How to make the most of remote teaching: tips and tools from the experts

Most teachers’ experience of working remotely dates back to the time of the pandemic when, with very little preparation or training, they suddenly had to adapt to the demands of conducting classes at distance. Not everyone will reflect positively on the experience, nor wish to relive it if circumstances demand that schools once more have to keep children at home for any period of time.

Fortunately for teachers and students alike, things have moved on considerably since then. With the rise of online and hybrid schooling, new tools and techniques have evolved which have made remote learning a positive and dynamic experience for all involved. Here, four online schooling experts share their experience, with actionable tips and suggested teaching aids to help educators excel in remote teaching environments.

4 key considerations for remote teaching

While core pedagogical principles remain the same, teaching at distance challenges educators to think differently about communication, engagement and resource sharing. The following key themes are central to effective remote delivery:

Digital accessibility

Ideally schools will have conducted an audit of students’ access to technology and the internet before a shutdown occurs. Ensuring all students can access content regardless of device or bandwidth is a top priority. Starting with a small number of reliable, browser-agnostic tools helps reduce barriers and avoids unnecessary complexity.

Clarity and structure

Successful online learning does not begin with technology, but with manageable expectations for teachers, students and families. Clear routines, predictable schedules and well structured lessons are essential. Limiting the number of platforms reduces “digital fatigue” and builds confidence. Students benefit from knowing exactly when to turn up, when to engage live and what is expected of them during independent learning time.

Connection and wellbeing

There is no reason why remote learning should reduce human connection. One-on-one check ins, opportunities for informal interaction and explicit wellbeing support are as important as curriculum coverage.

Feedback integration

Frequent formative feedback and low stakes assessment allow teachers to adapt instruction in real time and focus on areas of difficulty, rather than reteaching entire lessons unnecessarily.

10 practical tips for effective remote learning

1. Plan ahead

Map out clear lesson objectives and materials in advance. Provide weekly overviews so students and families know what to expect.

2. Set clear expectations

Communicate deadlines, participation guidelines, and feedback timelines clearly. Use rubrics or checklists for assignments.

3. Prioritise essential learning

Focus on core knowledge and skills rather than attempting to reproduce every classroom activity online. Less can be more.

4. Blend live and independent learning

Combine short live teaching sessions with recorded explanations and guided independent tasks so students can work at their own pace and revisit material when needed.

5. Integrate Flipped Learning

Ask students to complete clearly framed pre‑lesson tasks independently, allowing live sessions to focus on discussion and problem‑solving. Teachers adapt lessons using pre‑work data, maintaining academic rigour while supporting flexibility, engagement and student wellbeing.

6. Keep live lessons focused and purposeful

Online attention spans are shorter. Maintain energy with regular interaction and shifts in activity to introduce concepts, clarify misconceptions, and facilitate discussion - not to replicate full classroom lessons.

7. Use multimedia resources

Make the most of online functionality and tools like those listed below which mix text, audio, video and interactive activities to cater to different learning styles and keep engagement high.

8. Foster communication

Encourage peer collaboration through group projects, discussion boards, class forums and regular Q&A sessions. Promote parental engagement with regular updates and tips for supporting learning at home.

9. Promote staff collaboration

Share planning, common resources and collaborative reflection to reduce workload and improve consistency for students.

10. Implement adaptive assessment

Use digital tools that allow for real-time formative assessment, adjusting instructional pace and content based on student responses.

Could remote delivery have benefits for your face-to-face teaching?

Remote delivery of content presents both challenges and opportunities. By focusing on clarity, simplicity and connection, and by blending live teaching with structured independent learning, schools can move beyond emergency online provision towards sustainable, high quality hybrid education.

You may even find that teaching remotely gives you a new perspective on your day-to-day classroom practice.

Further reading and support

Education Endowment Foundation: Remote Learning Guidance

UK Government: Remote Education Best Practice