Web-Based Contact Learning ABC (Part 4): From Student to Teacher – Recommendations for Web-Based Learning

Web-based Contact Learning ABC is a practical study material in conducting e-learning. This material helps teachers and trainers to organize webinars and e-learning efficiently and thoughtfully. The material is prepared by the lecturers of the Non-formal Education and Lifelong Learning study area of the School of Educational Sciences at Tallinn University in cooperation with the team of EDUSPACE research lab of teaching and learning.

man working at the desk
The influence of the teacher on the learner
  • At the beginning of the meeting, the lecturers want to tune both themselves and the students. Think carefully about the goals of the setup – too long a setup time (especially in a repeated meeting) is tiring for the learner and takes too much time.
  • In the online environment, you can be an intensive, even dominant, teacher. To avoid this, diversify lectures with, for example, student discussions and group work.
  • Do not be afraid to make mistakes. When teaching online, there are always surprises. Learners recognize you for your effort to teach creatively and to support learners.
Teacher's screen
  • The teacher's intensity is affected by the teacher's distance from the screen. Keep your distance on the screen. By using several cameras, you create the opportunity to show yourself from another angle in the meantime.
  • Also, pay attention to the background behind you. The academic background creates a sense of security. Movement in the background distracts. The image of a vacation chosen as a virtual background can take your mind away from learning.
  • Make sure your camera is on a stable surface, such as a tripod. Camera movement makes the image difficult to monitor and may cause dizziness to the viewer.
Trusting the student
  • Be flexible in terms of both activities and independent work deadlines, offer alternative solutions.
  • Trust students to find suitable solutions for independent work – students are ready to use this trust wisely.
  • Think about what part of the appointment you are saving and why. Save only those sections where new things are taught and learned and tasks are explained. This saves supervisors time and helps to better understand the content of the meeting.