6 Tools to Make Remote Teaching Easier for YOU!

6 Tools to Make Remote Teaching Easier for YOU!

Spring 2020; remote teaching was thrust upon educators around the world. Most of us had never taught that way before.  We were used to being in the classroom with our students, being able to pass out papers, assign small group activities, and communicate face-to-face. 

It was SO difficult for me to switch to remote teaching. Changing my lessons was difficult, changing the way I interacted with students was difficult, and changing my daily routine was difficult. I really started to feel the toll on my physical and mental health!

" I really started to feel the toll on my physical and mental health!"

The following products helped me with back, neck, and hip pain from sitting all day, headaches from looking at the computer screen for so long, and just made me feel better about myself and my home being on camera!

I also love that all of these products can be found on Amazon and shipped, quickly, to your home! 

 

Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive commissions from Amazon for purchases made through these links.  

However, I have used all of these products personally and I highly recommend them. 

Ring Light:

This little light is PERFECT for teaching from home. You don't need to worry about whether you set your computer up near a window or have enough overhead lighting. It can be clipped on to the top of your laptop, right by the camera, or on your cell phone AND can be used with the front or back camera mode!

There are three different light settings, so you can adjust as needed. It is rechargeable and comes with a small USB cord, so can be plugged right into your computer. You can also use the charging block from iPhones if you would rather charge it from a wall outlet. 

Click the image below to go to the Amazon website.

  

Mini tripod/selfie stick:

My husband and I are both teachers and we used this mini tripod a LOT when we were teaching from home. It is the perfect size to set up on your coffee table or kitchen counter. You can attach your cell phone and record videos easily. I love that it comes with remote control. Your videos no longer have to begin and end with your hand in the middle of the screen pressing the button!

The remote is rechargeable and again, comes with a small USB cord, so can be plugged right into your computer. You can also use the charging block from iPhones if you would rather charge it from a wall outlet. 

Click the image below to go to the Amazon website.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses:

Have you gotten headaches after sitting in front of your computer for hours at a time? I found that I was getting headaches every day while teaching form home and these blue light blocking glasses have reduced the frequency of those headaches immensely! 

I really like that these styles are professional and stylish. They are lightweight and comfortable, which is great for someone like me, who is not used to wearing glasses!

Click the image below to go to the Amazon website.

Backdrop:

This backdrop is amazing! It's lightweight enough that I just hung it with a couple of pushpins. I can take it with me to whatever room I want to work in. There are lots of reasons that you might want to get a backdrop before recording videos or conducting live classes for your students. 

• I'm not sure I actually want my students to see my house.
• I don't have a plain wall to record against.
• What's on my walls is not appropriate for students to see!
• I just want things to look cute!

Note - It does come folded tightly, so there are creases. I found that those came out easily when I ironed it on medium/high heat, without steam. 

Click the image below to go to the Amazon website.

Lumbar Support Pillow:

As a teacher, I didn't spend much time sitting...until I had to teach remotely. In addition to headaches, I experienced back pain. I had a physical therapist recommend a lumbar support pillow and let me tell you, it has been a GAME CHANGER. It fits well in my chair, feels supportive, but not too hard, and really prevents lower back pain by helping to keep the natural curve in your spine.  Now, I have one in my classroom, at home, and in my car! 

Click the image below to go to the Amazon website.

 

Ergonomic Foot Rest:

I don't know about you, but I am not very tall #verticallychallenged 😆 After sitting for long periods of time, I was experiencing hip pain, in addition to the lower back pain! This ergonomic foot rest helps to make sure that my hips are supported and I can sit more comfortably. I really like that there are multiple height settings and angles. 

Click the image below to go to the Amazon website.

 

I would love to know if you have found any other tools that have been helpful!  

Drop a link in the comments!