What is Digital Teaching?

A Guide for Teachers with Zero Knowledge of Digital Skills

Digital teaching is an approach to education that uses technology to deliver lessons, engage with students, and foster learning in a flexible, creative, and global environment. For teachers who are used to traditional methods like chalkboards, physical classrooms, and printed textbooks, this shift can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance and tools, digital teaching can unlock incredible opportunities, both professionally and financially.

This guide is designed to introduce digital teaching to educators with no prior experience in the digital space. We’ll explore what it means, why it’s important, and how you can transition into it step by step.

What is Digital Teaching?

Digital teaching involves using technology like smartphones, tablets, and computers to teach and connect with students. Unlike traditional classroom teaching, where all interactions occur face-to-face, digital teaching happens through online platforms, apps, and digital resources.

This method includes various forms of teaching, such as:

1. Live Online Classes: Teaching students in real time using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

2. Pre-recorded Lessons: Creating videos, audio lessons, or tutorials for students to access anytime.

3. Digital Resources: Sharing e-books, slides, quizzes, or games to supplement lessons.

4. Interactive Platforms: Using tools like Kahoot! or Quizlet to make learning fun and engaging.

The core of digital teaching is flexibility. It allows teachers to connect with students across the globe, work from the comfort of their homes, and earn income beyond their geographical boundaries.

Why Should Teachers Embrace Digital Teaching?

1. Expanded Opportunities

Digital teaching opens up the world. Instead of being limited to your local school or neighborhood, you can teach students from different cities, countries, or continents. For example, many teachers now use platforms like Outschool to teach international students, earning in foreign currencies.

2. Increased Income Potential

Teaching digitally provides multiple ways to earn. Beyond live classes, teachers can sell lesson plans, create online courses, or even tutor part-time while still working a traditional teaching job.

3. Flexibility and Convenience

With digital teaching, you decide when and where you work. This flexibility is especially helpful for teachers managing other responsibilities, such as family or further studies.

4. Engagement and Innovation

Digital tools make learning more interactive. Imagine replacing boring lectures with exciting quizzes or turning a history lesson into a gamified quiz. Such techniques keep students motivated and eager to learn.

5. Future-Proofing Your Career

The world is rapidly going digital. Schools, colleges, and private learners increasingly prefer online learning. Developing digital teaching skills ensures that your career stays relevant and in demand.

Common Fears About Digital Teaching (and How to Overcome Them)

For teachers unfamiliar with technology, the thought of becoming a digital teacher might seem intimidating. Here are some common fears and practical ways to address them:

1. “I’m Not Tech-Savvy”

The good news is, you don’t need to be a tech genius. Most digital teaching platforms are user-friendly, designed with beginners in mind. Apps like Zoom or Canva offer step-by-step tutorials to get you started.

2. “I Don’t Have Fancy Equipment”

All you need is a smartphone with a decent internet connection. Modern smartphones can record videos, host live sessions, and create teaching materials. Invest in a ring light or a microphone if you want to enhance the quality of your lessons.

3. “I’m Afraid of Speaking on Camera”

Many teachers worry about appearing awkward in front of a camera. The key is practice. Start by recording short videos for yourself, and gradually grow comfortable with speaking naturally. Over time, it will feel as normal as talking in a physical classroom.

4. “What If I Make Mistakes?”

Mistakes are part of learning. Even experienced digital teachers occasionally face technical glitches. What matters is how you handle them. Stay calm, communicate with your students, and learn from the experience.

How Does Digital Teaching Work?

Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of what digital teaching involves:

1. Preparing Your Lessons

Just like traditional teaching, planning is essential. Decide what you’ll teach, and create lesson materials like slides, videos, or PDFs. Digital tools like Canva or Google Slides make it easy to design professional-looking resources.

2. Delivering Lessons Online

You can teach live classes through platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or even WhatsApp. These tools allow you to share your screen, present slides, and interact with students in real time.

3. Creating a Learning Environment

Digital teaching isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about creating an engaging environment. Use interactive tools like quizzes, polls, or games to keep students involved.

4. Providing Feedback

Digital teaching allows you to track students’ progress using tools like Google Forms or assessment apps. Offer constructive feedback to help them improve.

Getting Started with Digital Teaching

If you’re completely new to the digital space, here are some practical steps to begin your journey:

1. Start with What You Have

You don’t need to invest in expensive gadgets. Use your smartphone to record lessons or teach live. Free apps like Zoom, Canva, and Google Drive can handle most of your needs.

2. Learn the Basics

Spend some time familiarizing yourself with basic digital tools. For instance:

• Zoom/Google Meet: For live classes.

• Canva: For creating posters, slides, and resources.

• Google Classroom: For managing assignments and communicating with students.

3. Choose a Niche

Focus on a subject or skill you’re passionate about. For example, you could teach English grammar, science concepts, or even craft lessons. Choosing a niche helps you stand out in the digital teaching space.

4. Create a Professional Profile

Build an online presence by creating a profile on platforms like LinkedIn or Outschool. Highlight your teaching experience, achievements, and areas of expertise.

5. Join Communities

Connect with other digital teachers through forums or social media groups. These communities can provide valuable tips, resources, and support as you navigate your journey.

Tools That Make Digital Teaching Easy

Here are some beginner-friendly tools to get started:

1. Zoom or Google Meet: For hosting live classes.

2. Canva: For designing lesson materials.

3. Kahoot!: For creating quizzes and games.

4. Google Drive: For storing and sharing resources.

5. Loom: For recording video tutorials.

Digital Teaching in Action

Imagine this scenario:

You’re an experienced math teacher, but you’ve never taught online. You decide to try digital teaching by offering weekend math classes to high school students.

1. You Plan Your Lessons

Using Canva, you create slides that explain key concepts like algebra and geometry. You also prepare short quizzes using Kahoot! to make the sessions interactive.

2. You Host Live Classes

You set up a Zoom account and schedule classes. During the sessions, you share your screen to explain concepts and solve problems in real time.

3. You Offer Extra Resources

You record your lessons using Loom and share the videos with students who want to revisit the material.

4. You Earn Income

By charging a modest fee per student, you start earning additional income. Over time, your class grows, and you expand to teaching students from other countries.

Conclusion

Digital teaching isn’t just a trend, it’s the future of education. It may feel daunting at first, especially if you have no prior experience with technology. But with patience and practice, you can master the tools and strategies needed to succeed.

Remember, you don’t need to be perfect to start. Take small steps, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and stay open to new ideas. With time, you’ll find yourself thriving as a digital teacher, unlocking opportunities to teach, inspire, and earn on a global scale all from the convenience of your smartphone.