments and projects that help students talk about their ideas and thoughts with confidence. Essays, story prompts and journaling questions are some great ways for learners to express their thoughts.
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The social aspect refers to the way students interact and communicate with teachers and their peers. In virtual teaching, the use of online teaching tools like Google Meet and Zoom have made communication a lot easier. Effective communication is the key to effective learning and even though it is difficult to achieve this in online classrooms, technology has made it possible. Teachers can increase students’ engagement in online classrooms using technology by implementing the following strategies:

• Integrate fun online classroom activities and games in your lessons that increase the active participation of students in the classroom.
• While planning lessons include online competitions and group projects that encourage collaborative learning among students. 
• Organise online cultural events and activities celebrating diverse backgrounds of learners. These activities help students become more aware of the different cultures in the world. 
• Use online tools to track and motivate learners’ progress in the subject. It is a great way to know how well students are performing and where they need extra support.
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When we talk about the intellectual aspect, it means providing students with the opportunity to take up new and complex problems that are mentally stimulating. In an online classroom, educators can help students by integrating topics that are a bit challenging but are necessary for their growth to help them step out of their comfort zone. Here are some ways teachers can do so using technology:

• Design online classroom activities related to the subject that involve brainstorming and coming up with creative solutions. 
• Use digital tools to create class tests, assignments and other assessments.
• Make them participate in online activities and projects that foster holistic development. For example, ask them to create animations, podcasts, videos, presentations etc. 
• Provide learners with the opportunity to innovate and come up with new ideas. Assign them online research work on trending topics that will give them a chance to work on their higher-order thinking skills.

When all these aspects are met, students feel worthy and appreciated while learning. It makes them feel that they have the potential and ability to accomplish any goal. Teachers should provide every child with an opportunity to participate in the online classroom. Use online applications such as smiling mind, the mood meter, cue think, class dojo, Trello, etc that can help students in the learning process. Additionally, teachers can opt for training programs and courses designed for managing online classrooms. Suraasa has developed these certifications keeping in mind the needs in the teaching field. These can aid educators in everyday teaching as well as benefit their careers in the long run.