Description: Great live lessons don\u2019t require a camera. We share 7 strategies to help you engage students with audio-only live lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n
Images:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Microphone<\/li>
- TeacherSpeakingToMic<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
How to Create Engaging Camera-Free Live Lessons<\/h1>\n\n\n
At Wacom we want to help teachers feel confident about moving to distance teaching. That\u2019s why we\u2019re creating useful resources for educators to use Wacom in their virtual classrooms.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
When we talk to teachers, we hear a common problem many of you are facing. Teaching live lessons without a camera. It can be difficult enough engaging students when they\u2019re in front of you, so how can you keep them learning when they can\u2019t see your face?<\/p>\n\n\n
Don\u2019t panic. We\u2019ve got seven suggestions to help you create live virtual lessons that keep your class engaged and enjoying learning without needing to see your face.<\/p>\n\n\n
Why are some teachers doing no-camera live lessons?<\/h2>\n\n\n
There\u2019s no single reason why many teachers have turned their cameras off. You might not have a high-quality video camera at home. Or maybe you just feel uncomfortable showing your face online? You\u2019re not alone if you worry that students could inappropriately use your image.<\/p>\n\n\n
Perhaps you have concerns around security after hearing of lessons ruined by \u2018zoom-bombing\u2019<\/a>? Or are you following your school\u2019s safeguarding guidance? Schools want to reduce any risk to students or staff so many stop you using your webcam.<\/p>\n\n\n
Whatever your reason for not using a camera during live lessons, there are plenty of ways you can still make them engaging. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n
1: Use visual images<\/h2>\n\n\n
Turning off your camera doesn\u2019t mean students staring at a blank screen. Think about what you can show your learners.<\/p>\n\n\n
Don\u2019t just read out text displayed on the screen. Reduce cognitive load<\/a> by adding visuals that support rather than duplicate what you\u2019re saying. Use countdown clocks to show the time to complete tasks and share useful resources and vocabulary they might need.<\/p>\n\n\n
Use images and presentations to keep your lesson visually interesting. Choose pictures and diagrams that support learning. Using a pen tablet lets you draw, annotate and highlight easily in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n
2: Use your voice<\/h2>\n\n\n
Plenty of children enjoy listening to podcasts and radio shows. Think about what makes these engaging when there\u2019s nothing to watch. Make it enjoyable to listen to you.<\/p>\n\n\n
Be positive and welcoming and take charge of the lesson immediately. Use student names and refer to their favourite things like hobbies and sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n
Avoid boring, monotone lectures. Children will stop listening within six minutes. Break up long speech with activities and games and encourage them to contribute their ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n
Add interest to your voice by varying pitch, volume, speed, and tone. Imagine you\u2019re on a stage and speak slowly and clearly. Over-exaggerate everything, subtlety is lost online. That doesn\u2019t mean being fake. Simply be the most lively and excited version of yourself possible.<\/p>\n\n\n
3: Plan lessons well <\/h2>\n\n\n
This is not the time to teach off the cuff. You\u2019ll end up rambling on for too long and losing the interest of your class. Use a script or story board to plan each section of your lesson carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n
Think about the key point of the class. What is the one thing students should learn? How can you make sure they learn it? Use recaps and formative assessment to check their understanding throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n4: Create strong routines<\/h2>\n\n\n
Students learn best when there\u2019s a familiar structure to follow. Dedicate time at the start of each lesson to remind them of how to use features like the \u2018hands up\u2019 button and chat bar. Email before class to remind them of your expectations and any equipment they must have ready.<\/p>\n\n\n
Set a routine for starting each lesson and stick to it. Students should join with their cameras and microphones off and raise hands rather than shouting out. Minimising these disruptions will help your lessons run smoothly and keep everyone engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n
5: Plan your timings<\/h2>\n\n\n
Don\u2019t replicate a traditional full lesson. Live classes should be much shorter with good pace and an obvious purpose to the learning. Students lose interest within just a few minutes of speech, so break your lesson up with active learning opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n