Level Up Your Virtual Classroom Experience! 12 Essential Netiquette For Teaching English Online
Teaching English online gives lots of flexibility and freedom to the teacher who can teach from the comfort of their home in their comfortable space. However, many times teachers tend to forget that they need to maintain a professional learning environment and maintain certain etiquette. On the other hand, many teachers keep themselves updated in every aspect.
According to edweek.org, it has been found out that almost 69% of the teachers have pursued digital courses like 220 hours International Diploma in TEFL to learn digital etiquettes with the least teaching skills and method required for teaching English online.
Source: edweek.org
If you also want to learn some of the best netiquettes for teaching English online, then we have got you covered. In this blog post, we will be sharing top 12 netiquettes which every ESL/EFL teachers should learn and which is easier to follow.
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Top 12 Netiquette For Teaching English Online
Now let's delve into the essential guidelines that can elevate the professionalism and quality of your virtual lessons.
1. Cultivating a Professional Appearance
While the convenience of working from home can be tempting, it's crucial to maintain a polished and professional appearance on camera. Your attire should be tailored to the audience you're teaching – opt for business casual or formal attire when instructing adults or business professionals, and consider incorporating brighter colours and accessories to captivate younger learners.
Regardless of your student demographic, ensure that your appearance is well-groomed, free from distracting accessories (unless used as teaching props for children), and presented clearly through a high-quality camera and appropriate lighting.
2. Mastering Non-Verbal Communication
Effective communication in the virtual classroom extends beyond spoken words. Your body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone of voice play a pivotal role in conveying your message and engaging your learners. Maintain eye contact by positioning your webcam at eye level, sit upright to convey attentiveness, and incorporate lively gestures and expressions, especially when teaching children, to captivate their interest.
Be mindful of unintentional cues that may convey disinterest or frustration, such as frowning, rolling your eyes, or shrugging. Instead, embrace a warm and welcoming demeanour, punctuated by genuine smiles, to foster a positive learning environment.
3. Communicating Clearly
Varying audio quality and internet connections can pose challenges in online classes, potentially leading to misunderstandings or miscommunications. To mitigate this, enunciate your words clearly and precisely, ensuring that your students can comprehend your instructions and lessons without ambiguity. Invest in a high-quality microphone or headset to enhance audio clarity and ensure your voice is projected with optimal clarity.
4. Curating an Engaging Virtual Classroom
While teaching from a digital platform, you can still create an inviting and professional virtual classroom by thoughtfully curating your teaching backdrop. Consider opting for an organized, relevant, and distraction-free environment that complements the subject matter and age group you're instructing.
For younger learners, consider incorporating educational elements like maps, flags, and toys to foster an engaging and stimulating atmosphere. When teaching adults or professionals, a minimalistic backdrop with a whiteboard or plain wall can suffice, allowing the focus to remain on the lesson content.
Alternatively, you can leverage virtual backgrounds provided by platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, offering a range of classroom-inspired or professional settings to enhance the virtual learning experience.
Learn, which 7 Innovations that have changed English language teaching completely:
5. Minimizing Distractions
In addition to curating an appropriate teaching backdrop, it's essential to minimize external distractions that could divert your students' attention. Teach from a quiet location, free from ambient noise like traffic or conversations, to ensure your learners can remain focused during lessons.
Invest in noise-cancelling headsets with mute functionality to eliminate unwanted background sounds, allowing you to maintain a distraction-free learning environment seamlessly.
6. Punctuality and Time Management
Punctuality is a hallmark of professionalism, and this principle extends to the virtual classroom. Arrive on time, send class links or invitations well in advance, and promptly communicate any unforeseen circumstances or technical issues that may arise.
If a student is absent or late, take the initiative to reach out and ensure they have the necessary information to join the class. Leverage calendar apps or appointment scheduling software to streamline your class schedule and set reminders to ensure you're always prepared and on time.
7. Mindful Communication
In the online classroom, where students come from diverse backgrounds, it's crucial to be mindful of the words you choose and the tone you convey. Avoid sarcasm or humour that could be misinterpreted, and instead, opt for a polite and direct communication style, especially when addressing new learners.
8. Respecting Cultural Differences
As an online English instructor, you'll have the opportunity to teach students from various cultural backgrounds. It's essential to be aware of and respect the cultural sensitivities and taboo topics that may vary across regions. Steer clear of potentially sensitive subjects like religion, politics, personal finances, or gender-related issues unless directly relevant to the lesson content.
9. Addressing Disruptions Calmly
Unexpected disruptions, such as family members appearing in the background or students momentarily disappearing to attend to household tasks, are inevitable in the online classroom. Approach these situations with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges your students may face while studying virtually.
Rather than admonishing misbehaviour, redirect students' attention to engaging in class activities or exercises. If technical issues persist, follow your institution's policies and seek assistance from the appropriate support channels.
10. Establishing Reasonable Response Times
While building rapport with students is essential, it's crucial to set clear boundaries and expectations regarding your availability outside of class hours. Communicate your office hours or designated response times for messages and calls, and inform students in advance of any planned absences or vacations.
By adhering to these guidelines, you'll foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, ensuring that your students receive the support they need without compromising your personal boundaries.
11. Continuous Professional Development
Mastering the art of online English instruction is an ongoing journey, and it's essential to embrace a mindset of continuous professional development. Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, teaching methodologies, and industry best practices to enhance your virtual classroom experience.
Seek out professional development opportunities, such as workshops, webinars, or online courses, to refine your skills and stay at the forefront of effective online teaching practices.
12. Building Meaningful Connections
While the virtual classroom may present unique challenges, it also offers remarkable opportunities to connect with learners from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Embrace this diversity and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where students feel empowered to share their perspectives and experiences.
Foster open dialogue, encourage active participation, and celebrate the richness that cultural diversity brings to the online English learning experience.
Following Netiquette For Teaching English Online Is Essential
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the art of online English instruction requires more than just subject matter expertise. By embracing the principles of netiquette and cultivating an environment of professionalism, respect, and inclusivity, you can unlock the full potential of the virtual classroom, empowering your students to thrive as global communicators in the English language.
If you want to learn more advanced TEFL teaching skill and method, then consider pursuing courses like 220 hours International Diploma in TEFL, where you will get assistance from top expert trainers in the TEFL industry.
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Written By : Abhishek