Picture taken by Jonathan Acuña (2023)
What Tools
are Needed to Teach Virtually?
A
true online, virtual teacher does not sit down and create a masterpiece
language program in one go. This program is likely designed by a school or
university with the intention of utilizing an LMS (Learning Management System)
and other online resources. Additionally, setting up a virtual classroom for
the online teacher also requires several components to come together to make it
functional. If one aims to maintain a trim physique, considering online teaching
in terms of a very simple tripartite structure might be beneficial: 1) Videoconferencing
platforms, 2) equipment, and 3) teaching materials.
In a
2023 FutureLearn course conducted by Lindsay Warwick and Marie Therese Swabey (n.d.) titled ‘Teaching English Online,’ they provide
a comprehensive discussion on the essentials for commencing vitual teaching. In
their video they outline the following elements that are essential to prepare
for online teaching.
|
Equipment or Tools |
|||
|
Laptop or a computer
with a camera |
Headset with microphone |
Stable Internet
connection |
Platform for
teaching live |
|
Whiteboard |
Virtual whiteboard |
Pictures |
Puppets & realia |
The
element of specificity in this list provides a sense of comfort for educators newly
arrived in the virtual world. However, beware! Because in a fit of crazed
delusion, one might assume that this is all there is to it, and one is ready to
go.
Let’s discuss the realm of
videoconferencing platforms. As you might already know, the Web is awash with
platforms that can assist teachers in their instructional endeavors. Depending
on your specific requirements and needs, some platforms are more suitable for
your teaching style than others. If you are part of a group of teaching
professionals collaborating together, you should confer with your group members
to decide what’s best for all. While some members might prefer virtual
classrooms with creative features, like “gingerbread walls with a liquorice
roof,” prioritize convenience, especially if you’re working in groups or
individuals, and if recording sessions is necessary.
After the virtual classroom has been established by selecting a videoconferencing platform, certain equipment can enhance your teaching experience and make your hours in the virtual classroom enjoyable. You need to put in the mileage to ensure that your teaching space is suitable for and conducive to student learning, and, of course, your teaching needs. Take the following into consideration for your well-being:
After having these pieces of equipment to ensure comfort during your teaching hours, well-designed online lessons don’t simply materialize out of thin air. These equipment pieces, right here in my noggin, have significantly enhanced my teaching experience and made my teaching quite enjoyable.
Lastly, all these technological tools
should help us whittle down our teaching ideas into something usable and
enjoyable for learners when employing teaching materials. Instructor Marie
Therese Swabey
As an experienced online and certified
virtual teacher, I won’t assert in an almost frenzied madness that all
mentioned here is necessary for teaching online. However, these tools can contribute
to providing a fantastic learning experience to young, prepubescent, teen,
young adult, or adult learners. Having all these tools won’t automatically make
you the bestest in online, virtual learning, but they can assist in recognizing
and understanding key differences that exist when teaching a F2F teaching
environment versus working remotely with students. Let’s hope that these
considerations will huddle around your mind as you conclude reading these
lines.
Wishing
you a fulfilling experience in online, virtual teaching!
References
Amazon
Germany. (n.d). Foldable Aluminum Laptop Stand. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Amazon-Basics-Foldable-Aluminum-Laptops/dp/B07GFF82DP?th=1
Arranged
4 Comfort . (n.d.). Monitor Combo Holder. Retrieved from https://www.arranged4comfort.com/products/
Engineer
Your Space. (n.d). Pendant Lamp. Retrieved from https://engineeryourspace.com/ikea-hack-easy-diy-pendant-lamp-with-alang-lamp-shade/
Indiamart.
(n.d). HP PS2 Keyboard. Retrieved from https://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/computer-keyboard.html
Walmart.
(n.d). Wireless Computer Mouse. Retrieved from https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Wireless-Computer-Mouse-with-Nano-Receiver-1600-DPI-White/966965805
Warwick, L., & Swabey, M. T. (n.d.). Teaching English Online by
Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Retrieved August 19, 2023,
from FutureLearn.Com: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/online-tutoring/9/steps/1381029
Suggested Reading Comprehension Exercise
Instructions: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer for each question. Select the option (A, B, C, or D) that you think is correct. The answers are provided below.
[01]
- What is the primary purpose of the mentioned text?
A.
To criticize the concept of online teaching.
B.
To provide a list of equipment for online teaching.
C.
To explain the benefits of virtual classrooms.
D. To discuss the essentials and considerations for online teaching.
[02]
- According to the passage, who might design a virtual language program?
A.
Individual teachers.
B.
Schools or universities.
C.
Online platforms.
D.
Professional artists.
[03]
- What is the purpose of the tripartite structure mentioned in the text?
A.
To outline the three main components of online teaching.
B.
To describe the process of creating a masterpiece language program.
C.
To explain the benefits of virtual teaching over traditional methods.
D.
To discuss the challenges of maintaining a trim physique while teaching.
[04]
- What are the three main components of online teaching as mentioned in the
text?
A.
Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
B.
Videoconferencing, Equipment, and Teaching Materials.
C.
Materials, Platforms, and LMS.
D.
Realia, Puppets, and Virtual Whiteboard.
[05]
- According to the passage, how should teaching professionals select a
videoconferencing platform?
A.
Choose the one with the most creative features.
B.
Prioritize convenience and collaboration with group members.
C.
Always opt for the most popular platform.
D.
Focus on platforms that offer free trial periods.
[06]
- What is the purpose of having a ceiling lamp over the desk while teaching
online?
A.
To create an ambiance similar to a physical classroom.
B.
To provide additional lighting for the students' screens.
C.
To showcase realia, props, and visual aids.
D.
To ensure a well-lit working space and clear visibility.
[07]
- Why is having a second monitor beneficial for online teaching?
A.
It helps in recording teaching sessions.
B.
It allows you to display realia and props.
C.
It provides extra space for hand gestures.
D.
It enables viewing and preparing upcoming content simultaneously.
[08]
- What is the main point of including realia and props in online teaching?
A.
To entertain students during the lesson.
B.
To reduce the reliance on virtual whiteboards.
C.
To enhance the learning experience and engagement.
D.
To replace the need for electronic handouts.
[09]
- What does the passage suggest about the adaptation of teaching strategies
from face-to-face to virtual classrooms?
A.
It is unnecessary and ineffective.
B.
It requires the use of advanced technology only.
C.
It involves considering various teaching elements and tools.
D.
It's mainly about replacing traditional teaching methods entirely.
[10]
- What is the author's stance regarding the necessity of all mentioned tools
for online teaching?
A.
All mentioned tools are absolutely necessary for successful online teaching.
B.
The mentioned tools are irrelevant and don't contribute to online teaching.
C.
Some of the mentioned tools can enhance the online teaching experience.
D.
The author believes that only experienced teachers need these tools.
Answer Key:
[01]-
D
[02]
- B
[03]
- A
[04]
- B
[05]
- B
[06]
- D
[07]
- D
[08]
- C
[09]
- C
[10]
- C
What Equipment is Needed to... by Jonathan Acuña
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