Virtual Instructor-led Training (VILT): A Framework

Teaching and learning virtually in the synchronous mode places a higher cognitive load on the teacher and student as both have to handle software and other IT issues along with teaching/learning.

Therefore, one shouldn’t try to replicate classroom teaching.

This framework (image below) shows how the cognitive load increases based on the online teaching-learning activity. It also depicts the various tools that you can use to conduct these activities.

Here are some tips for teaching virtually.

1. Address some part through the asynchronous mode – self-paced learning  or flipped classroom
2. Plan for disruptions due to technical issues
3. Give breaks to being online – assign tasks that can be completed offline before meeting online again