Online lessons can be as good as face-to-face, or worse. The difference is not the camera. It is how much the student speaks, and how simple the screen is.
Keep the student talking
In a room, silence feels awkward. Online, it feels normal. Do not fill it. Ask, and wait.
Your turn. Tell me about your morning.
Use one screen, one task
Do not share five windows. One page, one picture, one question.
Start with a warm check
Ask one easy question, and listen to the voice.
Can you hear me? How are you today?
Use the chat for words
When the student does not know a word, type it. They see it and hear it.
I will put the word in the chat.
Record short pieces
Ask for a thirty-second recording between lessons. You listen before the lesson, and start with real speaking.
End with a clear task
One small task, written in the chat, so nobody forgets.
This week: five sentences about your day.
Words to remember
- online — using the internet
- screen — the part of a computer or phone you look at
- chat — a place to type messages
- task — a small piece of work
Questions & answers
Q: How long should an online lesson be?
Thirty to forty-five minutes. Longer lessons lose focus on a screen.
Q: What if the connection is bad?
Turn off the camera and keep the voice. Audio matters more than video.
Q: Should I use slides?
Only if each slide has one idea. Too many words on a slide is a lecture.
Q: How do I check understanding online?
Ask the student to say the answer, not to nod. You cannot see a nod clearly.
Q: Can I teach young children online?
Yes, with short activities and a parent nearby. Ten minutes is enough at first.