In 2020, the world drastically changed due to the pandemic—this brought a drastic change in everyone's lifestyle. Schools are operating online, and classes are taking place through the virtual medium. Now, the traditional classroom and education institutions are a thing of the past. Even as the world gets back to its normal, virtual classrooms are bound to become the new normal. So, it has become crucial for teachers and students to manage virtual classrooms.

It has been more than a year, but the situation is still the same. It has started taking a toll on teachers as well as students. Virtually, students are easily distracted, and teachers have to put a lot of effort into engaging students. Practical learnings and engaging students at the same time is not an easy task. Teachers are responsible for the students' learnings and behavior in the classrooms. Even teachers got out of their comfort zones, learned to use technology, and planned new ways of learning. Here, we understand how difficult it is getting for teachers to engage the students and maintain the decorum of the class. So, here we are to help you on how to manage a virtual classroom efficiently and effectively.

ADDRESS DISCIPLINE AND FORMULATE RULES

The first and foremost thing about the classroom or any place is to maintain discipline, and it is essential to establish a proper code of conduct, rules, and regulations. When both the students and teachers are at home, in their comfortable environment, and attending a virtual classroom, it is natural for the students to take education lightly. Set rules regarding student's discipline, class participation, and the entire virtual classroom process.

Here are some ways in which you can implement classroom norms and rules for the open virtual classroom.

Dress Code:

Work from home and classes from home has lost the meaning of school uniforms and dress codes. If your students are attending in pajamas and shorts, then it is not done. Students won't take classes seriously and won't study. Uniforms and proper dresses impact the behavior and how a person feels, and it leaves an impression on your fellow batchmates and the teachers.

Punctuality:

Yes, you can make students be on time for your classes, even in the virtual mode. There are some perks of technology. Virtual classrooms enable you to permit your students to join the class. If a student comes to class late, you have the right not to admit the student in the classroom. This will help students to take classes seriously and be on time, similarly to traditional classrooms.

Be Respectful:

Attending classes from a sofa or lying on the bed shows disrespect. Instead, ask your students to sit on a chair and table. Keep their cameras on so you can see each other and have an interactive class. Do not let any student engage in misconduct with anyone.

ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN CLASS

One of the essential things is to have an interactive class. When only teachers are speaking, and students are listening, it gets pretty dull. So to encourage students to be attentive in the class, ask questions, interact with them, have debates, etc.
Assignments and group projects can be fun for students. Divide students into diverse groups and assign tasks to them. In this way, students will also interact among themselves and make friends online. Keep track of students' activities, and keep motivating them. Motivate students, have brainstorming sessions, encourage healthy competition.

INCLUDE A FUN AND FRIENDLY TEACHING PROCESS

One of the best ways to make classes fun, light, and effective is to include gamification. Online games are excellent for virtual classroom engagement. Students love to play games, and with the help of games, they become invested in the classrooms. And, of course, who doesn't love a teacher who lets the students play.
Charades and Pictionary games are two popular online games teachers can include in their classes. For example, practical classes like science labs can be pretty fun with Pictionary games. Use pictures of funnels, beakers, and other lab equipment and ask students to take a guess. Give points to the students giving correct answers and declare the winner at the end.
Such modified games make classes interactive, fun, and easy to understand for students.

HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH STUDENTS

Interact with your students on a regular basis. Managing a virtual classroom becomes easy when you interact with your students and ask for the students' feedback and suggestions. Virtually you are not physically present with your students, so here emotionally connecting with students helps. It makes students more attentive and responsive in your classes. Have regular conversations with your students and talk to them about their interests, hobbies, worries, and fears. Staying in the home has increased students' stress levels and took a toll on their mental health. Being regularly updated with the students helps in virtual classroom engagement.

APPRECIATE YOUR STUDENTS

This trick has been around for a very long. It is the simplest way to increase classroom participation. Positive feedbacks and praises encourage students to interact in class more and present their views in the class. So, when you find something good in a student, appreciate them. Looking at this, other students will also get motivated to do the same.
Virtual classroom management is indeed a lot of effort, but Eduwity makes it easy. Eduwity focuses on all aspects of learning, especially eLearning, and gives your educational institute the agility to supercharge your learning program. Connect with us today to know how Eduwity can expertly support your institute's needs.