Hand-signals are a technique that can make online lectures or workshops run more smoothly and help the facilitator see emerging agreements and common ground.
The hand signals can be digital (using the platforms existing icons) or physical, using the web cameras.
Hand-signals may also help diverse students to get their voice heard during the learning conversations. The basic concept is that people use different gestures or shapes with their hands, to communicate some basic ideas in a non-verbal way (e.g. “I want to speak”, “I agree”, “I don’t understand”).
Forefinger: wish to speak.
Two forefingers: direct response to a point
Wiggling hands: silent applause
L-shape: language issue
T-shape: technical issue.
Read more about the hand signal technique in the attachment or invent similar gestures to your teaching needs.
