By Bob Riefstahl
In this article, you’ll find practical, proven strategies to set up your home workspace, choose the right tools, and apply techniques that increase your effectiveness with students, parents, and administrators. Administrators will also discover ways to build team momentum in virtual settings that are difficult to achieve in typical face-to-face encounters. Surprisingly, many educators become more productive working from home than they were in a traditional classroom. These are edited excerpts from the video course “Teaching 2.0 From Home.”
Your Home Office Setup
An effective home office doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does require thoughtful choices. Prioritize clear audio, a camera that sits at eye level, and a neutral, professional background so viewers stay focused on your message.
- Audio – Always put audio first. Students and parents must hear you clearly to absorb information in a virtual environment. Use a dedicated condenser microphone rather than your laptop’s built-in mic. If your home has background noise (pets, siblings, street sounds), consider a noise-canceling headset or USB microphone to minimize distractions and improve clarity.
- Video – Being visible matters. Dress appropriately and make sure you present a professional appearance. Laptop cameras often sit too low and produce unflattering angles; raise your laptop to eye level or use an external webcam. Affordable options such as mid-range webcams provide sharper images and allow for adjustable mounting, helping you maintain a comfortable, eye-level perspective.
- Background – What’s behind you is part of your message. Open your camera app and check the frame: avoid showing the ceiling, a bright window, or distracting clutter. Aim for a calm, neutral backdrop—bookshelves, a tidy wall, plants, or framed images work well. If you don’t want a permanent setup, a folding room divider or static cling whiteboard sheets can hide clutter and create a consistent, professional background.
Using Tools
Web conferencing platforms are filled with features that, when used well, make remote teaching more engaging. Learn the essentials of your district’s chosen tool and add complementary apps only when they clearly improve interaction.
- Know your web tool – Most districts use one primary conferencing platform (for example, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, or similar). Learn to navigate its basic features—chat, screen or application sharing, video control, and participant management—so you can move smoothly between activities. Use the chat early to welcome participants and model the type of interaction you expect, which helps quieter students participate.
- Private vs. public chat – Understand the difference between private messages and group chat in your platform. Mistaking a public channel for a private message can lead to embarrassing or unprofessional moments. When you need to message colleagues, use a separate messaging app or your phone to avoid accidental public posts during a live session.
- Screen vs. application sharing – Sharing your entire screen exposes every notification and open app. When possible, share only the specific application or window you want students to see (presentation, spreadsheet, etc.). Before sharing, disable notifications or enable presentation/do not disturb mode to avoid interruptions and maintain a focused session.
Techniques
To make lessons stick and reduce off-task behavior in the virtual classroom, apply a few simple behavioral and instructional techniques designed for remote learning.
- Mirror neurons and video – Being on camera matters because people respond to facial expressions and body language. Research on mirror neurons shows that viewers often “mirror” the emotions they see; a genuine smile can make a positive message more persuasive. Be deliberate with facial expressions and maintain “eye contact” by looking into the camera lens, not at your screen.
- Whiteboarding – Replacing in-class whiteboard collaboration can be low-tech or digital. Options include a handheld whiteboard you hold up to the camera, a wall-mounted whiteboard located near your webcam, or a digital whiteboard tool paired with a touch screen or digital pen. Simple, portable whiteboards are inexpensive and effective; static cling erasable sheets offer a non-permanent alternative for home walls.
- Use student names – Multitasking during virtual sessions is a common problem. People can’t truly attend to more than one thing at once, so to regain attention, call students by name in full sentences: “Jamal, I have a question for you.” Hearing their name prompts immediate re-engagement and brings their attention back to the lesson.
Momentum
Teaching from home doesn’t have to disrupt instructional momentum; in many cases it can accelerate learning if you combine live sessions with recorded content and thoughtful pacing.
- Personal video – Use short recorded videos to flip the classroom: record a lesson for students to watch before a live session, then use synchronous time for practice, discussion, and feedback. Recorded explanations can also clarify complex topics after class or preview upcoming content. This approach increases individualized attention and allows students to learn at their own pace.
- Authenticity over perfection – Students value authenticity. Your recorded lessons don’t need polished production; natural pauses and the occasional stumble can make content more relatable. Re-record only when necessary. Overproducing can reduce the personal connection that helps students engage.
- Teleprompting vs. notes – If you need precision for recorded presentations, teleprompter apps on a mobile device are an affordable option. Many educators, however, find a small sticky note placed near the camera works well for reminders and prompts without compromising eye contact.
About the author
Bob Riefstahl founded 2Win! Global with the idea that focusing on correcting bad habits, as well as adopting best practices, helps professionals stand out. He is a practical senior executive who helps educators and leaders advance their careers and effectiveness.
Note: This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news hub focused on the shift to digital curriculum in education.