An overview of key skills

While the principles of teaching and learning remain the same across different teaching contexts, teaching online requires some new skills, as well as the adaptation of existing skills to suit the digital environment.

So what key skills and techniques do online teachers need to employ when teaching online? For example, being able to work with technology is a key skill.

Task 1

In the video, our teachers talk about key skills and techniques. What do you think they’re going to say? Which skills and techniques used in face-to-face teaching can teachers adapt for the digital classroom? Make a list of your ideas before you watch the video.

Task 2

Now, watch the video and check your predictions. Which skills and techniques do the teachers in the video mention?

Check your answers

To find out more about the key skills an online teacher needs, read Cecilia Nobre’s article here on the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face. As an experienced online teacher, Cecilia examines six key teaching skills and suggests useful online tools to help put them into practice.

Reflect and share

One of the key skills for online teachers mentioned in the video is establishing and building rapport. How do you think an online teacher of English can develop good rapport with their learners and maintain motivation throughout a lesson? Share at least one idea in the comments. Read other participants’ comments and like the ideas that you want to try.