Create or research an appropriate online teaching application. The rise in online teaching has given way to several applications created for the sole purpose of online teaching. If the teacher doesn't have the ability to program her own application with a wish list of bells and whistles, there are some specific features that help an online classroom be more effective. Students and teachers need webcam functionality to perform online presentations. The webcam should work in concert with a presentation screen that allows the user to be seen along with his hardcopy presentation. Students need to ability to acknowledge when they want to speak or ask a question. Many applications have a function that allows the student to select a button that allows an icon to appear next to her name showing a raised hand. Compare the features of each application, decide which one accentuates the teacher's style and make a decision about a particular application.
Screen students for computer literacy. Online classroom activity is hindered greatly when students don't understand basic Web functionality. Often, this can be overcome if the students are screened for computer literacy and adjustments are made to account for limitations. The adjustments can include assigning a buddy that is more experienced in online classrooms or developing a tutorial that addresses the basics of online classrooms.
Develop team projects that encourage interaction. Online classrooms are synchronous, meaning students meet for class at the same time, or asynchronous, meaning students meet at their own convenience within a specific time parameter. Both models are effective. Both models also include team projects that encourage student interaction. Online team projects allow students to understand their own strengths and weaknesses, merge those strengths and weaknesses into a team and understand the pitfalls that may occur when team members aren't available face to face. Team projects online develop students in ways that traditional projects can't. When students return to the classroom with their team projects, discussions about subject matter are livelier.
Assess the strengths and weakness of online class. Encourage students to provide as much feedback as possible when a class has ended. Issues with logins or bandwidth are all things to note when attempting to improve the online class for the next session. Attempt to separate issues with the curriculum from online functionality issues, so that improvements are addressed appropriately.