Teaching virtually is like conducting an orchestra - you are bringing students through a daily journey of learning via your voice, visuals, videos, discussions, groupings, chats and more - that requires constant opening, moving, closing, enlarging and/or shrinking of controls and windows onscreen. The computer screen serves as both your teaching device (what the students see) and a monitoring device (seeing students on camera). If I view all 34 students, my teaching screen is covered with their on camera images. The same applies when I need to open and enlarge other participation features, so in short, there is constant competition for screen space. Teachers are provided with one desktop computer.
A second device would be dedicated to a necessary component of effective distance teaching and learning: seeing all of my students on camera. Instead of having to flip back and forth between what I'm teaching and seeing my students, I could teach from my desktop computer, and have the iPad open with all of my students on screen.
An orchestra needs a smooth conductor, just like my students, who deserve a seamless, well-managed virtual learning experience made possible by a second device.
About my class
Teaching virtually is like conducting an orchestra - you are bringing students through a daily journey of learning via your voice, visuals, videos, discussions, groupings, chats and more - that requires constant opening, moving, closing, enlarging and/or shrinking of controls and windows onscreen. The computer screen serves as both your teaching device (what the students see) and a monitoring device (seeing students on camera). If I view all 34 students, my teaching screen is covered with their on camera images. The same applies when I need to open and enlarge other participation features, so in short, there is constant competition for screen space. Teachers are provided with one desktop computer.
A second device would be dedicated to a necessary component of effective distance teaching and learning: seeing all of my students on camera. Instead of having to flip back and forth between what I'm teaching and seeing my students, I could teach from my desktop computer, and have the iPad open with all of my students on screen.
An orchestra needs a smooth conductor, just like my students, who deserve a seamless, well-managed virtual learning experience made possible by a second device.
Read more