Now that we are living historical times with a worldwide pandemic, more than ever, video conferencing is taking a stand, from greeting friends and family members we used to meet in person, to chatting online with local authorities. However, the world keeps moving on and the job hiring with it. The needs have changed in education these days, and all the knowledge and experience we have built on one on one interaction, though essential, do not play a central role. 

So, some questions will undoubtedly be adapted to teaching online. 

Examples of interview Teaching Online Questions

Have you taught online before? Share with us your online teaching experience

Here, the interviewer does not probably want to hear about what you have already written on your resume. He or she wants to be sure you know the difference between an online class from a traditional class in a classroom, your methodology, and teaching strategies to adapt to a virtual environment. It would be helpful to talk about your experience with open source platforms and how you implement your knowledge of TICs in your virtual classes. It is your teaching philosophy applied to online instruction.

What equipment do you have? Do you count on a quiet place to work at home?

Although there might be some specific questions, like asking you about your internet provider, it will be easier to demonstrate it if the session runs smoothly on your end. Using your headset with a discreet background will help. Your pet barking and jumping during the interview will not help.

What is your lesson plan methodology?

This question aims at showing them that you can adapt your materials to online learning. It is not a question on what you know and how you use TICs, nor the content. It is related to the process of imparting instruction. For example, how you plan a lesson based on a 4-page PDF. In a traditional class, you may group students, read in turns, make signs, comment orally, give presentations, etc. All this is not possible in an online class. It is always better to use a practical example -using TICs-, to better explain the process.  

How do you discipline students online? How do you deal with challenging students? 

This topic has to do with the way you try to re-engage students when they are not responsive and what to do consequently. Here, it is crucial to show that you are a team player in reaching mentors, advisors, coordinators, etc. Take this question as an opportunity to ask back about the institution policies and protocol for these cases. For example, whom you should contact first, parents -if applicable, channels of communication and forms, if any.

How do you build rapport with students remotely?

This question focuses on how you communicate with your students, e-mails, posts, announces, calendars, comments, etc. They may want to know how you ensemble synchronous with your asynchronous sessions. Moreover, what do you do to get to know your students, especially when you do not get feedback?

A Few Tips

• The best way to make eye contact is by looking straight to the camera instead of the screen.
• Sometimes the sound is not optimal. Your interviewer will be aware of it, so ask him or her to repeat the questions if you have not heard well.
• When speaking on camera, it is advisable to show good articulation. Speak slowly and clearly. You may pause for a fraction of a second to make sure the other end has heard the full sentence. 
• Maintain a consistent and confident tone of voice. Also, be aware of your body language that will be centralized on your facial expressions. Small and measured gestures will help you convey a smooth presentation.
• If you do not have online teaching experience, talk to colleagues who have it and think of you as a student, answering according to what you would like about your online classes. 

Teachers love human contact that we do not presently have. We are living a reality no one could have expected and requires the best of our aptitude to safeguard our students’ emotional and intellectual health. 

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