By Melissa Saphos
Teaching has always required careful planning, time, reflection, and expertise. The pandemic added another layer of complexity: educators suddenly needed to translate years of classroom practice into an effective online experience. Even the most confident teachers have felt the uncertainty of stepping into digital instruction while still striving to meet learning goals and support every student.
How do you move from familiar routines—face-to-face lessons, in-person rapport, classroom resources—to the broader, less familiar world of remote learning? Working with many teachers during this shift, I’ve seen how dedicated and resilient educators are. Below are practical strategies to help make the transition to online teaching more manageable for both you and your students.
- Ask for help. Reach out to colleagues who already use technology regularly—tech-savvy teachers, instructional coaches, or district technology staff. Instead of starting from scratch, get a quick walkthrough of tools they’ve tested, ask about pros and cons, and request a short demo tailored to your needs.
- Start with what you know. If you have used a few apps or platforms before, begin there. Introducing too many new logins and tools at once can overwhelm students and families. Your priority should be the lesson content, not teaching the application. Familiar tools reduce confusion, increase student comfort, and limit parent frustration.
- Show students you care. Social-emotional support is more important than ever. Students who feel seen and valued are much more likely to engage with learning despite the challenges they face. Be present and upbeat in virtual meetings, allow time for brief personal check-ins, and make room for casual conversation so students feel connected.
- Set the scene. Visual cues and atmosphere matter. Just as classroom decorations help create a welcoming space, a thoughtfully arranged background or simple props can engage students online. If possible, use physical touches like string lights, a small sign, or a themed backdrop. If that’s not feasible, a cheerful virtual background can still add personality and set a positive tone.
- Be flexible. One advantage of digital tools is flexibility—use it. Students’ schedules may be very different now: some are helping siblings, others are working to support their families, and many are learning late into the evening. Insisting on rigid check-in times can create unnecessary stress. When possible, offer flexible deadlines and multiple ways to participate so students who must work at unusual hours can still succeed.
- Be cautious about “free” solutions. Many companies temporarily offer premium services at no cost. While this is a great chance to explore new tools, be mindful that free access may expire. Ask your campus or district technology leaders which programs are being evaluated for long-term adoption. If you find a tool you believe is essential, present clear evidence of its benefits to decision-makers rather than relying on temporary access.
- Let technology work for differentiation. Use platforms that adapt to individual student needs. Several programs offer assessment-driven pathways that provide enrichment, targeted practice, or remediation based on each learner’s level. These adaptive features save teacher time and ensure students receive instruction aligned with their needs.
- Use technology to broaden learning supports. Digital tools can help address language barriers, cultural differences, and social-emotional learning. Look for resources that are customizable and responsive to students’ lived experiences—whether they want to talk about current events, social justice topics, or the pandemic itself. Thoughtful customization can make learning more relevant and supportive.
- Remember that old practices still matter. Not everything from your classroom needs to be abandoned. Move effective practices online—small-group conferences, guided discussions, and structured social time all translate well to virtual environments. These familiar routines help maintain continuity for students.
- Be yourself. Students miss the connections they had with their teachers. Keep whatever makes you uniquely you—your humor, stories, and warmth—within your online presence. Share a light-hearted moment, show a photo of your pet, or tell a brief anecdote. Authenticity helps students feel comfortable and engaged.
About the author
Melissa Saphos is a lifelong educator and Academic Specialist at a regional education service center in Texas. She began teaching informally as a child and has continued to support schools through coaching and training. In response to the coronavirus crisis, Melissa helped convert an entire professional development schedule and a regional conference to a virtual format so districts could continue meeting training and compliance goals and maintain support for students. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaSaphos
This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news media organization focused on the shift toward digital curriculum in education.