Module 1: Your virtual classroom

Question 1

What might you need to set you up for teaching?

Answer 1

Good internet connection (10mbs+)
Noise-cancelling headphones
Platform of choice
Laptop / Tablet
Notebook / Pen
Quiet place
Clear background

Question 2

What are the platforms you can choose from?

Answer 2

• Skype: easily accessible, user-friendly, used by many teachers already, used globally.
• Zoom: good connection, used by many, good quality, many functions to choose from, screensharing, polls, surveys.
• Google Hangouts: user-friendly, easy to use with other Google products, tried and tested platform.
• Learncube: subscription based, lesson plans A1-C1, general & business English.

Question 3

What does the 3-point lighting technique involve?

Answer 3

• Key light (main)
• Fill light (side)
• Backlight (back)

Question 4

What contact methods can you ask for with your students?

Answer 4

Phone number
WhatsApp
Email Address
Alternative Email
Skype ID
Alternative Platform ID

Always send a welcome note to make sure the contact details are correct!

Question 5

What are some other tools that may be useful to have at hand for teaching?

Answer 5

• Voice recorder
• Lightshot (screen grabs)
• Textivate.com (create interactive reading activities)
• Google Drive: share / homework
• Google Keep: storage space
• Snagit/Jing: screenshots that you can upload into YouTube
• Sticky notes on Chrome
• Online countdown timer

Question 6

What should you consider when practicing and preparing your mini-lesson?

Answer 6

• Dress appropriately.
• Quiet environment.
• Props and materials.
• Tech and audiovisual.
• Create demo slides (intro, props, material covered, smile).

Prepare 1-minute introduction: your background, what you enjoy, why you’re interested in this role, why you want to work with kids.