Most faculty have found online teaching more challenging than a classroom environment. Here are some proven techniques that can make any synchronous session more interactive and effective.

1. Know your learners before your first class. Collect information about their hobbies, work experience, and expectations they have from the course. Refer to students’ experience and background and expect them to share their experiences throughout the course.

2. Communicate your expectations, so that they can prepare for class discussions. Make sure to have your camera on at all times and ask students to keep their cameras on during a class. This will help to create a sense of connection and accountability.

3. Make the course material authentic and relevant to students' life. For instance, give examples of local organisations or experiences that students might have had.

4. Ask learners to come up with a novel question, and ask each student to share their questions at the beginning of class.

5. Encourage students to answer your questions using the Chat option (Conversation in MS Teams), so more students can participate concurrently. This also helps you to better monitor participation and provide students with feedback promptly.

6. Design your lessons and offer insight into course materials to encourage students to attend sessions. Include a wide range of audio-visuals (video, podcast, discussion board, reading, etc.) and plenty of opportunities for students to practice their learning. Divide your lesson into a few mini-lessons that include class exercises and discussions.

7. For any abstract or challenging topics use Breakout rooms in MS Teams to place students into groups. Ensure students share their findings and collaborate using the Whiteboard feature (or any other collaboration platform).

Additional Resources:

Blended and Online Teaching, Center for Teaching, Vanderbilt University

Instructional Strategies for Online Courses, Illinois University