1. Create Consistency - Online or blended learning in intimidating and overwhelming for students as well as teachers. It is helpful if students know what to expect. Consider using a weekly lesson plan template or calendar that adheres to a consistent daily routine. Sharing this plan at the beginning of the week can reduce anxiety for students and give them time to mentally prepare for a new environment for learning.
2. Keep It Simple - It is not about doing more! Online or blended learning should continue to focus on pedagogy just as classroom instruction would. It's not about how much technology you can include in your lessons, but the effectiveness and purpose of the technology. Incorporating too much without purpose or organization can lead to cognitive overload resulting in a reduction in learning.
3. Give Students Choice - As students are coping with a new normal, giving them a choice can help reduce stress and improve performance. Consider using choice boards or giving students more than one option to interact with the content being presented.
4. Include Interaction - Interaction can be teacher/student, student/student, or student/content. Interaction is necessary for learning to occur! Consider providing written or verbal feedback to students. Feedback can be provided via audio recording or during face to face video lessons.
