Useful Tips when Teaching Online

1. Set up an adequate working environment: choose a quiet well illuminated room. Ask everybody at
home not to interrupt you for the duration of your lesson. If possible, lock the door.

2. Keep your background simple: you do not need to build out another classroom. In fact, using a solid
background colour is fine since it will not distract your students’ attention. It is also advisable not to
wear clothing that is the same colour as your background. You can also use the videoconference
background provided by Británico.

3. Virtual etiquette is for real: dressing accordingly, preparing your lessons, being on time and paying
attention to your students are the best ways to communicate more effectively and to show
consideration, respect and professionalism.

4. Check your equipment: having a pair of headphones with microphone is essential, if possible have a
spare set. You can also use your mobile phone headset but do not forget to keep the microphone at
a correct distance when you speak. Make sure your camera is positioned at eye level and remember
to choose a comfortable ergonomic chair.

5. Test the software before starting the call: make sure you have a strong Internet/Wi-Fi connection
and that your device is either plugged in or fully charged. Check that both your video and audio
devices are connected and working properly. In Zoom you can do this by going to Settings > Audio >
Test Speaker and Test Mic. You can also join a Zoom Test Meeting in the following link:
https://zoom.us/test.

6. Close other apps for best performance: close any apps you will not need and programs that contain
personal data or use too much CPU power. Too many open apps will slow down your computer while
you are on a video call. In the same way, if anyone else is connected to your Wi-Fi, ask them not to
use Netflix or YouTube to avoid your internet connection slows down.

7. Log onto the call a bit earlier: 15 minutes before is perfect. This will give you time to set up and have
all the necessary programs handy, such as the CPT, an official Power Point template provided by
Británico, or to make any necessary adjustments as activating the chat room or enabling any
necessary keyboard shortcuts (see below).

8. Use your and your students’ microphones wisely: pre-set your meeting to mute participant’s
microphones upon entry. This will help to avoid background noise and allow your students to focus
on your lesson. If you are not talking, mute your microphone as well.

9. Give your students time: when delivering a presentation, sharing images, files or videos, give your
students a moment to open or take in what you have shared. Remember that online documents take
some more seconds to load.

10. Focus: speak to you students as if you are face-to-face with them. Pay attention when they speak and
keep your eyes on the camera to create a more personal connection. If you are using the Breakout
Rooms, continue monitoring them. Basically, treat them the same as you would do in a real-life
lesson.

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ZOOM Keyboard shortcuts

Having worked with a computer for so long enables us to have some knowledge on computer keyboard
shortcuts and Zoom is not the exception. Here, you will find a list of the most useful Zoom keyboard shortcuts
to use before and during your lesson:

Control your audio and video

Start/Stop video Alt + V

Mute/unmute audio Alt + A

Mute/unmute audio for everyone
Alt + M
except host
Launch share screen window and
Alt + S
stop screen share
Pause or resume screen share Alt + T

Control your view

Enter or exit full-screen Alt + F

Display/hide participants panel Alt + U

Display/hide in-meeting chat panel Alt + H

Communicate with others

Raise/lower hand Alt + Y

Gain remote control Alt + Shift + R

Stop remote control Alt + Shift + G

Jump to chat with someone Ctrl + T

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