Here are some beneficial tips that I've learned along the way of teaching online.
Set up a Quiet Workspace
Firstly, set up a workspace. If possible, this space should be intended for work only. You want this space to be friendly and inviting, but also encourage productive work behavior. Keep your work environment free of distractions like television, other family members, or household chores. Natural lighting and an ergonomic chair can go a long way in setting up your ideal work environment.
Master the Technology
Teaching online requires a certain technical finesse if you will. No, tech support is not right down the hall, but you’ve got this! First and foremost, invest in the right hardware and software. You need a reliable computer, a strong internet connection, and the best platform to meet your needs.
What is your Plan-B?
It’s important to have a contingency plan, which in this case means, having a plan of action for when something does go wrong. For example, if everything goes wrong, have an email ready to send to your students, with a new schedule or a recorded video to make up for it.
Create Variety
Offer your students variety. People are different types of learners, so having this variety will ensure your students get the same opportunities to learn. Apart from the live classes, try giving your students recorded videos or images that help you explain something. You can also create workbooks in a PDF format, slide decks, etc.
Back to Back Lessons
Having four lessons back to back can be brutal. Not only is this exhausting, but it’s a nightmare preparing properly for the next lesson. One thing you can do is this: don’t make yourself available for all hours between say 9-5. Break your day into blocks that can be booked. You can either do one hour blocks with a half-hour block in between or maybe 2-hour blocks if you don’t mind having a couple back to back. Remember, you have the freedom to make your calendar.