Monday and Wednesday evenings, I teach an entrepreneurship class at Hofstra University from 6 to 9 p.m.

Teaching online is a tough challenge. Everyone can't talk at once, so people naturally disengage. 

It gets harder when some students (there are 27 in this cohort) don't have their cameras on. I’ll ask one of them a question and wait and wait and... Without seeing faces, it’s hard to tell whether students are considering their answers, checking their phones, or wondering when we’re taking a break.

To be fair, three hours is a long time to stay focused, especially in the evening. Add the distractions of being at home, and keeping everyone engaged takes work.

What makes it particularly challenging is that some of the subjects I'm discussing benefit from conversation. Sharing an experience, expressing an idea, or working through a sales problem can bring a lesson to life.

It’s an ongoing lesson for me in asking better questions and creating more reasons to participate. Any ideas?