By now, many educators can now add virtual teaching to their resumes. Whether you have taught your class online once or multiple times, I’m sure you have tried various things to help make it work. I will share the nine helpful items that I’ve used for virtual teaching during this pandemic.
Important Note
There are many ways to set-up for teaching online. I am sharing my own set-up in case it can be of help to someone who is looking for some ideas. I have enjoyed learning how other educators have prepared for teaching their classes virtually, too. However you choose to do so, I applaud you for making learning experiences happen for your students, despite any technological challenges that may occur along the way!
This post contains non-affiliate / unsponsored links. It includes items I have personally used and enjoy, as well as some that are of personal interest to me.
Kris, minds to grow
A Photo of My Set-Up
Before I share the specific items, take a look at the picture below to see my set-up. Yes, there are cords everywhere and materials. The picture was taken at the end of a school day teaching online. In that moment, I got the idea to snap the picture to help me remember the set-up in case I needed it again. Well, I definitely needed to set-up in the same way several times afterwards!
It’s also important to note that all of the following items were not purchased at one time. I acquired them piece by piece after carefully considering what could help make things more efficient for me.
Main Items That I Use
1. Laptop
A laptop is the key tool that helps me with online teaching. I use it to organize and plan my lessons, connect with my class via the various platforms we use, etc.
You may note that there are two laptops pictured above. Let me explain. When I was learning about sharing my screen, I sometimes relied on a secondary laptop whenever necessary. Now that I’m more comfortable doing so, that second laptop is no longer needed.
Example Laptop: Lenova Ideapad 3, 14″ HD Laptop
2. Webcam
The quality of the built-in camera on my laptop wasn’t the greatest, so I opted to purchase one. This particular camera does not have an auto-zoom feature. I like the clarity of it for the price!
Webcam I Use: SAITOR 1080P HD Webcam with Microphone & Privacy Cover, Full HD Web Camera
3. Ring Light
You know when they say that lighting helps everything? It’s no joke! A Ring Light can surely help make things look more presentable online. There are many different sizes of Ring Lights available. There are small ones that clip onto a laptop. Some are tabletop lights on a stand. There are even larger lights that stand on the floor.
The one I use has 3 light modes. It’s ready to use after plugging it into the laptop.
Ring Light I Use: Neewer Selfie Ring Light for Laptop Computer, 10″ Dimmable Desktop LED Circle Light
4. iPad
Thankfully, I have access to a teacher-assigned iPad from school. My students used laptops, tablets, and even cellphones to learn online. The functions on a laptop are quite different to those on a tablet. I was able to use and show my iPad to help students understand how to access resources in our virtual classroom.
Example iPad: 2020 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Green (4th Generation)
5. Extra Monitor
After learning about the benefits of having a dual monitor, I started looking around for one. Having a second monitor gives you the chance to share your screen with your class, and also have them visible on the other monitor at the same time.
Monitor I Use: LG 24BK400H-B 24 Inch Screen Full HD 1920 x 1080 60Hz LCD Monitor, Black
6. Microphone
A dedicated microphone was purchased to help with online teaching. I’m not an expert on microphones, so I chose this one based on the reviews and I am quite happy with it.
Microphone I Use: USB Microphone, Alvoxcon Unidirectional Condenser Mic for Computer, PC
Great for In-Person and Online Teaching!
7. Whiteboard, Marker, and Eraser
These items are instrumental in me modeling writing, completing math equations, etc. My students also have their own whiteboard, marker, and eraser. We use them daily during in-person learning, as well as when we were online.
Whiteboard Set I Use: Brite Tools Double Sided Dry Erase Boards, Ruled and Plain with Small Lined Lapboards, Dry Erase Markers, Erasers
A Game Changer for Me!
8. Document Camera
Now this was a game changer for me! I saw so many beautiful document cameras being used by educators online and knew it was something that I wanted to use, too. However, when I saw the prices, I could not afford to buy one.
That is when I started thinking of making one myself. Not from the ground up, but using existing tools to create a version of one.
I decided to get the following items:
- Webcam Stand (one with a flexible arm that connects to my desk)
- A second webcam (one that attaches onto the stand)
Once these items are in place, I am able to put my whiteboard under the webcam, then write for my students. They are able to see me writing (or reading a book, or showing how to fold their paper) once I share the view from my second camera. Voila! A document camera at a fraction of the price, if you are open to being a little creative.
Webcam Stand I Use for Document Camera: Pipishell 25 Inch Webcam Stand – Flexible Desk Mount Clamp Gooseneck Stand
Webcam I Use for Document Camera: NexiGo N60 1080P Web Camera, HD Webcam with Microphone & Privacy Cover, USB Computer Camera
9. Wireless Mouse
There’s a mousepad built into my laptop, but I always feel more comfortable using a wireless mouse.
Wireless Mouse that I Use: Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse, 2.4GHz with USB Mini Receiver
Questions to Consider
Have you taught online before? If so, what items have helped you teach online?
What two items would you consider to be the most important for teaching online?
What advice would you share with another teacher about teaching online?
Stay Connected!
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