Planning for the Unexpected: Navigating Disruptions in Online ESL Lessons

26.09.2025

7 minutes

Tips & Strategies
Methodology

As we continue to embrace the dynamic world of online teaching, one truth becomes increasingly clear: no matter how meticulously we plan, disruptions are an inevitable part of the journey.

From frozen screens to unexpected doorbell rings, the digital classroom, while offering incredible flexibility, also presents a unique set of challenges that can derail even the most well-structured lesson.

Today, I aim to explore why anticipating these issues is not just a good idea but an essential skill for any online ESL teacher, and to provide practical strategies for navigating these unexpected bumps in the road, ensuring a smoother and more effective learning experience for both you and your students.

Why Anticipate the Unpredictable?

The great thing about teaching ESL online is that it’s easy to access and lets you reach students all over the world.

But because of this, there are many things you can’t control. Unlike a physical classroom, where you manage the space, teaching online depends on different technologies and each student’s home setup.

Technological Glitches

This is arguably the most common culprit. Internet service providers can experience outages, Wi-Fi signals can fluctuate, devices can freeze, microphones can inexplicably stop working, and software can crash.

These aren't just minor inconveniences; they can completely halt a lesson, frustrate students, and waste precious learning time.

Imagine a student finally mustering the courage to speak in English, only for their audio to cut out. The moment is lost, and rebuilding that confidence can be challenging.

Environmental Interruptions

While we strive for a quiet learning space, our students (and sometimes even we!) are teaching or learning from their homes.

This means dealing with the unpredictable symphony of everyday life: a baby crying, a pet demanding attention, a family member entering the room, or construction noise from next door.

These aren't intentional disruptions, but they can be incredibly distracting for both the student trying to focus and the teacher trying to maintain engagement.

Human Factors

Even beyond technology and environment, human elements can introduce unexpected twists.

A student might suddenly feel unwell, be called away by a parent, or simply arrive at class feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated due to personal circumstances.

Conversely, we, as teachers, may face similar personal emergencies or unexpected technical issues on our end.

Challenging students

When teaching groups, as I often do, there’s sometimes that one student who can disrupt the flow of the lesson.

It’s important to know how to handle such situations to keep the class on track and ensure a positive experience for everyone else.

The ‘Why’ of Anticipation

So, why bother anticipating these myriad possibilities? Because proactive planning transforms potential crises into minor detours. When you're prepared, you can:

Minimize downtime: Every minute spent troubleshooting is a minute lost for learning. Anticipation allows for quicker resolutions.
Reduce stress and anxiety: For both you and your students. A flustered teacher can create a tense learning environment.
Maintain student engagement: Disruptions can lead to disengagement. Having a plan helps you keep students on track.
Boost professionalism: A teacher who handles disruptions calmly and efficiently projects an image of competence and reliability.
Foster a resilient learning environment: By demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving, you implicitly teach these valuable skills to your students.

In essence, anticipating the unpredictable is not about being a pessimist. It's about being a pragmatic and professional educator committed to providing the best possible online learning experience.

Tips for Dealing with the Problem

Now that we understand the ‘why,’ let's dive into the ‘how.’ Here are practical tips that I personally use for anticipating and effectively dealing with disruptions during your online ESL lessons:

Pre-Lesson Preparation

Tech Check, Double Check, Triple Check

Internet Connection. Always have a backup plan. This could be a mobile hotspot, tethering to your phone, or knowing a nearby location with reliable Wi-Fi (though this is more for extreme emergencies).
Audio & Video. Test your microphone, speakers/headphones, and webcam before every lesson. Ensure they are selected correctly in your teaching platform.
Software & Platform. Ensure your teaching platform (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) is updated. Close unnecessary tabs and applications to free up bandwidth and processing power.
Device Battery. Charge your laptop/tablet fully.
Backup Device. If possible, have a secondary device (e.g., a tablet or another laptop) ready to log in from in case your primary device crashes.

Environment Audit

Lighting. Ensure you are well-lit, preferably with natural light on your face. Avoid backlighting.
Background. Keep your background clean, uncluttered, and professional. Avoid distracting elements.
Noise Control. Inform household members of your teaching schedule. Consider a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign. If noise is unavoidable, invest in a good noise-canceling microphone.
Water & Comfort. Have water within reach. Ensure your chair is comfortable. A comfortable teacher is a focused teacher.

Lesson Plan Flexibility

Time Buffers. Build in small time buffers (e.g., 2-3 minutes) between activities. This allows for slight overruns or unexpected brief interruptions without throwing off your entire lesson.
Modular Activities. Design a flexible part of your lesson — something that you might have as an extra activity. Make sure you include the activities that might be skipped in case you lack some time.
Visual Aids Ready. Have digital whiteboards, shared documents, or presentation slides pre-loaded and ready to share.
Student’s choice. Every class has mixed levels and learning styles, so prepare extension tasks for stronger students and scaffolded activities for those needing more support. This keeps advanced learners challenged and helps less confident ones stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Communication Protocols

Student Tech Check Reminders. Send a pre-lesson email or message reminding students to check their own internet, audio, and video.
Emergency Contact Information. Ensure you have an alternative way to contact the student in case they disappear from the platform.
Platform Familiarity. Ensure students are familiar with the basic functions of the teaching platform. I usually do that on the first lesson so that students who have never worked with Zoom can get familiar with the functionality.

During the Lesson: Grace Under Pressure

Student-Specific Issues

Disengagement/Lack of Focus:

Change of Activity. Switch to a different type of activity — if you're doing a speaking activity, switch to a listening or writing one.
Movement. Suggest a quick stretch or stand-up break if appropriate.
Personal Check-in. A quick, empathetic ‘Are you doing okay today?’ or ‘Everything alright?’ can open the door for them to share if something is bothering them. However, I usually do that one-on-one, not to embarrass my students.

Student Disappears:

Wait Briefly. Give them a minute or two. They might be having a tech issue.
Chat Message. Send a message in the platform's chat. ‘Are you still there? Is everything okay?’

Overwhelm/Frustration:

Simplify. Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Reassure. ‘It's okay to make mistakes! That's how we learn.’
Take a Break. Suggest a very short ‘brain break’ or a quick, fun activity.
Review Known Material. Go back to something they are confident in to rebuild their morale.

Challenging students. What to anticipate?

Beyond external factors and technological hiccups, the human element within the virtual classroom can also present unique challenges.

Dealing with students who are either overly silent or excessively dominant requires a nuanced approach, especially when you can't physically make eye contact or walk closer to them.

For the silent student, it's crucial to remember that quietness doesn't equate to disengagement. They might be shy, afraid of making mistakes, or simply processing information differently.

To draw them out, employ targeted, low-stakes questions (e.g., ‘Do you agree? Yes or no?’) or give them ample processing time after a question (‘Maria, I'll ask you next, take a moment to think.’).

Utilizing private chat messages for check-ins or offering alternative response methods like typing in the chat box or using emojis can also reduce pressure.

Conversely, dominant students can inadvertently monopolize the conversation, limiting participation from others.

In such cases, establish clear turn-taking rules at the outset of the lesson, perhaps even gently reminding them with a phrase like, ‘Thank you for your excellent contribution! Let's hear from someone else now.’

You can also strategically call on other students directly, use breakout rooms for paired or small-group work where the dominant student's enthusiasm can be channeled more productively, or even politely ask them to hold their thought for a moment to allow others to contribute.

The key is to manage their energy constructively without stifling their enthusiasm, ensuring that all voices, regardless of their natural volume, have an opportunity to be heard and valued in your online classroom.

Post-Lesson Reflection

Document and Analyze

After a particularly challenging lesson, make a quick note of what happened, how you handled it, and what the outcome was. This helps you identify recurring issues and refine your strategies.

Tech Troubleshooting Follow-up

If a student had persistent tech issues, follow up with them or their parents to offer suggestions or connect them with tech support if available.

Review and Adapt

Regularly review your ‘disruption plan.’ Are there new technologies you can incorporate? Are there common issues you're facing that require a different approach?

Share with Colleagues

Discussing challenges and solutions with other online ESL teachers is an invaluable resource. You're not alone in this!

Embrace the Unexpected with Confidence

The online ESL classroom is full of energy, connection, and chances to grow. While disruptions may pop up, they’re simply part of the journey — and great opportunities to learn and improve.

With a positive mindset, solid preparation, and a calm, flexible attitude, you’ll go from reacting to challenges to confidently guiding your students through them.

Every bump in the road is a chance to show your professionalism and care. Stay adaptable, keep learning, and enjoy the adventure of helping your students thrive — no matter what the virtual world throws your way!