When I first ventured into the world of online teaching, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Though the Covid-19 crisis paved the way for online learning in an unprecedented way, to really keep the children engaged for an hour, have them bond in an online environment, and make them want to keep coming back to me was not going to be easy. But what I’ve experienced in the virtual classroom has been nothing short of magical. Watching these young minds respond to my online general knowledge lessons, seeing them debate excitedly, participate in quizzes with a mix of friendly competition and camaraderie, and gradually peel away layers of shyness, has been a high that nothing else can compare to.
It’s in these moments, when I witness a child who was once quiet and hesitant suddenly bursting with opinions, confidently offering solutions, that I realise just how powerful this platform can be. This journey of growth, both theirs and mine, has been unexpectedly therapeutic. The bonds we’ve built, the trust we’ve established, and the joy of seeing these children come into their own in an online space — something I never imagined would be possible — has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching career.
If it were only about delivering content, taking online classes would have been a breeze. But this is a virtual class, with no way of really gauging the expressions of the children, as we can in an offline classroom setting. I remember when I was in college, in one of the lectures on Geoffrey Chaucer, the professor looked at me and asked, “Is the class not interesting today?” I was taken aback because I was neither yawning nor distracted. The professor said to me, “It’s in your eyes!” That’s how easy it is to feel the mood of a student in an offline class. Online is a different story. It’s only when a student starts clamouring for, “Aunty, quiz please!” while I am talking about the Great Fire of London, I realise the topic may not be so “great” after all, and I have to quickly switch gears!
Teaching online is about constantly finding new ways to connect with students who range from curious preschoolers to inquisitive teenagers. I’ve had to become more creative and conscious in how I engage with my students, ensuring that each one feels seen, heard, and valued, even from miles away.
Teaching younger children — four-and-a-half years to six years — keeping their attention, can feel like trying to hold on to a bubble; it’s fleeting and delicate. I was a nervous wreck in the first few classes when I spoke loudly to get their attention, used boring, funny gestures, and was too verbose. The boredom was palpable on their faces. But soon I realised that with a mix of storytelling, interactive games, and vibrant visuals, I managed to turn learning into a lively adventure. The excitement in their voices when they correctly answer a quiz question or the pride they show when they’ve mastered a new concept is infectious.
The older students pose a different challenge — they thrive on discussions, questions, debates, and quizzes. Curious about the world, current affairs, sports, and history, the children love to suddenly stump you with their questions, which is an indication that the class is going in the right direction. These discussions have not only sharpened their thinking but have also built a sense of community among them — something I feared would be lost in the virtual space.
The pros and cons of online teaching
For me, to be able to take the classes online has been a blessing. My classroom isn’t bound by geography. Students from different states of India, Dubai, Singapore, and the UAE bring different perspectives, thus enriching the learning experience. The diversity in my virtual classroom has been a beautiful reminder of how small the world can be when technology bridges the gap.
Online classes also save time and resources. With most cities battling huge traffic, this becomes a convenient option to explore. I have children who join the class immediately after getting back from school. Of course, they have their snack while in class, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s your home and your comfortable space, so learning doesn’t become a chore.
The flexibility that online classes offer is another advantage. A missed class can be easily made up by sharing recorded lessons, and some students find it easier to catch up on the lessons later too.
But digital classrooms are not all roses. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced is the lack of physical interaction. In a traditional classroom, so much of the connection between teacher and student is built through simple gestures — a pat on the back, a reassuring smile, or even just making eye contact. Online, I’ve had to work harder to convey that same level of support and encouragement, often through words alone.
I am always trying to innovate, finding new ways to keep the class entertaining yet meaningful.
Bridging the gap: Forging connection in a virtual world
To make a virtual environment work, I have modelled my classes a certain way. I do not jump into my lesson right away. With the batch size being small (between six and eight), I greet each child by name and ask them about their day, which helps build a sense of community. These small moments of connection set the tone for the rest of the lesson. I also make sure I remember what each child is interested in and try to bring that element into the classroom from time to time. One of my students is very keen on F1, and his face lights up when I nudge him to take the lead if there’s a discussion on a recent race.
I have learnt that digital tools such as virtual whiteboards, polls, and interactive games and quizzes are a great way to engage children. These tools bring my online classroom alive, making the lessons interactive and fun.
Technology being the order of the day, online teaching is here to stay. As teachers, we have to keep innovating and learning new skills to inspire the new generation. It’s challenging, no doubt, but it’s exciting and fulfilling, too.
Jain is a writer, educator, and founder of AcuMinds, which specialises in online learning programmes for children
