New to remote teaching? So are we! It’s back to school tomorrow and our Nova Pioneer Paulshof School Leader, Claudia Pienaar, created this tool kit for her team on how they can be a successful remote-learning teacher. We hope you enjoy.
1. Dress for Success
Remember that even though you are teaching remotely it is important that you look professional and presentable at all times. Think of what you would wear in the classroom – this is how you should come across on the video to your students. You definitely can enjoy the fact that your students can’t see what you were in from the waist down so feel free to stay in your comfortable track pants and slippers if you like, just ensure that everything that your students look professional and well-presented!
2. Light It Up
Lighting makes a big difference to your video! Natural light is best, especially when done in the morning or after midday. The harshness of the midday sun casts harsh shadows on your face, so isn’t always the most complimentary or flattering. Should you be shooting your video inside and using artificial light, ensure that you have enough light and are not sitting in silhouette.
3. Setting the stage
It is very important to make sure that you have a quiet space to record. Naturally some background sounds are unavoidable, like the gentle sound of children playing in the background or the lovely sound of a hadeda going over your house! Do try make sure that any background noises are minimal and unavoidable. Your background itself should be clean and neat. Avoid a messy or distracting area to record.
4. Short Bursts
Try work in short bursts, keep instruction to 5 – 7 minutes before using an engagement strategy. Do a Turn and Talk, give a task or activity, even ask children to respond to you like Dora the Explorer! It is easier to find ways to keep the students engaged by breaking your instruction into smaller parts.
5. Loud & Clear
Research shows that the clarity of speech and audio in a video makes the greatest impact on the audience. Use a mic that will project you well. This may mean that you need to put in your headphones so that you can use the mic attached. Be sure that you articulate clearly and speak slowly. Do not rush or mumble, it is very important that your lesson is able to get through to the students and we are clear we are consistent.
6. Keep it sweet & simple
Remember that the focus of these videos is on teaching. It is not about entertaining the students, so there is no need for any frills or fuss. You do not need to put on a show. Keep your focus on teaching and learning.
A good idea is at the beginning of the video, to provide the children and list of any materials that they will need for the lesson. Allow them to pause the video and go and collect the items. This way the student has everything with them for the lesson. Smile, and be your natural self. Your students have been missing you, so let them see YOU!
7. Peer Review
Before posting your masterpiece, ask a peer or mentor to review it for you. Ask them to look out for any mistakes that we would all like to avoid having these immortalized in video for all mankind by going viral.
