How to make online classes fun: with Dr. Jaigris Hodson
Known for her lively online classes, an RRU assoc. prof. in communications has become a student favourite by infusing energy, personality and humour into her virtual sessions.
As education increasingly shifts to online, especially following the pandemic, Dr. Jaigris Hodson, Canada Research Chair in Digital Communication for the Public Interest, is proving that digital classrooms can be both engaging and fun.
Here are her top three tips for keeping students hooked.
Tip 1: Energy creates energy
“If you’re bored, they’re bored,” says Hodson, emphasizing the importance of bringing enthusiasm to the virtual classroom. She kicks off her sessions with upbeat music and swaps static lectures for interactive games and YouTube clips, treating every class like a performance. Her energetic approach keeps students on their toes and engaged.
Tip 2: Prioritize personality across platforms
Online learning doesn’t have to feel impersonal. Hodson uses multiple platforms to stay connected with students, whether it’s answering quick questions via WhatsApp or delivering immersive lectures through podcasts. She also makes a point to have her students introduce themselves via video submission at the start of the course and often shares personal stories herself, creating a more relatable and humanized teaching experience.
Tip 3: Laughter helps learning
Hodson says humor is a powerful tool in education. She uses lighthearted jokes, memes, and funny videos to break down complex ideas, making the material more digestible and fun. By weaving laughter into her lessons, she keeps students engaged and helps combat Zoom fatigue.
Hodson teaches in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies and in the School of Communication and Culture at RRU.
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And check out more of Hodson's work: