To create a positive learning environment in virtual meetings, it is important to be clear about how things will be done and what expectations you have around classroom behaviour. Throughout the course, remind students in class about the importance of adhering to the rules of conduct that will promote a positive learning environment for all.

Here are some key items to consider as you prepare to manage the learning environment of a virtual classroom.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Let your students know in advance that the session is being recorded and a link will be posted for those who are unable to join due to illness, time zone differences, etc. Learn more about Informed Student Participation during Class Recordings.

Although it is collegial to see everyone’s faces and see students when they contribute, you can’t force students to turn on their cameras. Learn more about Optional and Occasional Student Webcam Use in Online Synchronous Classes.

Provide Meeting Links

Virtual classroom meeting links should be shared with students at least 3 business days prior to the meeting. Meeting links can be posted directly on your eConestoga course or emailed to students. All meetings should be password protected, so remember to share the passcode for the meeting with students.

Take Attendance

Attendance is critical for monitoring student participation and progress. Some virtual meeting tools, like MS Teams, will take an attendance list for you, but students may not be listed properly if their identity is not verified. You might consider exploring how to Take Attendance in Online Synchronous Classrooms and how to provide Class Attendance and Message Management.

Audio, Video, and Live Captions

Be prepared to mute or disable cameras if students are acting inappropriately. Practice using mute and video settings for participants. Refer students who require tech support to the Tech Tutors (Library Services).

Virtual meeting platforms provide live captioning support. Visit the IT Support page to find more on accessibility nd captions.

Promote Appropriate Conduct

Civil and supportive classroom behaviours are important online. Create a co-authored conduct agreement with the class and/or review the Student Expectations for Online Engagement. If a student behaves in a way that disrupts the learning environment, warn them in class, email them afterwards documenting the problem, and follow up with your Chair if the behaviour continues.

Encourage Non-disruptive Participation

Tell your students how you would like them to participate in various aspects of the class. Use screenshots to teach them to raise their hand, type in the chat box, just start talking, contribute in a breakout room and share a screen of results on return, etc. Guide students as to your expectations for various parts of your delivery.

Lost Connections

Tell students not to panic if they lose connection. Tell them what to do. Should they email you and await the video recording? Respond in eConestoga to a discussion post? Review these tips for how to manage technical difficulties in an online synchronous class.

Provide Cloud-based Recordings of Lessons

The video recording and the chat may be recorded to support learners who were unable to attend or view the entire class. Take some time to learn about Sharing Recordings of Synchronous Class Sessions and how to leverage usage reports and chat histories. Let students know in advance that the meeting will be recorded. This can be done by posting a disclaimer on your eConestoga course or by emailing the class when you share any meeting links that will be recorded.

Leverage Engagement Tools

This video shares key engagement tools you can incorporate into your session.