3 Creative Projects Teachers Can Assign in Online Classes

Online classes made teaching easier and improved students’ access to all levels of education regardless of their location. However, many teachers struggle to keep students engaged during online classes, especially for heavier subjects. 

Creative projects offer an excellent way to boost interaction and learning. Think beyond typical essays or presentations. When you have your students doing something fun and creative with the information you teach, it’s a lot easier for them to retain and remember. 

In today’s article, we have four creative project ideas designed to encourage students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and use technology creatively. Ready to make your virtual classroom buzz with excitement? Read on to find out how!

1. Improve Design Skills With a Photo Album

Putting together a photo album teaches students about photo composition, image placement, and design elements. It’s hands-on learning that translates abstract concepts into practical skills.

i. Select Themes That Resonate with Your Students

Each student is different, so their project should reflect their own experiences. Encourage them to pick themes they find interesting or close to their hearts. A family vacation can highlight beautiful landscapes or memorable moments. Fun with friends might capture spontaneous joy and camaraderie. Personal passions like sports, music, or hobbies bring out individuality.

ii. How to Choose Tools and Software

Most students are aware there are great design tools out there, but it can be difficult to find the right one. Suggest tools that are easy to use and (preferably) available online. There are a bunch of online platforms that offer templates for easy customization of layout designs (no advanced technical skills needed).

Students explore creative freedom as they tweak layouts using drag-and-drop features or play around with color schemes directly on their screens. This allows them not only digital literacy but also a taste of graphic design fundamentals.

And if any student wants a tangible keepsake? With the right platform, they can turn their finished project into an actual coffee table photo album!

2. Turn History Lessons into Podcasts

For history buffs, putting together a podcast can be the perfect team project. 

Start by having students select historical events or figures they find fascinating. For the next step, encourage them to gather credible sources (books, articles, documentaries, and so on) and build up their story. 

Next comes scripting. A compelling narrative needs a clear structure: an engaging introduction, detailed main content, and a thought-provoking conclusion. Give them access to resources where they can learn how to write a scenario for a podcast discussion and more.

Lastly, help them prepare the technical side. Teams can use smartphones or USB microphones for recording sessions to maintain sound quality without complex equipment. Also, recommend user-friendly software for editing audio files.

3. Virtual Art Exhibitions and Galleries

Allow your students to explore creativity, digital literacy, and presentation skills in an engaging way. By helping them become more comfortable with digital platforms like Artsteps or Google Arts & Culture, you help your students expand their artistic horizons. 

Encourage students to include diverse artwork, paintings, sketches, and digital art. This not only showcases individual talents but also teaches them how different mediums can coexist harmoniously in a single exhibit.

Additionally, have students create social media posts or email invitations to attract an audience. This is a highly valuable skill in today’s social-media-dominated world. 

Wrap Up

As education evolves, creativity using digital tools becomes essential. Use the projects we listed above (and any others you may be inspired to create) to encourage students to go beyond the online class. 

This makes learning enjoyable but also prepares them for future challenges by honing critical thinking and technical skills. By embracing innovation, educators can create dynamic virtual classrooms that inspire and engage.