How to adapt existing lesson plans for an online format

Assessing Your Current Lesson Plans for Digital Conversion

Making the jump from classroom teaching to online instruction doesn't mean starting from scratch. Before diving into the digital deep end, take some time to look at what you already have and figure out what needs to change. Here's how to size up your current lesson plans for the virtual world.

Identifying elements that require significant modification (hands-on activities, group work)

Not everything from your in-person classroom transfers neatly to a screen. Here are the parts of your lesson plans that typically need the biggest overhauls:

Hands-on activities: Those science experiments, art projects, and physical demonstrations need creative alternatives. For example:

• Instead of a group chemistry experiment, consider breaking it down into simpler steps students can do at home with household items, or use video demonstrations followed by guided discussion.

• That clay modeling project? Maybe students can use playdough made from a simple recipe you provide, or switch to a digital design tool.

Group work and collaboration: Think about how students will interact without being physically together:

• Small group discussions that happened organically at classroom tables now need clear structure and platforms like breakout rooms.

• Partner reading activities might become recorded read-alouds followed by paired video chats.

Movement-based learning: Those energizers and physical activities that get kids moving need virtual versions:

• Morning stretches can still happen with you leading via video.

• Scavenger hunts can transform into "find something in your home that..." activities.

Classroom management techniques: Your attention signals and physical proximity strategies need digital substitutes:

• Hand raising becomes digital hand-raising tools or chat messages.

• Walking around the room to check progress becomes screen sharing or submission checkpoints.

Determining which teaching materials can transfer directly to online platforms

Good news! Many parts of your existing plans can move online with minimal changes:

Direct transfers (little to no modification needed):

• Reading assignments and texts

• Lecture content and key concepts

• Vocabulary lists and definitions

• Multiple-choice or short-answer questions

• Videos you already use

• Most PowerPoint presentations (though you might add more visuals)

Simple conversions (minor tweaks needed):

• Worksheets can become fillable PDFs or Google Docs

• Paper quizzes can move to online forms

• In-class writing prompts work great in discussion boards

• Visual aids can be screen-shared instead of held up

Evaluating your technology requirements and available digital tools

Before redesigning anything, take stock of what tech you and your students can access:

Basic technology inventory questions:

• What devices will your students use? (Computers, tablets, phones, or a mix?)

• How reliable is their internet access? (Need low-bandwidth options?)

• What learning management system (LMS) does your school use?

• What video conferencing platform will you use for live sessions?

• Do you need digital versions of textbooks or resources?

Tool matching for common teaching needs:

Pick tools that serve multiple purposes rather than overwhelming yourself and students with too many platforms. Start simple and add complexity as everyone gets comfortable.

Quick assessment checklist for online-readiness of your existing materials

Use this checklist to quickly evaluate each lesson plan component:

• Accessibility: Can all students access this content regardless of their tech setup?

• Clarity: Are instructions crystal clear without you being there to explain?

• Engagement: Will this hold student attention in a distracting home environment?

• Time management: Is the activity length appropriate for online learning (often shorter is better)?

• Independence: Can students complete this with minimal adult support at home?

• Assessment: Can you see and measure student learning from a distance?

• Interaction: Does this build community and connection despite physical separation?

• Technical simplicity: Does this use familiar tools or require learning new ones?

For your first few conversions, focus on getting comfortable with the basics rather than digital perfection. Remember that good teaching transcends the medium—your expertise and connection with students matter more than fancy online tricks.

Start by converting just one week of lessons, get feedback, adjust as needed, and then tackle the rest. This approach helps you learn what works best for your specific students and prevents overwhelm as you make this big transition.

Essential Modifications for Effective Online Delivery

When you're moving your teaching from the classroom to the screen, you'll need to rethink how your lessons work. Let's break down the key changes you'll need to make to your existing lesson plans.

Restructuring Time-Based Elements for Asynchronous Learning

The typical 45-60 minute lesson structure needs a complete rethink for online formats, especially when students might not all be present at the same time.

The 15-5-15-5-15 Method: Break your lesson into smaller chunks that students can digest more easily:

• 15 minutes of content (video or reading)

• 5 minutes for a quick activity or reflection

• 15 minutes of more complex content

• 5 minutes for questions or discussion (via forums)

• 15 minutes for application exercises

Tips for time restructuring:

• Record shorter videos (5-10 minutes) instead of full-length lectures

• Add timestamps to longer videos so students can navigate easily

• Set clear deadlines for when asynchronous work should be completed

• Build in flexibility for students in different time zones or with limited internet access

When I converted my advanced chess lessons to online format, I found that splitting my usual 90-minute sessions into three 20-minute videos with activities between them dramatically improved student engagement.

Converting Physical Handouts and Activities to Digital Formats

Those paper worksheets and physical activities need digital alternatives that work just as well.

Quick conversion process:

• Scan or take high-quality photos of your physical materials

• Convert to editable formats (Word, Google Docs)

• Add digital elements like clickable links and embedded videos

• Test on different devices before assigning to students

At ChessPlay.io, we've seen chess coaches successfully convert physical board demonstrations to digital formats using our interactive boards. What used to require physical demonstration pieces can now be taught through digital position setups that students can manipulate themselves.

Redesigning Assessments for Online Submission and Integrity

Traditional tests and quizzes need careful redesign for the online environment.

Assessment modifications:

• Replace closed-book tests with open-book, application-based assessments

• Use question banks that randomize questions for each student

• Set reasonable time limits that account for technical issues

• Create rubrics that focus on demonstrating understanding rather than facts memorization

• Include oral assessment components via video calls for subjects needing verbal explanation

Maintaining academic integrity:

• Design questions that require application of knowledge rather than simple recall

• Ask for explanations of process rather than just final answers

• Use plagiarism detection tools for written assignments

• Consider alternative assessment formats like portfolios or projects

Adapting Interactive Exercises Using Digital Tools

Group activities and hands-on exercises need creative alternatives online.

Our chess academy clients have found great success using ChessPlay.io's activity-based curriculum framework to convert traditional chess lessons into engaging online activities. The platform allows coaches to pull from over 2,500 interactive chess activities that students can complete independently or during live sessions.

Key approaches for adapting interactive elements:

• Replace in-person group discussions with digital collaboration tools

• Use breakout rooms in video platforms for small group work

• Incorporate digital whiteboards for visual collaboration

• Find subject-specific simulation tools (like virtual labs for science)

• Create self-checking exercises that give immediate feedback

For specialized subjects like chess, look for platforms with built-in activities that match your curriculum goals. This saves enormous preparation time while maintaining educational value.

Adding Clear Instructions and Expectations for Independent Work

When you're not physically present to clarify confusion, instructions need to be crystal clear.

Guidelines for creating clear instructions:

• Write step-by-step directions that anticipate common questions

• Include examples of completed work when possible

• Create short video walkthroughs for complex tasks

• Specify exactly how and where to submit completed work

• Clearly state due dates and time estimates for completion

A good instruction template includes:

• Learning objective ("After completing this, you'll be able to...")

• Required materials or digital tools

• Step-by-step process with visuals

• Common mistakes to avoid

• Submission instructions

• Grading criteria

Remember that what seems obvious to you might not be to your students, especially without in-person cues.

Creating Engaging Homework Assignments with Trackable Results

Homework in the online environment needs to be both engaging and easy to monitor.

The homework assignment feature in platforms like ChessPlay.io allows chess coaches to create custom puzzle sets from thousands of options and then track each student's performance. This model works well across subjects:

Effective online homework strategies:

• Design assignments that require active engagement rather than passive consumption

• Include an accountability component (submission, quiz, discussion post)

• Make the purpose clear ("This will help you master X skill...")

• Build in checkpoints for longer projects

• Create assignments that connect to students' real lives when possible

Tracking progress effectively:

• Use digital platforms that automatically record completion and scores

• Build in self-assessment opportunities

• Create simple ways for students to ask questions when stuck

• Review analytics to identify patterns (Which questions did many students miss? Who hasn't submitted?)

• Provide timely feedback on submissions

The best online assignments balance independence with accountability—giving students freedom to work at their own pace while still providing structure and feedback.

Moving your lessons online isn't just about digitizing content—it's about reimagining how learning happens when you're not in the same physical space. By thoughtfully adapting each element of your existing lessons, you can create an online learning experience that maintains educational quality while taking advantage of digital tools' unique benefits.

Technical Implementation and Engagement Strategies

Moving your lessons online doesn't have to be overwhelming. Let's break down the process into manageable steps that will help you create an engaging virtual classroom experience for your students.

Uploading and Organizing Content in Learning Management Systems

Getting your content online requires a systematic approach. Here's how to do it efficiently:

• Choose the right platform: Select an LMS that fits your teaching style and technical comfort level. Popular options include Google Classroom, Canvas, and Moodle. For specialized subjects like chess, platforms like ChessPlay.io offer built-in tools designed specifically for that content.

• Create a logical folder structure: Before uploading anything, plan your organization:- Create separate folders for each unit or topic- Use clear naming conventions (e.g., "Unit1-Fractions" instead of "Unit1")- Keep resource files separate from assignment files

• Chunk your content: Break long lessons into smaller, digestible sections:- 5-15 minute video segments instead of hour-long lectures- Group related materials together (readings, videos, activities)- Label everything with numbers to establish sequence

• Set visibility settings thoughtfully: Most LMS platforms allow you to:- Hide future content until you're ready to release it- Release content automatically on specific dates- Make certain resources available all semester for reference

• Test the student view: Always check how your content appears to students before making it live. What looks organized to you might be confusing to them.

Pro tip: Create a welcome video or document that shows students how to navigate your online classroom. A simple 3-minute orientation can save hours of confusion later.

Tools and Methods to Maintain Student Engagement

Without physical presence, keeping students engaged requires creativity and the right tools:

Synchronous Engagement Tools

Asynchronous Engagement Strategies

• Discussion boards with a purpose: Instead of generic "what did you think?" prompts, try:- Debate formats where students must take opposing views- Problem-solving scenarios related to real-world applications- Peer teaching where students explain concepts to each other

• Varied assignment formats: Mix up how students demonstrate knowledge:- Short video submissions- Infographics or visual summaries- Audio reflections or podcasts- Interactive quizzes with immediate feedback

• Accountability through progression: Create clear paths for students to follow:- Checklists for weekly tasks- Progress bars showing completion- Badges or digital certificates for milestones

One interesting approach we've seen with ChessPlay.io is how they gamify learning through interactive Q&A and points systems. Even in traditional subjects, adding elements like leaderboards for participation or points for thoughtful responses can increase student motivation.

Setting Up Interactive Virtual Classrooms

The most effective online classrooms combine technology with thoughtful design:

• Establish virtual classroom norms:- Camera expectations (on/off and when)- How to signal you want to speak- Chat box etiquette- Recording policies

• Create shared digital spaces:- Class wikis for collaborative notes- Shared documents for group work- Digital bulletin boards for announcements and celebrations

• Plan for active participation:- Use frequent polling to check understanding- Incorporate digital hand raises- Call on students by name (but have a system for those who can't respond)- Create partner and small group activities

• Build in screen breaks:- 5-minute stretch periods between activities- Offline components where students work away from screens- Varied activities to reduce Zoom fatigue

For specialized content areas, purpose-built platforms can offer advantages. For example, ChessPlay.io's virtual classroom features allow students to submit moves on a shared board while coaches can see each student's attempts at solving puzzles. This kind of real-time interaction keeps students engaged because they're actively participating rather than passively watching.

Creating Accessible Materials for Diverse Learning Needs

Online learning can actually improve accessibility when done thoughtfully:

• Text considerations:- Use sans-serif fonts (Arial, Verdana) at 12-14pt- Maintain high contrast between text and background- Avoid color as the only indicator of meaning- Provide transcripts for audio content

• Visual and audio accommodations:- Add alt text to all images- Caption all videos (most platforms offer auto-captioning)- Provide audio versions of important text when possible- Use descriptive headings and formatting

• Cognitive accessibility:- Provide materials in multiple formats- Create clear navigation paths- Break complex tasks into smaller steps- Offer examples and non-examples for new concepts

• Technical considerations:- Ensure materials work on mobile devices- Minimize required software downloads- Provide alternatives to high-bandwidth content- Test with screen readers

Remember that accommodations that help students with specific learning needs often benefit all students. Clear organization, multiple formats, and thoughtful pacing create a better experience for everyone.

Using Analytics to Track Student Progress and Participation

Most learning platforms provide valuable data you can use to improve your teaching:

• Key metrics to monitor:- Login frequency and timing- Content access patterns- Assignment completion rates- Discussion participation- Quiz/test performance trends

• Early warning systems:- Set up alerts for students who haven't logged in- Track missed assignments- Monitor quiz performance to identify struggling students- Review discussion participation patterns

• Using data to improve instruction:- Identify which content students access most (and least)- Find "trouble spots" in quizzes where many students struggle- Notice when engagement drops and adjust accordingly- Compare outcomes across different activity types

Some platforms offer quite sophisticated analytics. For example, ChessPlay.io provides detailed performance reports showing which concepts students master and where they struggle. You can adapt this approach to any subject by tracking which topics generate the most questions or require the most revision.

Quick Solutions for Common Technical Challenges

Be prepared for these frequent issues:

• Connection problems:- Create a simple troubleshooting guide for students- Have backup plans for poor internet days (asynchronous options)- Record live sessions when possible- Establish communication channels outside your LMS

• File compatibility issues:- Stick to common file formats (.pdf, .jpg, .mp4)- Provide step-by-step guides for accessing special file types- Test materials on different devices before assigning- Include text alternatives for multimedia content

• Access management:- Document the process for password resets- Create a system for granting temporary guest access- Test permission settings before releasing content- Have a plan for when students can't access materials

• Platform-specific problems:- Join support groups for your specific LMS- Build a resource library of common fixes- Designate tech helpers among your students- Know who to contact for deeper technical issues

Perhaps most importantly, maintain a positive attitude about tech problems. They will happen! When you model calm problem-solving rather than frustration, students learn to handle these challenges productively.

Measuring Effectiveness and Gathering Feedback

Regular feedback helps you refine your online teaching approach:

• Quick check-ins:- Short polls at the end of classes- "Exit ticket" questions about what worked/didn't- Weekly reflection forms- Anonymous suggestion boxes

• Deeper evaluations:- Mid-term feedback surveys- Small group discussions about the online experience- One-on-one conferences with a sample of students- Peer observation from colleagues

• Data-informed adjustments:- Track which lessons generate the most questions- Compare completion rates across different types of assignments- Analyze assessment results for gaps in understanding- Monitor participation patterns across different activities

• Iterative improvement:- Document what works and what doesn't- Make one change at a time- Tell students when you're adjusting based on their feedback- Share successes with colleagues

The transition to online teaching is a journey, not a destination. Each class you teach online will give you insights for improvement. Platforms like ChessPlay.io continuously update their features based on coach and student feedback - apply this same iterative approach to your own teaching by treating your online classroom as a work in progress that gets better with each session.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection but creating an effective learning experience that works for you and your students. Start with the essentials, gather feedback, and build from there.