45 Digital & In person Class – Tips

Teaching students who attend both in person and via Zoom at a differnt location can feel a bit like hosting two audiences at once. The challenge is not simply managing the technology; it is ensuring that all students feel included in the learning experience, regardless of where they participate.

Remote students often report feeling like observers rather than participants when classroom conversations focus primarily on those in the room. The goal of simultaneous teaching is to create one learning community where all students can contribute, interact, and learn together.

Before Class

A little preparation goes a long way. Before class begins, make sure your technology is working and that remote students can hear discussions, see instructional materials, and participate in activities. In many cases, audio quality is more important than video quality, so pay particular attention to microphones and classroom sound.

Providing materials digitally also helps create a more equitable experience by ensuring that all students have access to the same resources.

Before Class Begins

• • Check microphones and cameras
  • Enable captions
  • Share materials digitally
  • Test Zoom and classroom technology
  • Have a backup plan for technical issues

Teaching Both Groups Effectively

One of the easiest ways to support both groups of students is to think “digital first.” When everyone participates using the same tools, whether they are sitting in the classroom or joining remotely, the learning experience becomes more consistent and inclusive.

For example, instead of asking only in-person students to discuss with a neighbor, consider using a shared document, poll, discussion board, or digital whiteboard that allows everyone to contribute.

During Class

• • Acknowledge both in-person and remote students
  • Repeat in-person questions before answering
  • Read chat comments aloud
  • Pause regularly to check in with remote learners
  • Use activities that include everyone

Keeping Everyone Engaged

In a simultaneous classroom, it is easy to focus on the students you can see. Building intentional opportunities for participation helps ensure that remote students remain active contributors rather than passive observers.

Engagement can be as simple as asking students to respond to a poll, contribute to a shared document, discuss a case study, or answer a reflection question. The key is to create opportunities where all students can participate in the same activity.

Ideas for Engagement

• • Polls and knowledge checks
  • Shared notes or collaborative documents
  • Digital whiteboards
  • Case study discussions
  • Reflection and application activities

Accessibility and Inclusion

When teaching in multiple environments, accessibility becomes even more important. Remote students should be able to hear discussions clearly, view materials easily, and participate without barriers. Captions, accessible course materials, and thoughtful communication practices help create a more inclusive experience for everyone.

If students cannot hear the conversation, see the content, or find a way to contribute, they are likely to disengage. Small adjustments can help prevent those challenges before they occur.

Accessibility Check

• • Everyone can hear discussions clearly
  • Captions are enabled
  • Materials are accessible
  • Visual content is described verbally
  • Students have multiple participation options

Teaching simultaneously in Zoom and in person is not about creating two separate classes. It is about creating one learning experience that welcomes students wherever they are. When you focus on clear communication, active participation, accessibility, and connection, both groups of learners are more likely to feel engaged, supported, and successful.