When did I start teaching online?
I started teaching online about 2 months ago. It was my first time doing it. I never taught online before, so yes… I don’t have any experience in it. Everybody now may know why I teach online. Yes. The Pandemic, Covid-19.
Tools I use to teach online
I had no choice but to continue by teaching online. A week before, I had read and watched some videos about apps to use for teaching. Thanks to Flipped Classroom Tutorial for giving me some info about apps to use. The first thing that came into my mind after watching the video was Zoom cloud meeting. That’s why I ended up using Zoom meeting as the main app to teach.
Using Zoom is easy… (listen. I don’t promote the app, ok?). We just need to create or schedule a meeting, set things a little and finish. That’s it! The main reason for using it is the screen sharing feature. However, the annoying thing is that the meeting will get disconnected when the time reaches 40 minutes if the participants are 3 or more than 3! Well, we can reconnect to the meeting afterward. You may be wondering why I don’t use other teleconferencing apps. Let me answer it simply. I didn’t know back then. What came to my mind was only Zoom, although I also looked for any other apps. But now, I know some other recommended apps like Webex meeting and Microsoft teams.
A question. Why don’t I use Webex now? Well, my students have already downloaded Zoom and have been using it for a quite a while. I don’t want to make them download other apps. Also, they seem comfortable using it. And one more thing… Save quota! But, if you want to teach online too, I recommend using Webex. Find the reason here… (update: I received an email from Webex that they will change the free plan feature. Free accounts will only have 50-minute time limit and it will be effective on July 1.
How I teach online
I’ve told you the app I use. Now, here’s the way. Mostly, I use the screen sharing from Zoom. I use it to play games and to explain the lesson. I usually use presentation slides to teach and give games. I also use some handouts downloaded from ISLCollective. But now, things are getting better. Alhamdulillah.
I’ve got a good website, thanks to Easy ESL Games for uploading a video about some great tips for teaching online. The site is called Baamboozle. It’s super easy to use, and most importantly… It’s fun! My students like it. I like it too. We usually use it for warmer to play games and do some practice. If you wonder what it is, go check the website by yourself here…
Wow, you made this far for reading my first post (update: this is the first post before moving to blogger). Marvelous. If you’re a teacher, please comment and tell us about your experience. I'll be looking forward to it, thanks.
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