Making virtual learning engaging and interactive

Sweetman, David S.

This article provides practical perspective and guidance for transitioning from in‐person to virtual learning. Student engagement is emphasized through providing synchronous and highly interactive virtual learning sessions. This approach not only improves student outcomes related to class, but also is related to strong student mental health. Technological considerations are explored surrounding how to select a video conferencing platform that will enable engagement. Key functionality recommended includes the ability to share audio and video of both instructor and students, virtual hand raising and other signaling capabilities, hosting of small group discussions within the larger class, concurrent chat capabilities, and the crowd‐sourcing of questions. The implications of this functionality from a learning perspective are discussed. Empathy and flexibility in accommodating diverse and evolving student scenarios is also discussed. The importance of setting norms and expectations provides a foundation for the class, both during class sessions as well as in providing a framework within which students conceptualize group work. This article ends by looking ahead at near‐term implications of teaching during a global pandemic.