Online teaching is often mistaken for a digital replica of the traditional classroom—a tutor on a screen, running through a lesson plan while students passively listen. But for those who have been in the virtual classroom long enough, it’s clear that this is an entirely different paradigm of education. It requires new skills, new strategies, and above all, a shift in mindset.
At Purple Ruler, our educators don’t see themselves as remote tutors; they are facilitators of a learning model that prioritises engagement, adaptability, and student agency in ways that traditional classrooms often struggle to achieve. What works in-person does not always translate to the screen. And yet, when done well, online education offers a more personalised, flexible, and accessible approach to learning than ever before.
So, what makes an effective online teacher? We turned to our own educators—those who have spent years refining their craft—to share their insights. Their advice is not theoretical. It is tested, shaped by experience, and built on the successes (and struggles) of teaching in the digital age.
Connection Before Curriculum
The best teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge; they are builders of relationships. This is even more crucial in an online setting, where the absence of physical presence can make students feel isolated.
“Students work harder for teachers they feel connected to,” says one Purple Ruler Facilitator
“You need to be more intentional about building that connection. That means remembering the little things—who loves football, who’s got a pet cat, who’s struggling with confidence. It’s not just about teaching subjects, it’s about teaching people.”
Students who feel seen and valued are far more likely to engage. Online educators must go beyond the transactional and make a concerted effort to understand their learners as individuals.
Clarity is Everything
In a physical classroom, a raised eyebrow or a puzzled glance tells you when a student is struggling. Online, those cues are often absent.
“I learned very quickly that ambiguity is the enemy in online teaching,” one facilitator told us.
“Instructions must be crystal clear. If I assume something is obvious, it usually isn’t.”
The best online teachers master the art of concise, structured, and explicit instruction. They do not assume prior knowledge, they over-communicate when necessary, and they check in frequently to ensure students are following. Routine and predictability—far from being boring—help learners navigate the online space with confidence.
Flexibility is a Superpower
In an online environment, anything can go wrong—WiFi drops, microphones fail, students disappear mid-lesson. A rigid lesson plan collapses under these pressures.
“The best advice I ever got? Have a Plan A, B, and C,” says one PR Facilitator.
“Online teaching is unpredictable. If you can’t adapt, you’ll struggle. But if you can roll with it, you’ll thrive.”
Flexibility also means recognising that not all students will engage in the same way. Some will be vocal, others will contribute in the chat, and some may take time to warm up. A good online teacher learns to read digital engagement cues and adapts accordingly.
Less is More
One of the most common mistakes in online education is trying to cram too much in.
“I used to think I needed to fill every moment with content,” admits one facilitator.
“But students retain more when I focus on depth rather than speed. Fewer concepts, explored thoroughly, lead to better learning.”
The online learning environment thrives on simplicity, focus, and interaction. Instead of overwhelming students with information, the best teachers prioritise engagement over quantity, ensuring learners have time to absorb, apply, and reflect.
Teaching Online Requires Emotional Intelligence
One of the most overlooked aspects of online teaching is the emotional resilience it demands—both from students and teachers.
“Some days, students just aren’t at their best,” PR Facilitator explains.
“Maybe they’ve had a bad morning, maybe they’re feeling overwhelmed. You have to be patient—not just with them, but with yourself.”
A successful online teacher is not just pedagogically skilled but emotionally attuned. They recognise when a student needs encouragement, when they need space, and when they need reassurance.
A New Way to Teach, A New Way to Learn
Online education is not just a digital version of traditional teaching. It is a new way of learning, requiring a different skillset, mindset, and approach. It is more flexible, more personalised, and more adaptable than the rigid structures of traditional classrooms—when done well.
The teachers at Purple Ruler are not just transferring lessons onto a screen; they are redefining what education can be in an age where learning is no longer confined to four walls.
And while the challenges of online education are real, so are its possibilities.
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