Short answer
Online lessons offer convenience, access and flexible use of digital materials, but teachers and learners may need to work harder on rapport, participation and attention. Whether online or face to face works better depends on the people, goals and context.
In S06E17, Em values the convenience of teaching from home, while Gav says he finds it harder to build the same sense of connection online. Those are personal reactions, but they point to a useful truth: changing the medium changes the teaching experience.
Try this in your next lesson
Can the learner hear and see what they need?
👇 Scroll down for our practical checklist or activity and download.
Listen to the whole S06E17 discussion in our podcast episode guide here🔊.
Online teaching removes travel and makes it possible to work with learners in different cities and countries. Teachers can share documents, links, images, audio and collaborative boards almost instantly. For one-to-one and business English, that flexibility can be especially useful.
At the same time, turn-taking can feel less natural. Small delays make interruption more awkward, body language is reduced and a learner can appear present while being distracted by another screen. Rapport may need more deliberate attention.
Good online lessons therefore need clear participation routines. Decide how learners will respond, where shared notes live, when cameras matter, how pair work will happen and what to do if the technology fails.
The physical setup also affects concentration. A dedicated workspace can help both teacher and learner switch into lesson mode, even when the desk is only a corner of a room.
Does online teaching have to feel less personal?
No, but connection may need to be designed more consciously. Small routines, learner-centred topics, shared documents and regular feedback can create continuity across lessons.
Our suggested classroom adaptation of the episode discussion.
Gav and Em suggest: The online-lesson check
- ☐ Can the learner hear and see what they need?
- ☐ Is there a clear place for shared notes?
- ☐ How will the learner actively respond?
- ☐ Am I talking more because the screen feels quiet?
- ☐ Have I planned a change of pace?
- ☐ What happens if the connection fails?
📥 Download the free teacher practice card (PDF)
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