46 Create a Plan

Teaching on Zoom is more than sharing slides and talking through content. The best digital synchronous (Zoom) classes create opportunities for students to interact with the material, ask questions, connect with one another, and even apply what they are learning. While the technology may be different, the principles of good teaching remain the same: clear communication, active engagement, meaningful feedback, and a supportive learning environment.

The most common mistake in Zoom teaching is trying to replicate the face-to-face lecture exactly as it would be delivered in a classroom. Instead, think about how you can break up content, invite participation, and keep students involved throughout the session. Small changes can make a significant difference in student engagement and learning.

Whether you are teaching on Zoom or teaching students both in person and online, it is important to plan not only what you will teach but also when and how students will engage with the content. Students are more likely to remain attentive and retain information when they are asked to interact regularly throughout a session rather than passively listen for long periods.

As you design your class session, consider breaking content into smaller chunks and intentionally placing engagement opportunities at approximately 5–10-minute intervals. These interactions can be as simple as a poll, a chat question, a reflection prompt, a discussion, or a collaborative activity. Building these checkpoints into your lesson plan helps maintain attention, provides opportunities to assess understanding, and creates a more active learning experience.

Questions to Consider During Planning

• As you build your lesson, ask yourself:
  • When will students interact with the content?
  • When will students interact with one another?
  • How will I know students understand what I am teaching?
  • What opportunities exist for students to ask questions?
  • How will I include both remote and in-person learners?
  • What accessibility considerations should be incorporated?
  • What will I do if technology does not work as planned?

Example Plan and video explanation of how to add to slides

Example Plan 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_XAUTm7WuM0%3Fsi%3DvIfvUCoawilv3MLr%26enablejsapi%3D1%26version%3D3%26playerapiid%3Dytplayer