With the many changes that 2020 brought, virtual classrooms were by far the most challenging one.
I have a kid who didn’t go to school so trust me when I say that I know!
Jokes apart, educationists worldwide had to face challenging situations like getting acquainted with the technology. A large number of teachers had no clue how to go about it in the most literal sense of the word.
Where homeschooling was earlier a choice, it became a necessity for both parents and educational institutes alike. Instead of making board displays, new strategies were made to provide engaging, meaningful learning experiences for students online. This was especially tough because it was never done before.
Teachers have had to step out of their comfort zone to go out and beyond to facilitate virtual learning. This includes learning new technological tools, software and devising online teaching strategies to promote active, remote learning.
The foremost step in setting up a virtual classroom is allocating space and resources for carrying out daily classes. This does not need to be an elaborate, costly affair. You can make use of discount coupons or promo codes from DealMeCoupon to avail of deals from your favorite home stores for that perfect look to get things moving.
Things You Need For a Home Classroom
Your home classroom should mimic a real classroom as much as possible to provide your students the feeling of being in school. As hard as it may sound, it is quite achievable. Following are a few ways to help you with this task.
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Set Up Your Workspace
Designate a specific spot in your house to conduct online lessons. If possible, select a spot that is the quietest in the house- away from your bedroom. It may or may not be your home office.
Space does not need to look complex. For starters, arrange a desk with your office staples, pen holders, computer, and speakers. Create an area that makes you feel like you’re at work to boost your energy levels and helps you get out of bed each day.
Place your computer on a standing desk (or anything that provides height) to enable you the space required to move back and forth between your board and the screen. Conducting a class while standing will enable you to stay mobile and also save you from the awkwardness of sitting and standing every two minutes. Or adjusting the camera to match your height repeatedly.
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Practical vs Fancy Set-up
This depends entirely on your available resources and also the amount of time that you have on hand. You may choose to go all out and about with elaborate background details or keep it minimalistic.
However, it would be a good thing to add small details or learning material behind you. A bulletin board, calendar, and map provide the ambiance of a real, physical classroom that looks relevant and inviting.
You may also want to add a bright, colorful background if you have preschoolers or a slightly lighter choice of colors if you have older students. Since much of your work will be done using online tools, pre-recording lessons, displaying student work for classmates to see, get your hands on a temporary green screen.
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Get Basic Essentials
You will have to invest in some essentials like a whiteboard or blackboard for your lessons along with markers or chalks to use.
These are not only good teaching resources but may also serve as a background for putting up relevant lesson material.
You can also add organizers to keep your desk clutter-free. You can also bring your stuff from school to feel at ease with this transition.
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Invest in Good Lighting
Learning should be a fun experience. Schools are designed and built with many large windows to allow sunlight inside. Dimly lighted areas dampen the mood and are a great no for classrooms.
Invest in some good lights, lamps, or even a ring light to create a livelier workspace for yourself and your students. Good lighting conditions also play an important role in keeping you energized and motivated.
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Add Plants for Aesthetics
Not only do plants have an appealing visual presence, but they also liven up any living space. Add small pots and plants to add a bit of color and that much-needed positive vibe.
Plants also make for good decoration that is refreshing and calming.
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Make Prior Classroom Arrangements
All arrangements like sound and camera check, stable internet connection, and ensuring that the worksheets or reading material is available for students to access online should be made before starting the class.
You must start your lesson in an organized, efficient manner to maximize productivity in your class. Students tend to be more engaged and active when the teacher is prepared and exudes energy.
As a teacher, you know the needs of your students better than anyone else. Make the most out of this remote teaching experience as this trend might be here to stay even after we have returned to our pre-pandemic routines.
