1. Click the “+” button to begin.

2. Write your reflection — share your thoughts, experiences, or insights.

3. (Optional) Add an image of a gif to make your post more personal or festive.

4. Click “Publish” to share it with others.

5. Engage with your colleagues — leave a comment or like on their posts to show your support.

Alveiro

I agree that sometimes when we teach online we attach to the chair like it is our life jacket.About the lighting you can buy a ring light if the lighting of your room is too bad.

Yeison Diaz

As it shows in the picture this is my setting. I also have a ring light for the lighting. Let's try some new things in this new year.

Edna.

I have always been a teacher who moves a lot—even when sitting down. Now, I imagine that by implementing new ideas such as teaching while standing, I will have even more opportunities to incorporate movement into my classes. This approach will allow me to stay dynamic and make my lessons more engaging and effective.

Elizabeth Garro

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences—it's been interesting to read different perspectives. After watching the video and reflecting on my own practice, here are some changes I'd like to make to my online teaching environment:

I want to experiment with standing while I teach. I usually sit, but I think standing could help me use more natural gestures and keep my energy level up throughout the session. That might also help students stay more engaged.

I also plan to adjust my lighting setup. Right now, my face can look a bit shadowy, and I think better lighting would help students see my expressions more clearly, which is important for building connection.

Another thing I'd like to work on is my voice modulation. I want to be more conscious of varying my tone and pace to keep things dynamic and hold students' attention, especially during longer explanations.

These are small changes, but I think they could make a real difference in how connected and engaged my students feel.

However, I still need to improve my lighting. Even though I have tried using different lamps, I believe I need to work more on this to make my online classes better.

Verónica Delgado Rojas

Ángela Botero Cabral

I think these are excellent tips. As online teachers, we tend to get really tired; our eyes hurt, our posture suffers, and we spend so much time sitting down. Sometimes classes can even feel a bit monotonous. We focus a lot on making our lessons more dynamic in terms of content and teaching strategies, but we often forget about ourselves.

We are the ones delivering the knowledge, and the way we explain things is essential!

I’m definitely going to apply these tips in my online classes!! I tend to gesture a lot, I speak with my whole body, and I know that doing this will give me more freedom during class instead of feeling trapped inside a little box on the screen.

Standing allows you to move more naturally and use your body language in a more intentional way. This can be particularly helpful with lower-level groups, where gestures and physical expression support comprehension. I also liked the idea of being more aware of arm movements within the small camera frame students can see. Unlike face-to-face classes, online teaching limits our physical presence, so we need to maximize that visible space.

I believe incorporating more movement and intentional gestures could improve clarity, maintain attention, and strengthen the emotional connection with students. When they perceive more energy and expressiveness from the teacher, they are more likely to feel motivated and involved in the learning process. -MANUELA ECHEVERRI

First, for clarity, I would use simpler slides, give clearer instructions, and summarize key points at the end of each activity.

Second, for engagement, I would include more interactive tasks like polls, short discussions, and chat questions to keep students active.

Finally, to improve emotional connection, I would greet students by name, show more enthusiasm, and give positive feedback to create a supportive environment.

Tatiana Ramírez G.

I really liked the tips provided on the video. I would practice teaching while standing since I believe in the effectiviness that it could have. Besides, this can also be an opportunity for students to keep their attention for a long time and it can be useful as a brain break.

All the tips suggested in the video are valid

and useful when teaching online. About teaching standing up: I have never tried, but I would like to do it because it will help my back and, at the same time, feel like a break.

Cristina Trujillo.

Honestly, I hadn't really thought about this before, because I was more focused on my lesson content than on my posture or setup. But after watching the video, I realized that small things like teaching while standing, improving lighting, and adjusting my camera can make my explanations clearer, my classes more engaging, and help me connect better with my students.

These tips are really helpful for improving my online classes. Paying attention to posture is paramount since this simple thing can energize students and draw their attention. Standing up when possible sounds fun, eventhough , I had never considered it. Good tips to create a more dynamic learning environment.

Body language is crucial in helping our students connect more with English and with our explanations, so I will be more mindful of this aspect. I also loved the DIY standing desk ideas, as being more active while teaching can be very beneficial. I will try to implement these tips the next time I am assigned an online course.

I realized how much my physical presence really matters in an online class. One change I would definitely make is standing while I teach instead of sitting. When standing, my posture is better, my voice would sound stronger, and my energy would feel more natural. I think that kind of energy helps students stay engaged. I would also pay more attention to how I speak and how I come across on camera. Smiling more, using simple hand gestures, and changing my tone when something is important can make the lesson feel more natural and engaging. Little things like that can help students understand better and feel more connected.

Nora L. Arroyave

Santiago Oliver

Andrés Carmona

María Mercedes Gómez Correa

Another change I would make is improving my lighting. Sometimes I try to show my facial expressions clearly because I believe that when we teach English, body language plays a very important role in communication. Having better lighting would help my students see my expressions and gestures more clearly, which can make explanations easier to understand. According to recommendations for online teaching, proper lighting and a clear visual presence can improve students’ engagement and help them focus on the lesson.

Finally, I would continue working on creating a more dynamic and interactive environment. I think that encouraging students to participate actively, asking questions frequently, and including interactive tasks can strengthen the emotional connection between the teacher and the students, making the online class feel more natural and engaging. Interactive participation is essential because online lessons should not be a monologue but a two way interaction between teachers and students. -SEBASTIAN RAMIREZ

On the other hand, I always maintain a positive attitude and am very open to comments or suggestions that my students consider crucial. I have had the opportunity to teach some students both in person and virtually, and they notice that I am always energetic and willing to help them.

Yerson Mejía B

(D.G.G)

Second, I would improve the lighting and camera position so my face is clearly visible. Good lighting can help students see my facial expressions, which is important for communication and emotional connection.

Finally, I would try to use more gestures, eye contact with the camera, and interactive materials such as slides or images. These small details can make the class more engaging and help students feel more connected and comfortable during online lessons.

-Adriana Ricard

I would like to organize my teaching space so I can stand comfortably while teaching, with the camera positioned to clearly show my upper body and movements. This can make the virtual class feel more interactive and help students feel more connected to the teacher.

I found the video very interesting. One thing that I am already implementing and will continue to implement is engaging body language, because I agree with what Bridget said. I really feel that body language makes everything much more engaging. I like to use a lot of facial expressions, move my hands while speaking. However, something I had not really considered before is good lighting. If students cannot clearly see my gestures, it becomes harder for them to connect with me and with what I am saying or the feedback I am giving. That is something I will definitely consider much more from now on.

I think this is so helpful. Especially for teachers who are new to online courses. Something I always find frustrating is the lighting during conferences or meetings. I believe these aspects are really an eye opener for all of us to make us be better.

Ronald Hoyos Goez

Personally I don't feel comfortable standing up and talking through a screen, for me it's quite odd. however I have a very comfortable chair and it works for me perfectly, Also I try to set my laptop far from me so students see my gestures, as the video says, students feel your energy, so when they see you doing different gesture they feel more engage in class.

• Isabella Guarín :)

I think I have a nice and comfortable setup for my online courses. At home, I have an office type of chair, I have natural lightning, I use a computer base so I can move back a little. This has allowed me to have a proper posture and use my body language. I think standing up is a great idea for some moments in the class, depending on the activity perhaps and to engange students as well to make a brief active pause, too. It is also true that if your energy is low, it is more likely that the one of the students is too. So, keeping up the energy, using our body language, the lightning and the backdrops will definately make a difference.

Teaching online while standing up can be very beneficial, not only to project confidence and authority, but also for physical well-being. Sitting for long periods can be exhausting, so standing and moving around helps maintain energy and focus throughout the class.

Additionally, having a proper backdrop is one of the most professional choices a teacher can make. A clean and organized background helps students stay focused on the lesson and the teacher, rather than getting distracted by what is happening behind them.

To enhance my online teaching environment, I would focus on projecting energy and professionalism, which can increase students’ attention and perception of clarity during explanations.

I would use more engaging body language, such as natural hand gestures, facial expressions, and consistent eye contact with the camera. These elements help convey enthusiasm and make my communication more dynamic, which strengthens students’ engagement and emotional connection.

I have found the information provided in the video extremely valuable when it comes to conducting online classes that keep students not only focused but also engaged throughout the lesson. One idea I am eager to implement is standing during class sessions. I had never considered the many benefits this brings in terms of sustaining attention and promoting both psychological and physical well-being. I would also like to use gestures and body language more consciously to create a stronger connection with my students.

What I could improve is my body language because sometimes I don't use many hand gestures and maybe it could be difficult for my students to understand or have an idea of what I'm talking about.

By: Asdaly Cardona.

Another important change would be to bring more energy into my teaching, since this directly affects students’ motivation. By combining a clear visual setup with a more expressive delivery, I believe I can improve both understanding and emotional connection in my classes.

By Sergio Guarín.

I also need to vary my tone of voice to keep students interested and avoid monotony, since this is one of the biggest challenges that I need to continue improving.

Finally, standing up while teaching can help me show more energy and include movement-based activities. These changes would make my classes more dynamic, clear, and emotionally engaging for students.

By: Diego Acevedo.

I believe these small changes are very important because they help create a safe and creative learning environment, which keeps students motivated and encourages active participation.

By: Deisi Yohana López

Overall, this small adjustment would improve both clarity and emotional connection in my online classes. By:Emely Garzon

Marilyn Arango A.

To improve clarity, I would incorporate well-designed slides that highlight key ideas and support comprehension. These slides would serve as visual anchors rather than something to read from.

In addition, I would consider standing to bring more energy and use natural gestures, which can make the class more dynamic and engaging. Finally, to strengthen emotional connection, I would focus on small but meaningful actions such as using students’ names, encouraging participation, and maintaining a positive and supportive tone.

Overall, these changes would help create a clearer, more engaging, and more human online learning experience.”

First, I would pay more attention to my posture. Sitting in a more active and upright position can help me project more energy and confidence, which makes the class feel more engaging for students.

I would also improve my lighting. Making sure my face is well-lit and clearly visible can really help with communication, especially in a virtual setting where students rely a lot on facial expressions.

Regarding my backdrop, I would keep it simple but more intentional. Not distracting, but still neat and professional, so it supports the learning environment.

Finally, I would work more on my body language. Using more gestures, varying my tone of voice, and reacting more visibly can help students stay focused and feel more connected. These small changes can make the class feel more dynamic and closer to a real interaction.

Stiven Bedoya Suárez

In terms of lighting, I tend to look for natural light, but I always have a desktop lamp in order to avoid high contrast and shadows. However, there is always room for improvement. I am planning to get a better quality camera to my laptop and of course, to give standing classes a shot.

Andres Cuartas

To start, I would focus more on maintaining proper posture. Sitting in a more engaged and upright way can help convey more energy and confidence, making the class feel more stimulating for students.

I would also enhance my lighting. Ensuring my face is well-illuminated and clearly visible can significantly aid in communication, especially in a virtual context where students depend heavily on facial expressions.

Concerning my backdrop, I would keep it straightforward but more purposeful. It should be non-distracting while still looking tidy and professional, thereby supporting the learning atmosphere.

Lastly, I would put more effort into my body language. Incorporating more gestures,

I would also simplify and organize my background, adding a few personal yet professional elements—such as a plant or books—to create a warm and inviting atmosphere without causing distractions. This balance can help students feel more comfortable and connected.

In terms of engagement, I would be more intentional with my body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to convey enthusiasm and clarity. Additionally, I would incorporate more interactive moments, such as asking questions, pausing for responses, or using students’ names, to foster participation.

Finally, to strengthen emotional connection, I would make a conscious effort to appear approachable and present, showing attentiveness and encouragement throughout the session. These adjustments can significantly improve not only clarity and engagement but also help build a more supportive and human learning environment.

Laura Rodríguez Londoño

I find standing up really useful while having the online session , since we can keep a good body posture , which gives the impression of in- person face to face to class .

By Levis Benitez

By: Santiago Padilla Carrascal

I will try to enhance my online teaching by creating a distraction-free environment. Finally, I would like to start incorporating more movement and body language into my lessons to make them more dynamic and engaging.

By: María Camila Orozco López

I have already implemented most of these suggestions Bridget gave us. I have a nice microphone you can tune so you don't sound too quiet nor too loud, a high resolution camera and a pretty decent lightning in my setup. Nonetheless I have experience a lot of lag with calls with too many open cameras. Idk if this happens to other teacher or only me. I've tried many different alternatives to fix this but none have worked, I guess the only thing left to do is to get a new laptop :c. I'll try standing up during the sessions. Sounds quite interesting!

To improve my online teaching environment, I would focus on a few key adjustments. First, I would make sure my lighting and camera position are even better so students can clearly see my facial expressions, which helps with clarity and connection. I would also simplify my background and keep my desk more organized to reduce distractions and keep lessons flowing smoothly.

To increase engagement, I would use more gestures, vary my tone of voice, and include students’ names more often to keep them involved. I’d also add more interactive moments, like quick questions or check-ins, so students feel more active during the lesson.

For emotional connection, I would smile more, maintain consistent eye contact with the camera, and show encouragement through positive feedback. These small changes can help create a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable participating.

To enhance my online teaching environment, I’d focus on creating a more immersive and professional digital stage that mirrors the energy of my in-person classes. First, I’d prioritize visual and audio clarity by elevating my camera to eye level to maintain consistent eye contact and switching to a dedicated external microphone; this ensures my students catch every inflection and non-verbal cue, which is essential for building a real emotional connection. To boost engagement, I already integrate interactive digital tools like collaborative whiteboards, allowing us to build materials together in real-time rather than just following a slide deck.

For me, it's really difficult teaching online. Not because the materials or methods, but because I like to move around a classroom. I'm very expressive with my body so I use it a lot in class. Teaching online doesn't allow me to fully move. However, the video offers some solution to my problem: having a standing desk or just some boxes. This is a really good idea but honestly I'm not a big fan of it. Something that I will definetly improve is my lightning. Where I teach, I usually have good lightning as I am next to a window. But, my online classes are at night, so this natural light is not available. So, I need to use my room's light, sadly it is broken so I've been using a lamp, which it is not as strong as a bedroom light. Changing my broken light into a new one will allow me to have excelent lightning when teaching online.

I’m not really a fan of teaching online. That’s what I used to say, perhaps because I didn’t feel ready for it, and because in-person classes allow you to express yourself and use more gestures. However, now that I’ve been teaching online for a while, those old thoughts have disappeared. I even use more gestures, I present myself just as I do in in-person classes, and if I need to stand up to clarify something, I do. I think all of us teachers have learned through practice, discovering the different tools and strategies that help not only the teacher deliver a good class, but also the students, who get caught up in the atmosphere and feel more engaged, particularly the classes at 6:25 or those who attend class late at night, after work. Therefore, the different strategies and recommendations shown in the video are vital to continued improvement. I’ll make sure to put them into practice. Yineth Arias

It is a pleasure to share my reflections on this module. After watching the video by Bridget Green, I gained several invaluable insights that I am eager to implement in my virtual classes at the downtown site.

One of the most impactful takeaways was the concept of active posture. I realized that while I try to keep my chair at a good height, I often remain in a static, 'caged' position. Bridget’s suggestion to stand up while delivering a presentation really resonated with me; it improves breathing and energy, and it allows for more dynamic movement - moving closer for personal moments or further back to emphasize a point. To achieve this, I plan to create an adjustable DIY standing desk using a stack of books, which is a simple yet effective solution mentioned in our resources.

Additionally, I found the information on intentional gestures very enlightening. While I already use puppets and a screaming chicken to engage my students, I now understand that incorporating iconic and metaphoric gestures can specifically help them process and remember new information more effectively.

Finally, I’ve learned how crucial lighting is for building an emotional connection. Ensuring I have soft, natural light in front of me will allow my students to see my facial expressions clearly, which is vital for keeping them focused and connected to the lesson.

I am excited to implement these small but powerful adjustments to bring more energy and clarity to my sessions. I look forward to reading about your own setups!

Based on my current practices and the insights from the video, I would make the following specific changes to further enhance my online teaching environment:

• To Improve Clarity: While I currently use a professional Chicago skyline institutional backdrop and ensure my space is quiet and organized, I will focus on optimizing my lighting. Ensuring the light source is in front of me will make my facial expressions clearer against the virtual background, reducing any visual "ghosting" and helping students follow my cues better.

  
  

  To Enhance Engagement: Since I already consistently use videos and slides as visual aids, I will focus on refining the transitions between my shared screen and my live camera feed. My goal is to ensure that my "face-to-face" energy remains the focal point, using the digital materials as a support rather than a replacement for our interaction, thereby keeping students more actively involved in the narrative of the lesson.

  
  

  To Deepen Emotional Connection: To reinforce the feeling of a face-to-face session, I will make a conscious effort to maintain eye contact with the camera lens rather than the screen. This small adjustment ensures that when I bring my energy to the class, each student feels a direct, personal connection, which helps bridge the distance of the online environment and strengthens our classroom community.

After reflecting on my previous practices, and watching the video, I 've come to realize that there are some small/big aspects that could improve my students learning experience.

To beggin with I'd say that I'm starting to include the one of stading up every now and then, when you need to make presentations of any particular topic. Definitely, this changes the position and gives more focus to certain things, also, for students, it can be like a break from watching you being static all the time which fosters engagement.

Futhermore, in order to boost emotional connection with my students, I always priotize a good camera resolution, good light, and internet speed, it might be perceived as something with low relevance when it comes to connect with them however when students can look at you and your eyes, and they asked you something and inmediately you answer, when they make a reaction and you provide comments to that, you start interacting with them and creating bonds.

And, finally, when it comes to clarity, it is pivotal to have excellent visual resources, i always spend and devote a specific amount of time to create appealing, engaging and attractive slides, so they interact with what is there, and ask questions actively.

I have already tried some of the things stated in the video: I "bleached" a little my favorite Colombo backdrops to help me stand out cleare and I like to use my camera settings in High or HD which allow a brader view (as long as internet connection holds). This allows me to have more space to use body language.

To enhance my online teaching environment, I would focus on three key areas: clarity, engagement, and emotional connection, making intentional adjustments based on the observations from the video.

First, I’d work on my setup. I would use better lighting so my face is clearly visible and choose a clean, simple background without distractions. This helps students stay focused and makes the class feel more professional and organized. I’d also keep my camera at eye level so it feels more natural, like we’re having a real conversation.

Second, I’d pay more attention to my body language. I’d use more hand gestures to explain ideas, vary my facial expressions, and avoid looking too static on screen. This helps keep students engaged and makes explanations easier to understand, especially in an online environment where attention can drop quickly.

Finally, I’d focus on building a stronger emotional connection with my students. I’d try to look directly at the camera, smile more often, and use a warm, encouraging tone. I want students to feel comfortable, supported, and confident enough to participate.

Overall, these changes would help me create a clearer, more engaging, and more human online learning experience.

I was also thinking about making a tower of books for my laptop because my back really hurts after I finish my lessons. It’s a bit uncomfortable, but I think it’s much better for my back and my health in general.

By the way, I bought a new desk and chair from IKEA. They weren’t that expensive, and I feel much more comfortable than before. I also need to relax more while teaching my lessons, I tend to tense my muscles, especially my back, so it really helps to teach some parts of the class standing up.

Finally, Identifying each of my students with such a small camera view has been challenging, so I need to figure out an activity where students can introduce themselves. I can also ask them to use the full-screen camera option so everyone can see each other better.

Carlos Marín

I think everything comes down to keeping it simple. I don’t like virtual teaching that much because I feel better being face to face with my students, but to be effective in this very common teaching method nowadays, it comes down to three things:

Having a good setup: Having everything organized and within reach, either physically or virtually (cables, notes, documents, etc)

Having a good posture: I don’t know if this happens only to me, but I think my performance gets worse if I don’t have a good disposition to do what I’m doing, and a big part of that is posture.

Making everything interactive: It may be difficult for students, or even for the teacher, to look at a screen all day at work and then go to class and do the same. So I always try to make things easier with different activities, questions, or by making the class feel different, so they can learn but leave work and other distractions behind and focus on the lesson.

Finally, to strengthen emotional connection, I would create a more supportive and friendly atmosphere by encouraging students to share their ideas, acknowledging their efforts, and providing positive feedback. Building this sense of trust can help students feel more comfortable and motivated to participate in the online classroom.

By: Melissa A Echeverry V

Juampa !

I also would like to change my tone of voice when I am giving feedback or instructions. In addition, I would take into consideration maintaining good posture and including short breaks during the class to avoid student boredom and keep their attention.

It is a small change that can make our teaching and learning easier.

I would start implementing this strategy so I can feel more comfortable during the lesson and less exhausted at the end.

Gloria V.

- Santi Monsalve.

Rafael S

In addition, a better posture allows us to project our voice better, further enhancing the teaching process.

Nicolás Virviescas

By: Manuela María Rendón Salazar

It’s also important to have eye contact with the camera, a friendly tone of voice, and clear pronunciation. A simple and clean background, good lighting, and organized materials also help students stay focused. When all these elements work together, students feel more comfortable, pay attention, and connect more easily with the class.

Harol Parra S.

I know that having virtual classes is the only alternative that some people have due to their obligations and responsabilities so I try to make this process as smooth as possible. Good lighting, an active posture, and engaging body language can greatly improve virtual classes because they help students stay focused and connected with the teacher. Clear lighting allows students to see facial expressions better, while an active posture and natural gestures make the class more dynamic and interesting. In conclusion, using positive body language and a professional visual presence creates a more interactive and effective learning environment.