Online classes with avatars work best when the avatar isn’t decoration but an excuse to participate: students who would never turn on their camera will happily speak through a character, and a shared 3D space feels more like a classroom than a grid of black squares. They’re an especially good fit for small groups, tutoring, clubs, language classes, and debate or role-play activities.
This guide is for teachers, tutors, and workshop leaders who want to give it a try without overcomplicating things.
The problem they’re trying to solve
Anyone who has taught over video call knows the scene: black screens, muted microphones, and the feeling of talking to nobody. Students’ reasons are understandable:
- They don’t want to show their house or their bedroom.
- They’re self-conscious about how they look on camera.
- Their connection is limited and the camera makes it worse.
- There’s noise or other people around.
Saying “turn your cameras on” fixes none of that. An avatar offers a middle ground: visual presence without exposure.
When avatars make sense
| Situation | Avatars? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring for 2 to 6 students | Yes | Small group, conversation |
| Conversational language class | Yes | They lower the embarrassment of speaking |
| Debate, mock trial, role-play | Yes | The character helps students get into the role |
| Book club or science club | Yes | Casual atmosphere |
| Lecture for 40 people | Not really | Better to use a tool built for large groups |
| Going over exercises on a whiteboard | Not really | You need screen sharing or a whiteboard |
The general rule: if the class is a conversation, the avatar adds something. If it’s a lecture or a review of materials, it can be distracting.
Activities that work
1. The expert panel
Each student prepares a topic and joins as an “expert” guest on a show. One plays the host and moderates. It works really well in social studies, science, or literature. The structure is that of a panel-discussion podcast; you can adapt the ideas from how to moderate a panel discussion.
2. Interviewing a historical figure
One student plays someone from history (Abraham Lincoln, Marie Curie, Frederick Douglass) and the others interview them. The avatar’s wardrobe (a hat, glasses, a scarf) helps them get into character. To prepare the questions, the guide to podcast interview questions offers good ideas.
3. Conversation in another language
Speaking Spanish, Portuguese, or French in front of others is nerve-racking. With an avatar, students loosen up more. Suggest concrete situations: a job interview, ordering at a restaurant, presenting a project.
4. The class radio show
The group produces an episode of its own show: they pick a topic, split up roles (host, guests, news segment), and do it live. It builds speaking skills, teamwork, and organization.
5. Debate with reactions
Two teams defend opposing positions. While one person speaks, the others can use reactions like “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” to show agreement without interrupting. At the end, the class discusses the moments that got the most reactions.
How to set up the space
The room teaches too. A few ideas for the set:
- Wall frames with class material: a map, a timeline, the cover of the book you’re reading.
- The TV to show an image or video related to the day’s topic.
- A big table where everyone sits, so it feels like a conversation circle.
- Calm colors that don’t distract.
In remocast, the teacher, as host, builds and decorates the room, and each student only customizes their avatar. That way the space stays the way you designed it and everyone gets their own personal touch. Up to six people can join a room with a link; for larger groups, you can split into breakout groups across several rooms.
Clear rules from the start
- Time to customize avatars at the beginning of the first session. Five minutes and then down to work; otherwise twenty will fly by.
- Headphones to avoid echo.
- Muted microphones when you’re not speaking.
- Avatars must be respectful: no offensive images on the face or the clothes.
- Taking turns to speak, just like in a classroom.
Care with minors
If you work with children or teenagers, keep in mind:
- Accounts and permissions. Many platforms require a minimum age to create an account. Review the tool’s terms and, if applicable, ask parents or guardians for permission.
- Photos on the avatar. Suggest using drawings or illustrations instead of real photos of their faces.
- Private links. Share the room link only with the group, through your school’s official channel.
- Supervision. The teacher should always be in the room.
- Recordings. If you’re going to record the session with any outside program, let everyone know and ask permission. Rules vary by country and by institution; check the policies at yours.
How to assess
The avatar changes how students participate, not the criteria. You can assess:
- Clarity when explaining an idea.
- Use of arguments and examples.
- Listening: whether they respond to what others said.
- Teamwork in group activities.
A short rubric, shared before the activity, helps students know what’s expected.
What not to expect
Avatars don’t work magic. If the activity is boring, it’ll still be boring with 3D characters. And some students will always prefer the camera or audio only. What’s valuable is having one more option that lowers the barrier to participating. If you’re interested in the bigger picture, take a look at avatars and VTubers: why they’re growing.
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Frequently asked questions
Do avatars distract students?
A little at first: everyone wants to try on clothes and test the reactions. That’s why it’s worth giving a few minutes to customize and then moving on to the activity. With clear rules, the novelty turns into participation.
Does it work for classes with lots of students?
It shines in small groups where everyone talks. For large groups, you can split the class into breakout groups across several rooms or use a tool designed for big presentations.
Do students need to install anything?
If the tool runs in the browser, no. All they need is a computer, headphones with a mic, and the room link. It’s a good idea to check beforehand that each student can create their account.