Making Online Classes Visible & Effective

Since the pandemic, many classes have transitioned to online formats. During the two years of the pandemic, most classes, both nationally and internationally, were held online. Even after the pandemic, many colleges continue to offer some classes online or hybrid. While online classes have their advantages and disadvantages, the shift in Nepal is still significant. Many institutions in Nepal now offer online classes too, might also be the influence of the pandemic’s impact. Before this, students were often unfamiliar with learning management systems (LMS), which were primarily limited to platforms like Google. Over time, they started using Mendeley for referencing, audio-visual learning methods, PPT slides, interactive multimedia presentations, and smart boards. 

However, other LMS platforms— such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Desire2Learn which seem to be important platforms to remain visible and approachable to students in online classes — have not gained prominence yet like we do see the in American education system. Despite the merits and demerits of online education compared to in-person classes, it is crucial for educators in Nepal to focus on how to make online classes as visible and approachable as in-person sessions. Creating a sense of presence and approachability in online education can help bridge the gap between the online environment and traditional face-to-face learning.

Engagement 

To maintain visibility and approachability, there must be constant communication between instructors and students. Research suggests that teachers should engage with students for at least an hour a day, five days a week. Active participation and discussion are key components of successful online learning. Students should be encouraged to engage by answering questions and interacting with their peers. Research also emphasizes that instructors should not respond to every student individually for every discussion, as this may make students overly dependent on the teacher and hinder critical thinking. Instead, students should be encouraged to conduct independent research, create new knowledge, and share insights with their peers. This collaborative approach is vital for fostering a sense of community.

From my 14 years of teaching experience, I have learned the importance of maintaining communication with students through various means — email, text messages, phone calls, and online platforms like Canvas or Blackboard. These platforms help create a sense of responsibility among students, ensuring they stay engaged and connected with the instructor. This approach also makes the instructor more visible and approachable. In addition to communication, teachers should consider using videos, PowerPoint presentations, and other resources to engage students. Encouraging students to actively participate in discussions and write reflective papers further enhances visibility and approachability. It is also helpful to allow students to contact the instructor directly, especially in urgent situations, as this reinforces the instructor’s presence.

Additionally, instructors should adopt strategies such as pre- and post-exams, reading assignments, and summarising them to incorporate into online discussions. The active involvement of the instructor in these activities helps establish a connection with students, giving them the sense of having an in-person learning experience. Providing students with sample posts, rubrics, and ample feedback in the early weeks of the course is also important for guiding them toward effective participation. These actions demonstrate the instructor’s active presence and make the online learning experience more engaging and connected.

Setting up remote conferences where students are required to participate and interact with the instructor also helps establish visibility and foster critical thinking. Guiding students and providing direct feedback on assignments, particularly in the context of writing, is crucial for improving their work and increasing the teacher's presence. In the context of Nepal, where online education is less established compared to systems in the US or Europe, these strategies are even more important. Teachers need to ensure that online education is as engaging and accessible as in-person learning.

AI challenges 

The rise of AI presents a new challenge. Many students are relying on AI-generated content, which can hinder critical thinking and the development of persuasive arguments. Teachers’ visibility is essential in addressing this issue. It may be beneficial to find creative ways to integrate AI into writing assignments. For example, instructors could ask students to use AI tools to generate responses and then compare them with their own ideas. This exercise would not only help students critically engage with AI but also encourage active participation in class discussions, enhancing both visibility and approachability.

In conclusion, to maintain visibility and approachability in online classrooms, instructors must actively engage with students, encourage critical thinking, and ensure active participation in discussions. By using effective learning management tools and designing assignments that foster student engagement, teachers can create a more dynamic and interactive online learning environment. These strategies are especially important for instructors in Nepal, where the online education system is still evolving, to make the education process more effective and meaningful.

(Dr. Acharya is director of Social Sciences Department of NIRI (Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation)