As we continue to adjust to the new normal and the rise of virtual classrooms, new challenges arise every day. One significant challenge that teachers and students face is the limitation of sensory input. Many studies prove that multisensory learning is one of the best ways to retain information. Thus, it’s essential to maximize multisensory learning opportunities in virtual classrooms. In this blog, we will explore how to achieve this.

What are multisensory learning opportunities? 🤔

Multisensory teaching is a learning process that involves the use of more than one sense to deliver an educational concept. It helps students understand and retain the subject matter by stimulating multiple parts of the brain.

Examples of multisensory learning opportunities in virtual classrooms include virtual field trips, videos, audio recordings, interactive whiteboards, and visual aids like illustrations and diagrams.

A picture of a student wearing headphones, looking at a computer and drawing at the same time

Embracing multimedia in virtual learning 🎧

Since virtual classrooms lack physical interaction, multimedia resources like audio recordings, simulations, and animations come in handy. Teachers can use various multimedia materials to ensure that students learn from all angles. For example, teachers can use animations to explain complex processes or concepts in physics, biology, or chemistry.

Moreover, virtual reality field trips can help with geography and social sciences. Audio resources like podcasts and music can enhance foreign language learning. By leveraging multimedia resources, teachers can maximize multisensory learning in virtual classrooms.

A photo of a student wearing VR goggles

The power of storytelling 📖

Storytelling is an excellent way to make content engaging and connect with students. People have a natural inclination towards stories. Thus, incorporating storytelling into virtual teaching can help deliver vital information in a fun and engaging way.

When teachers use storytelling techniques in virtual classes, they humanize the learning process, express empathy, and connect with their students. Teachers can use digital storytelling to explain complex concepts in mathematics, humanities, and science.

A picture of a teacher reading a storybook to a virtual class

The Importance of Consistency and Relevance âš½

In virtual classrooms, consistency and relevance are critical in engaging students. It’s easy to lose students’ attention in virtual classes if the content isn’t relevant or consistent. Teachers need to ensure that they deliver content that’s personalized and meets students’ needs, interests, and culture.

To ensure that your content is relevant and consistent, you can use the following tips:

  • Use real-life examples and case studies to help students relate to the subject matter
  • Use multimedia resources to create an interactive learning experience
  • Use consistent design elements to reduce cognitive load.

A picture of a teacher using slides to teach a class, with the same design throughout the presentation

Creativity is Key 🎨

In virtual classrooms, creativity can take the learning experience to a whole new level. Teachers can use various creative techniques to deliver content to students. For example, teachers can use gamification to engage students and create a fun and competitive learning experience.

Another example is to use interactive whiteboards to encourage collaboration in virtual classrooms. Teachers can also use graphic organizers for note-taking, summarizing, and understanding complex information.

A picture of a student using an interactive whiteboard with classmates in a virtual classroom

Conclusion 🎉

Multisensory learning opportunities can make virtual classrooms more engaging and effective. By embracing multimedia resources, storytelling, consistency, relevance, and creativity, teachers can make virtual learning more fun and interactive.

Remember that virtual learning has its challenges, but with a bit of creativity and effort, you can make the most out of it. Have fun and explore different techniques to keep your virtual classes engaging and memorable.

A picture of a virtual classroom with students and a teacher on various devices, demonstrating the rise of virtual learning