Classroom Management

The key to a high quality course is its instructors’ ability to manage an online classroom. 

Many instructors who are new to teaching online don’t realize that the best practices used in a traditional environment should not be discarded simply because students are interacting online from remote locations. Online students still need to be managed as a cohesive group of learners. We understand that without a physical classroom presence, the task of truly engaging students may feel daunting.  

So, we gathered resources with strategies that have helped instructors motivate students in class and create engaging online classes. Below are recommendations for McNeese instructors who are looking to continue to offer a student-centered learning experience in an online learning environment teaching remote students.

First Steps to Transitioning On Campus Class to Online Classroom

Tips for transitioning your on campus course to online and keeping your sanity 

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous?

Which will you choose? Live virtual classroom, pre-recorded lectures or no video?

Create a Mobile Friendly Course

Presence in Virtual Classroom

Provide an in-class expe­rience to your online class

Pay attention to facial expressions

Open your class early online and stay logged in a few minutes after class ends

For lectures and larger courses

For seminars and discussion-based courses

For labs, studios, and performance-based courses

Expand your use of online textbook resources

Communication

Decide how will you give feedback on students progress during the semester

Determine communication expectations for the course

Email all students in class through Moodle Announcements

Begin the semester by going over your course as­signments for the coming weeks

Assessable course resources

Activities for students with poor internet or audio connection

Virtual Office Hours

Class participation

Individual Students Attend In-Person Classes (Small, Discussion-Based)

Make participation in activities, discussions and classroom forums mandatory

Classroom Guidance for Student Presentations

Provide suggestions and participate in online forums and discussions

Using chat box in virtual meeting

When not to use the chat box when you can speak instead

Use the discussion tool as a text or video discussion board

Virtual Meeting Discussion Questions

Peer Review Activities

Use BigBlueButton Breakout Rooms

Collaborate and Share

Pre-Recorded Lecture Tips

Tips if you do not use video in classroom: No live or pre-recorded video in class

Make use of external online tools such as Google Drive or Office 365 SharePoint

Department Meetings and Teaching Teams Meetings

Assessments and Exams

Decide what you’re going to do about any high-stakes assessments, particularly exams

Technical Help

Prepare for technology failures

Live Virtual Meeting Troubleshooting Tips


We have added many articles to this knowledgebase to assist you in using Moodle, Microsoft Teams, BigBlueButton, Turnitin, Respondus, SmarterProctoring, ProctorU, RedShelf, and more.  Just type the keywords for the function and features you would like to use in the search bar at the top of this page.  Also, check this page daily for updated resources and content. 

We have also included articles to help with setting up your Moodle course.  Also, check out recommendations for transitioning your on-campus class to an online class fast.