Attn in a Virtual Classroom 1

Attention in a Virtual Classroom
Let's Talk
instead of:
try this:
Requiring students to
leave cameras on during
the duration of the lesson
and maintain eye
contact...
Let students have a choice
in whether they use
cameras. Allow virtual
backgrounds and pointing
cameras at a ceiling.
Connecting students’
video use and eye contact
time to participation
points, grading or the
ability to stay in the
virtual classroom...
Ask real-time questions to
assess for understanding.
Allow for responses with
audio, chatbox or nonverbal
tools.
Why does this matter?
EQUITY. SAFETY. PRIVACY. PERSONAL CHOICE
Discomfort inviting others into personal spaces and
homelife dynamics
Feeling shy or anxious being viewed on camera
Focusing on visual cues can distract from learning
("Zoom fatigue")
Fear or concern with images being shared, captured or
manipulated
like teaching to a
Don't
screen? blank
Teach students how to set
their profile photos to a
Bitmoji or photograph.
Focus on building a sense of
community and developing
relationships. With more
comfort comes more trust.
compassion, give
Show
grace
This is a challenging time for
everyone; including you.
If students are struggling to
show attentiveness, ask
questions rather than make
assumptions about their
actions or discipline for lack of
engagement.
Created by Krissy Purcell and based on the work of Torrey Trust, Ph.D. ; licensed under CC BY SA NC 4.0