Remote learning is one of the hottest buzzwords in education right now. The pandemic had a lot to do, needless to say, with necessitating the practice for so many students of all ages. Some like it. Some don’t. But it’s here to stay. And in this ever-expanding digital universe, that’s not a bad thing.
Over the last few years, remote learning has grown more popular with teachers and parents alike, as it’s a more convenient way to educate children. Yet, at the same time, there has been much debate on the effectiveness of distance-learning models including concerns about socioeconomic gaps in access to technology (gaps we strive to close here at Boundless Connections).
Still, many studies have shown positive outcomes when students are given the proper tools to learn via the Internet. What are the best tools? We’ve compiled a list of four of the best tech tools for distance learning.
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
With remote work and distance education, more people are chillin’ at home than ever before. Noise-canceling headphones are an excellent option for students who want to block outside distractions and tune in for the lessons and discussions at hand. Noise-canceling headphones help them to focus on their homework, avoid distractions, and get work done. They’re especially helpful for students with ADHD, learning difficulties and other neurodiversities, who may feel overwhelmed by the constant buzz of other people and things around them.
We recommend Harphonic E7 Active Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones. These headphones offer an exceptionally long battery life with 30 hours of playtime with active noise canceling off and 22 hours with it on.
2. USB Microphone
We’ve all been on Zoom calls with poor audio quality. Students taking virtual classes may struggle to hear instruction over their computer’s internal microphone. Remote learning works best if both the student and teacher can hear each other. If your PC or webcam has a barely audible microphone, getting a USB mic can make distance learning exceptionally easier.
The Samson Go Mic is our top choice due to its quality, portability, value, and ease of use.
3. Green Screen
Green screens aren’t just for movie sets or YouTube content creators. It can also be helpful to students who want to keep their school and home lives separate … or hide a messy bedroom.
We recommend the Valera Creative 95. This green screen is collapsable, easy to transfer, and quick to set up. Plus, the Valera Creative 95 is compatible with Android and iOS. It’s also compatible with software iMovie, PS4, and Zoom. With a variety of backgrounds to choose from, you can give your virtual lessons a professional or more laidback look.
4. Ring Light
Have you ever tried recording a video using the lighting in your home? Yeah, things can look pretty dark and sketchy – despite your best efforts. After all, the lighting we use for home decor doesn’t bode well for being seen on camera. The brightest home can look like Gollum’s cave. And, unless you can find ever-elusive natural lighting in your home, you’re probably not going to be seen on camera.
Enter ring lights. Ring lights are lighting tools that can attach directly to a computer monitor or laptop screen. They illuminate your face with professional quality so others can see you clearly.
We recommend the Rotolight NEO 2 LED Camera Light. Once fully charged, it runs for two hours with an adjustable color temperature. You can easily mount it to a desktop stand or your laptop.
Popular and Effective Tech Tools to Make Remote Learning a Breeze
It’s vital for students to remember that learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom or a particular time of day. With the right remote learning tools, students can access thousands of resources and engage with their peers at any time—so long as they have a stable Internet connection. If you want to take your learning beyond the classroom, knowing how to pick and choose the right tools can truly make a difference in remote learning.
What are some of your favorite tech tools to get things done – wherever you are? Let’s chat! We’re always trying to point our Tech Center members and visitors to the best possible equipment and software to harness the power of the digital world.