Technology for Online Teaching

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unusual and unexpected scenario in the field of education for both teachers and the students. The school managements, administrators and teachers are finding themselves in uncharted waters. The teachers are unexpectedly forced to reorient their teaching pedagogy. Now its not the time to think whether the mentor and mentee are ready or not but the era of online teaching has arrived, may be little earlier due to this pandemic.

The most successful environment for teaching and learning needs a balance between technical innovation and persona support. The current situation is an opportunity for the e-learning professionals and the teachers to research about the limits and the boundaries of what is possible without the personal contact.

This Digital revolution has evolved innovative changes in the Education landscape. Each and every institute is considering various steps in promoting and adopting digital educational methodologies. Now in this new era of DIGITAL INDIA the e-platforms are being used to deliver the class content at home and also to provide better career placements. The credit of this fast-evolving digital education goes to the Educators/teachers, Technology experts and the better administration who are working 24X7 to change the face of education system.

NOW THE QUESTION IS HOW TO BE AN ONLINE TEACHER?

To be an online teacher, you should have high-quality computer aided hardware and software for effective delivery of the teaching job. This includes a computer or a laptop or a tablet, high-quality webcam, high-quality headset, and fast and stable internet connection. Let’s check out some hardware requirements for teaching online.

1. Computer or Laptop:- For online teaching a person must have a

computer or a Laptop with 2 to 4GB of RAM with Windows or Mac operating system as they are compatible with most teaching software. One can host classes on Skype or Google Meet or any other proprietary teaching program.

2. Tablet:- If the teacher or the institution wants to use a mobile application then you’re in luck because you won’t have to worry about purchasing a webcam, headset, or mouse. Just make sure that you have a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection. Even if the required online teacher hardware doesn’t include a tablet or phone, these can be very useful tools in the classroom. Use them to quickly pull up pictures and information relevant to the class content.

3. Webcam or Built-in HD Cam:- Building a relationship with your student begins when you can clearly see each other. A high-quality webcam will give your class a polished and professional look and enable you to clearly share props and other visual aids. If you are considering investing in a new computer, make sure that it includes a built-in high-definition webcam.

4. Headset:- The main consideration when purchasing a headset is that you and your student can clearly communicate with each other. You will not be able to use in-ear headphones, even if they have a microphone. These headphones have a sub-par sound quality and the loose mic can rub against clothing, causing static and interference. However, if you go into an interview with no other headset, it’s better to use in-ear headphones than nothing. Failing to use any headphones can result in distracting echoes and feedback that will certainly make your interviewer less likely to hire you.

5. Stable Internet:- Having high-speed and stable internet is essential to teach online. It is to have a speed of around 20 Mbps hardwired by Ethernet cable to a router. It is possible to work off of Wi-Fi temporarily, but an Ethernet cable is stable, fast, and cheap so if you have access to the router, there’s no reason not to use it. The last thing you want is to teach a class with a sub-par connection and not be paid for your efforts because your student couldn’t see or hear you.

6. Graphic / Writing Tablet:- A graphics tablet (also known as a digitizer, drawing tablet, drawing pad, digital drawing tablet, pen tablet, or digital art board) is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations and graphics, with a special pen-like stylus, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures. It can also be used to trace an image from a piece of paper which is taped or otherwise secured to the tablet surface. Capturing data in this way, by tracing or entering the corners of linear poly-lines or shapes, is called digitizing.

These are the few gadgets the list is long and contains many modern equipments and softwares which can be used to make teaching learning more interactive and effective.