How we teach literature online: bringing stories to life
In the digital age, where screens are classrooms, Academy21 embraces innovative ways to teach literature online, shaping the exploration of texts into vibrant, interactive experiences.

At the heart of our approach is multimedia, where videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics enliven classic and contemporary stories and fire students’ imaginations. We also embrace technology that can turn literary analysis into an engaging quest where students unlock new levels of understanding as they delve deeper into texts.
Moreover, we bridge the gaps between past and present, connecting literary works to today’s students by drawing parallels between the themes of yesteryear and the issues they encounter today. Through these innovative methods, we ignite a passion for literature that transcends the virtual classroom, inspiring a lifelong love for stories.
The power of multimedia
Embedding multimedia into our literature lessons is not just about keeping up with technology; it’s about enriching the educational experience. By incorporating various forms of media, we can transform a text into a dynamic experience. Indeed, we know from the many hundreds of schools who use our service, they too
1. Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a fantastic tool for students to benefit from auditory instruction. They allow students to experience the rhythm and flow of the language, which is particularly beneficial for poetry and plays. Listening to a skilled narrator can help students understand complex texts by providing context through tone and pacing.
2. Film
Film adaptations serve as a bridge between the written word and visual storytelling. They can spark lively discussions about the choices in adapting a text for the screen, such as setting, casting, and scene interpretation. Different productions and directors’ decisions provide a rich ground for discussion about interpretation. Take, for example, the portrayal of Lady Macbeth in various film adaptations of Macbeth. Each director’s vision brings out different facets of her character, prompting students to consider how these choices affect their understanding of the text. This enhances their analytical skills and encourages them to appreciate the diversity of interpretations that literature can inspire.
Interactive tools
Online learning platforms offer a plethora of opportunities to make literature come alive.
1. Quizzes
Quizzes are an excellent tool for monitoring and assessing students’ knowledge and understanding of literature. These quizzes can be designed to challenge students on various aspects of a text, from plot details to thematic elements. By incorporating gamified elements such as leaderboards and badges, students are given an extra layer of motivation to engage with the material through recognition and safe competition.
2. Asynchronous resources
We make use of bespoke asynchronous resources to allow students to explore literary texts at their own pace. This approach accommodates different learning strengths and paces, allowing students to revisit challenging concepts and deepen their understanding. These are crafted by our teaching team in house and focus on the specific schemes we use. This bespoke approach allows us to create meaningful, targeted resources that can be revisited and integrate fully alongside the teacher’s delivery and monitoring in our live classes.
3. Virtual tours
Virtual tours offer students a unique opportunity to experience and understand literature’s social and historical context. For example, when studying the poetry of Wilfred Owen or Siegfried Sassoon, students can embark on a virtual tour of life in the trenches during World War I adding a layer of appreciation to the experience of frontline soldiers.
This immersive experience helps students grasp the harsh realities that influenced the war poet’s work. Similarly, a virtual tour of the Globe Theatre can enhance students’ understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Students gain insights into how these elements shaped the plays’ reception and interpretation by exploring the theatre’s architecture and performance dynamics.
4. Audio galleries
Audio galleries immerse students in the settings created in literary texts. For example, when studying Afrika’s poem “Nothing’s Changed,” students can experience the sights and sounds of District Six. This auditory journey helps students connect with the poem’s themes and emotions, enriching their overall understanding.
Bridging the gap between past and present
In the online classroom, literature teaching transcends mere text analysis; it becomes a vibrant exploration of human experience, bridging the gap between the past and the present. The real-life application of literary texts is paramount in making these stories resonate with students, allowing them to draw connections between the narratives of yesteryears and their own 21st-century lives.
Understanding the context in which a text was written is crucial, yet drawing out its relevance for today is equally important. This dual approach enriches students’ comprehension and appreciation of literature. For instance, when delving into the poetry of Maya Angelou or studying Meera Syal’s Anita and Me, students are encouraged to reflect on their identities and cultural narratives. These discussions foster a deeper understanding of the text and promote empathy and self-awareness.
Similarly, literature serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its values, challenges, and aspirations. Texts like Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls offer fertile ground for collective and personal responsibility discussions. Through these narratives, students can engage in meaningful debates about social justice, ethics, and the impact of individual actions on the community.
By integrating real-life applications into the study of literature, we not only enhance students’ analytical skills but also prepare them to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Literature becomes a tool for critical thinking, empathy, and personal growth, equipping students with the insights needed to understand and shape the society they inhabit.