Teaching Live: Set Up For Success

Set Up For Success

START

Teaching online

Tips & Ideas

set up for success

ROOM SETUP B

TECH OPTIONS

VIDEO IDEAS

TEACHING IT

AUDIO TIPS

ROOM SETUP C

TWO TEACHER CLASSROOMS

INTRO

CHALLENGES

ROOM SETUP A

QUOTES FROM THE PILOT GROUP

YOU'VE GOT 'THIS!

You've GOT this!

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For many of you, this is brand new. Brand newthings are scary, so we want you to know that you're not alone. This little manual will first show you some ways that you can physically set up your classroom. Figuring that out where all the tech goes and what tech to use is really the hardest part.We have examples of room schematics and helpful videos of real classrooms from district teachers who are experienced and willing to help. Lastly, we have many helpful hints from a cohort of teachers who have already been trying teaching live - about what to do, what you can try, and what to avoid. We're all in this together and there is a lot of support. We'll take it slowly and learn as we go....just as we've done all along!

TEACHING LIVE

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You can do this.

I would just say jump right in! Will it be perfect right away? Probably not, but it's okay! These little ones are just so excited to see you and their classmates which makes it all worth it! Once you start, I don't think it will take long to get into a groove and find out what works best for you and your class. I would also ask for parent/caregiver feedback and make sure they know that sometimes there will be glitches as we try to work this out. Seesaw lessons are there as a back-up if there are issues or if they can't join the live meetings. Parent/caregiver communication is key. I would make sure they check Schoology and Seesaw daily for your link, times and the exact materials needed for each day. If possible, I think giving students the same time to log in everyday would be helpful to develop a routine and consistency for our young learners.

You have to figure it out as you go to see what works best for you and your classroom. Be prepared for everything!!

Like everyone else said jumping right in is the easiest, even though it sounds the scariest. It's the easiest way for you to figure out what you're comfortable with and how you want to do the meetings. Let your families know that there will be a time of trial and error at first while you get into a routine.

I would recommend practicing a set-up with the cohort students in school to get a feel for what you like best. It also gives some of the students a chance to see what the online experience will look like.

I have already received a lot of positive feedback from parents and students. Students thought it was "so cool" to see their friends in the classroom while they were home. Though our REFs are doing an amazing job, fully remote students miss seeing their teacher, especially after being fully remote and seeing us daily. The biggest benefit that I have seen, for my class personally, is that students who haven't been completing work on Seesaw, do show up for these live meetings, so I know that they are at least getting those two lessons that day.

The students are excited to see everyone. They are completing work. The parents have given positive feedback.

I am live streaming all 4 live lessons each day. I receive live feedback from remote students as well as my in-person students in real time.

My students are happy to see each other. I have half of my students fully remote so its nice that they can interact with their peers in school. My students are also doing the work which was not happening as much with asynchronous learning.

My students LOVED it. Both in person and at home. I did a survey and would be happy to share the results. 11/11 wanted to do live lessons. They gave suggestions for things that worked and didnt.

I think the easiest way to start is by simply sharing your screen. It becomes more complicated when you are live streaming using a lap top and desk top.

qUOTES FROM THE PILOT GROUP

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Redcat

• Desktop with external webcam
• Webex: Logged in as extra student
• Projected to whiteboard

Whiteboard

• Cart with long cord (he moves room to room with this)
• Charger for laptop
• Wireless mouse
• Webex: PRESENT FROM HERE

ROOM SETUP A

Here is a diagram of one way you can set up your devices and your room. Refer to the schematic or click on the red video icon to see a setup video from 5th grade teacher Bill Hamby.

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Redcat

Doc cam

• Write with Epson pen if you have one
• Write thick with black marker

• Desktop with external webcam
• Webex: Logged in as extra student
• Projected to whiteboard

• Cart with long cord
• Charger for laptop
• Wireless mouse
• Webex: PRESENT FROM HERE

Whiteboard

Click on the two little blue picture icons to see photos of Angela's setup. Click on the red video icon (bottom right) to see a video of her setup.

ROOM SETUP B

Here is a diagram of one way you can set up your devices and your room. Refer to the schematic or click on the red video icon to see a setup video from 1nd grade teacher Angela Donato.

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Redcat

• Desktop
• External webcam (pink icon on diagram) is hanging on whiteboard using 6-ft. USB extension
• Webex:PRESENT FROM HERE
• Projected to whiteboard so in-person students can see it and students at home can also see it on iPads via Webex

Whiteboard

Sandy makes it simple for herself by using one computer. She's found a way to make this work perfectly for her students with iPads

ROOM SETUP C

Here is a diagram of one way you can set up your devices and your room. Refer to the schematic or click on the red video icon from Kindergarten teacher Sandy Fitzpatrick.

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If you happen to have a wireless mic to wear, that works great, especially to project your voice to students at home whenever you move about the classroom.

• Use your Redcat. Wear the microphone so your voice is projected. Move the Redcat as close to the computer microphone as you can. That will help the students at home be able to hear you better.
• DON'T pass the Redcat microphone to students. Wear it, but don't pass it around....even if you had been wiping it down.
• If possible, have students in class always use plug-in earbuds so they hear your voice via Webex and also what students at home are saying.
• If students at home say that they can't hear students in class, you may just want to repeat what the in-class students are saying (or ask them to speak louder).
• Every other person that is in the classroom should turn off their microphones and the sound/volume on their devices. This will prevent "feedback" or screeching noises

Audio Tips

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I use my laptop to host the Webex. When needed, I also sign in to the Webex on my iPad. This allows some flexibility if I want to use the whiteboard with the students at home (which can also be mirrored on the board with screen mirroring – if you have Apple TV).The students know that while they are working on independent activities, I may not always be in front of the camera if I am checking in with students in person. I make sure to check in with them as well.

Video Tips

• Log into your Webex meeting on both of your computers (desktop and laptop/iPad) Use one to project what you want to show. Use the other to see what the students see. If one "glitches", you already have a backup logged in.
• Students in class can occasionally join the WebEx from your classroom so that all students can see each other. Be mindful of the fact that when videos are on, bandwidth is lessened. Have students turn off video as soon as this interaction is done.

Video Tip from a First Grade Teacher

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• Experiment with taking turns being in front of camera or on microphone.
• One person monitor the chat or be the person writing on interactive whiteboard/screen.
• Use Breakout Rooms when students need to be taught separately

The hardest part about using Breakout rooms in a co-taught classroom are the sound-related things. If you're both talking at the same time, students in both places will likely be able to hear both of you. Screechy feedback could also be an issue. As much as possible, try to find alternate spaces (hallway). Wireless earbuds can also be helpful.

"Practice with a coteacher in separate rooms. My spec ed teacher and I practiced first- then the next day we tried with a few kids. Just be patient and work through any kinks. Today I invited all students and had about 9 in the morning and 12 in the afternoon showing up in the WebEx. All students in the WebEx participated with the chat- hand raising- emojis- sharing their voices with the class. It was great."

SHARING THE SPACE

JOINING THE LIVESTREAM TOGETHER?

Working in a 2-teacher classroom presents unique challenges. On this page we share some solutions that district teachers have found to be helpful

Livestreaming in a Two-Teacher Classroom

USING BREAKOUT ROOMS

Every Challenge Has a Solution!

Set very clear expectations. Students who are not supervised at home often have to be told multiple times to stay seated and continue working. They need to dressed appropriately and follow school rules. Students should be at a desk or working space. Students should not be in a car or up walking around with laptop. Parents should not be interrupting lessons. Students need to come prepared on time with supplies as well. Check background and surroundings. TV's should not be playing the background. Reminder to students laptops should not be taken into the bathroom.

Challenge #3 = Expectations

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Teachers have shared that it's hard to be "in both places" and to know where to focus. Make a concerted effort to call on students in both places. Have an awareness of this - consider alternating or using a spinner or equity sticks.

Challenge #5 - Where To Focus

It's trial & error with your students. It seems to depend on the teacher's preferences and the group of students. Some teachers only allow emoji responses. Some had to have firm discussions to set norms, but still allow chat.

Challenge #4 = Chat

During livestreaming, ask students at home and at school to let you know how they can best see the board. Some classes have reported issues with glare. Adjust blinds. Lights out in class did not seem to work for students at home...too dark.

Challenge #2 = Glare

Challenge #1 = Audio Feedback

• Mics off, audio off - except for the teacher
• Students in class ALL use earbuds (not wireless, but plugged into device)
• Co-teachers take turns being on mic and presenting so they don't both have microphones on at the same time.

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Take Time To Teach the Tech

• All of the pilot teachers agreed that it is beneficial to spend time teaching how the tech works. Explain when/why microphones and videos should be on or off and practice it.
• Test volume levels and webcam angles together and ask students what is working best for them (at home, in class)
• Explicitly teach use of interactive sites you may be using like OneNote or a shared whiteboard app. Build in "play to learn" time at the beginning or when you try something new. Discuss it with students and set norms and rules for use.

Try sites like Whiteboard.chat that work on all devices and give a shared whiteboard experience.Just try a little at a time and let students know that it's new for you, too.

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1. Wireless headset2. Omnidirectional Microphone3. Wireless mouse4. Wireless keyboard/ mouse combo

The district is planning to purchase new webcams, cool headsets, and USB extension cables to help improve your ability to livestream.

Click the pulsing plus signs for links

These are links to items that other teachers have found helpful.There is no expectation that you purchase any of these items. We are just sharing these here because the teachers who have used them recommended them and thought it would be a good idea to at least share some options with you.Please feel free to share any other helpful finds with us and we will add them to this page.

technology EXTRAS

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Remember to reach out for help if you need it. Kathi and Mike, the teachers who piloted this, and our administrators are all willing to listen, to offer suggestions, and to support you with whatever you need.

You've Got This!