SUGGESTIONS FOR BEST PRACTICE IN A
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Course Delivery Strategies
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Modify test delivery, such as essay questions via Skype
○ www.skype.com
Use read-alongs and audiofiles for supporting reading of lessons
○ www.naturalreaders.com
○ www.readplease.com
Use one-to-one tutorials via webinar or over the phone
Recommend peer and online tutoring
○ http://bjpinchbeck.com/
(homework helper)
○ www.algebra.com/tutors/
(free algebra tutoring)
○ http://74.81.197.188/index.aspx
(free math tutoring)
http://www.khanacademy.org/#browse
(free Khan Academy tutorials)
Provide multiple resets of exams
Highlight main ideas and supporting details in text
○ "Awesome Highlighter"
(www.awesomehighlighter.com)
Provide reading/organizational strategies such as KWLs and other graphic
organizers
○ www.quizlet.com
Strategies for Retaining and Retrieving Information
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Use multi-modalities (visual, auditory, tactile) to teach the same concept
http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategyguides/teaching-with-multiple-modalities-30101.html
Teach vocabulary in context
http://www.readingcomprehensionconnection.com/reading_lesson.php
Use cues and prompts
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Use graphic organizers
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Use frequent repetition of key points
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Break down instructional units into smaller steps
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Show relationships among concepts through graphs, outlines, and webbing
http://www.chartgo.com/
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/create-a-documentoutline-RZ006105145.aspx
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Highlight important information
http://www.awesomehighlighter.com/
Use color coding to show concepts and relationships
http://cacoo.com/
http://www.mindmeister.com/
Teach mnemonics as a memory tool
http://www.eudesign.com/mnems/_mnframe.htm
Teach visual imagery
http://slincs.coe.utk.edu/gtelab/learning_activities/25barp.html
Use lists
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Use a matrix to organize information
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Use pictographs
http://academic.pgcc.edu/~blewis/productivity/guides/TIP2.HTM
Behavioral Strategies
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Maintain frequent contact with parents in addition to monthly calls
Consider use of weekly progress report
○ http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/contract/
(Parent-teacher-student contract)
Review test-taking strategies and tips about test anxiety with students
Remain supportive and encouraging in your calls, emails and sessions
Consider creative ways to reach students using ecards, recorded messages,
instagrams, facebook, scheduled reminders and twitter
Online Presentation Strategies
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Provide supplemental material for extra practice (i.e., outlines, study guides.)
○ http://www.studygs.net/online/onlinetest.htm
(Study tips for online tests)
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Give both oral and visual instructions for assignments, such as Jings or Xtranormal
videos
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Provide for oral or alternate language testing
Ask student to repeat directions/assignments to insure understanding
Provide options for presentation of assignments, such as podcasts or videos
During live lessons, provide students with outlines, key vocabulary formulas,
timelines and other reference resources.
Keep PowerPoints simple with graphics to accompany text. Provide more detailed
information on a handout for students to print.
Try pictures without text on slides. It eliminates students trying to read and listen to
you at the same time.
Use a private Instant Messenger line to answer questions during presentations.
Don’t be afraid to use the video feature.
Document accommodations made in your webinar.
Make sessions interactive with the polling features, games, and breakout rooms.
Methodology Strategies
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Repeat and simplify instructions about in-class and homework assignments
Supplement verbal instructions with visual instructions
Incorporate differentiated instruction based on all learning types
○ Learning Styles Quiz
(http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/)
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Educational Rap
(http://www.educationalrap.com/music)
Virtual Instructional Strategies
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Phone Calls
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Individualized One on One Instruction
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Appropriate Wait/Think Time
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Use of a virtual office
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Additional Visual Support
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Use Videos, PowerPoints, Web Tours(Meets Various Learning Styles)
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Group students according to courses they are taking
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Create study groups with facilitator
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Build in time for technology frustrations
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Use Text/Screen Readers
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Chunk material into manageable sections
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Set small goals
Discussion Based Assessments with your ESE Students
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Build relationships
E-mail general discussion topics ahead of time
Reduce anxiety
Rephrase your questions
Share your desktop so that students can show you their work and reference the
lessons when necessary
Monitor parent activity on behalf of the student
General Guidelines for Curriculum Development
Curriculum checklist (1 page guide)
http://www.cte.unt.edu/home/special_pops/modifications.pdf
Types of curriculum adaptations (1 page guide)
http://www.grandviewlibrary.org/CurriculumAdaptations/NineTypes.pdf
Curriculum Modifications and Adaptations (Process Document)
http://www.spannj.org/pti/Curriculum_Modifications_and_Adaptations.pdf
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/