The quality of a student’s education is greatly affected by the quality of the educator. Hiring teachers who have the background and cultural fit that meshes with the values of the school (or educational content) empowers learners. Naturally, this is a win-win situation for all, as teachers then feel empowered to teach when the environment is a nurturing one.
With such an influx of educators from around the world, each one bringing to the table their own expertise and learning style, how can administrators feel confident they can find the right person for the role? It’s a time consuming process to filter through resumes and conduct one-on-one interviews. Meeting in person excludes candidates who work remotely or are currently overseas applying for a role in the future. Plus, phone interviews are only helpful towards the end of the interviewing stage. So how do you effectively cull down candidates at the beginning without potentially discarding what you’re looking for? (more…)
For educators who shape the minds of students time is a limited resource. Digital classrooms have helped to create better work/life integration (for both students and teachers) but time is of the essence, no less, and let’s face it; whether you’re in an online classroom or using video conferencing as a tool in a real classroom, schedules are jam packed with classes to plan, curriculums to unfold and a syllabus to adhere to. It’s not uncommon for teachers to feel overwhelmed by the amount of tasks that need to get done, let alone the infinity of marking that comes with the job. Educators have the power to instill knowledge and inspire students, but even in their prestigious role, they too only have 24 hours in a day. (more…)
Just like technology has taken precedence in our everyday lives, it’s also become a huge part of the classroom. The way in which students learn is far more engaging and hands-on than it was only years ago as more schools are ‘going digital.’ These fully integrated lessons supported by technology (rather than just using it as an aid) are creating a more dynamic environment for students to absorb course material. Perhaps one of the reasons adding technology to the classroom has been so beneficial is that students feel they are being spoken to and taught on their level in a digital language they can grasp.
There are plenty of ways tech is revolutionizing the classroom, and the online whiteboard is one of them. Much like a chalkboard, but exponentially better, it is able to convey information and help users describe complex thoughts. Not only does an online whiteboard allow users to draw, erase and place shapes into a completely virtual sketchpad, but you can also select multiple colors and shapes and draw on the go to help make your abstract idea concrete. This is only the beginning of what an online whiteboard can do. Here’s how it can positively impact the classroom as well: (more…)
In the field of education, running an online school or facilitating a study group can sometimes feel like herding sheep! There is a lot to take into account. For students, it’s providing a virtual space for them to connect and collaborate. For teachers, it’s recording lectures and for administration, it’s connecting face-to-face with colleagues and recruits from home without breaking the bank on expensive software.
Between students, professors and administrators, there are a lot of costs, schedules and course content to consider. A free conference call and video conferencing might just be the exact approach you need to get everyone present and engaged. This is how your next meeting can be made more hard-hitting, effective and most importantly, fully attended by hosting a free conference call (or free video call): (more…)
When you hear the words “video conferencing,” what pops into your head? Corporate boardrooms? Long tables with lots of chairs? CEOs huddled together discussing plans for the next quarter? Now, try replacing that image with a classroom filled with middle school children in the city or a small, private class in the middle of a jungle.
Believe it or not, the ways in which video conferencing can be used to enhance education are plenty and very advantageous! It’s an educational tool that not only creates more student engagement, but it also makes history, geography and any other class all that more interesting. But as a teacher, how exactly can you use video conferencing to its full potential? Here are 5 ways to use this technology in the classroom. (more…)
Student-teacher meetings are important for keeping the lines of communication open in an academic environment. When utilized for student-teacher meetings, conference calling is a useful tool that can allow for easier, more convenient dialogue between teachers and their students. In today’s blog, we’ll go over some of the ways in which teachers can use conference calling as well as some tips on how to set-up a conference call or online meeting. (more…)
From GPS maps to mobile apps, we’ve come to rely on technology for many aspects of our daily lives like navigation, banking, shopping, entertainment and...yes, education. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how web conferencing, screen sharing, and online apps are transforming the way students and teachers interact.
Every teacher knows the power of adding a little variety to their lesson plans. Historically, this has meant bristol boards, DVDs, show-and-tells, and art projects. But in our modern age, there’s a new way to break through the monotony of teaching young and impatient students for several hours a day or week. The next time you are looking for a new and inventive way to reach your students, why not hold a video conference and stream through Youtube?
Still thinking about it? Here are some reasons why it would be a great idea. (more…)
Thinking back to our school days, many of us probably remember sitting in class while the teacher stood in front of a whiteboard conducting the day’s lessons. Even today, this remains the primary way in which classroom education is conducted around the world. Until relatively recently, it was the only way classroom lessons were conducted. Now, 21st century digital technology has expanded the tools available for teachers and students to interact with one another both inside and outside the classroom. While many digital tools have made a profound impact on education, such as video conferencing, file sharing, and online classroom portals, today we will be taking a look at some of the ways teachers and students utilize screen sharing.
Whether you are a teacher dedicated to your students’ academic success or a parent actively involved in your child’s education, parent-teacher meetings help to bridge the communication gap between what’s going on at home and in the classroom. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how parents and teachers can utilize phone conferencing to support student learning.
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