Screen sharing software for schools can have a positive learning outcome when used as an active learning approach. A study on laptops, mentioned by an article from the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University, explains that: “active learning approaches have proven to increase satisfaction, motivation, and engagement among students.” Both engagement and minimizing distractions are fundamental topics in teaching.
Screen sharing software for schools can be an essential tool for improving student engagement and class productivity. For many teachers it is almost impossible to eliminate disruptions of some students, especially when personal computers or devices are used in the teaching process and teachers are stuck teaching in the front of the room.
With resources like screen sharing software, teachers can create interactive classes that are not only fun, but allow teachers to teach in a way that aligns with how students engage with each other and the world.
What Is Screen Sharing Software?
Screen sharing software allows educators to share content from their device (laptop, tablet etc.) to any classroom display (TV screen, projector screen etc.). Students, from their own devices and in a controlled environment, can also share their work with the teacher and ultimately their classmates.
Educators can use this technology to lessen distractions and improve student engagement. The use of the software ensures teachers to run lessons smoothly, keeping students organized, productive, and focused. Teachers can also get out from behind their desk and work alongside students while still keeping the class on task to improve student attention.
Because screen sharing software for school is a complete solution and reliable, there is little burden to IT staff to maintain it over time. Fewer support calls means IT can focus on other tasks. And when there is an issue, most can be quickly resolved centrally so technicians don’t have to visit classrooms. In fact, the software gives IT complete control over the platform remotely.
Uses of Screen Sharing Software for Schools
As a school administrator or campus IT director, you are mostly concerned with purchasing solutions that just work. Technology can help teachers, but if IT spends hours troubleshooting and maintaining it, it can quickly lose its value.
But teachers are the ultimate users of this technology. They want it to work, too. Luckily, there is screen sharing software for schools that provide technology built specifically for educators and has a wide range of uses when it comes to adding value to the learning process.
Related: Bringing key and engaging messages to different areas of the school at the touch of a button
There are several things IT admins and teachers can also do when they choose educator-focused software:
1. Emergency Broadcast
IT admins and teachers can activate a custom emergency message to every display in the school. From the classroom TV to the digital display in the school entrance, IT can trigger a uniform message for all students and staff to see.
2. Multi-Screen
Classrooms can have one larger primary display, as well as multiple smaller displays throughout the room. Several students can be assigned to a display to work together and then share their work on the primary display. The teacher maintains complete control over screen sharing, while also promoting inclusion and feedback. Teachers can also improve their classroom productivity by multi-tasking. For instance, they can be in their email while students watch a video.
3. Dashboards and Metrics
As an IT administrator, the screen sharing software for schools offers insightful metrics on a consolidated dashboard. You can quickly see usage metrics and engagement levels.
Technologies Used in the Classroom for Screen Sharing
“Technology can help teachers form a better relationship with their students and their colleagues.”, according to Walden University. Therefore, in a learning context, it is important to choose a solution built for educators from a functional perspective, as well as administrative control and security.
There are different types of screen sharing software solutions in the market, but most of them are not specifically made for learning environments. Others might be created for the corporate world or purely entertainment, not ideal for the classroom.
Let’s review the different screen sharing solutions and how they would actually work in a school environment.
Cables and Cords for Screen Sharing
Probably the least expensive screen sharing method is to connect a computer to a projector through VGA cords or HDMI cables. But with a physical connection between device and display for screen sharing, the teacher is almost chained to their desk. They cannot move around and teach the class from wherever they choose, impeding student engagement.
Additionally, these types of hardware solutions do not facilitate student screen sharing. The student would have to get up, and connect their device to the projector using a cable. Time in class is limited, and getting students to share their screens would take up valuable instructional time.
Finally, there is a hidden cost which might turn into a high yearly expense: the constant cable and cord replacement due to wear and tear.
Related: Why choose a software solution for your wireless screen sharing needs?
Consumer Products for Screen Sharing
This is the type of technology you would use at home to cast a movie to your TV or allow your smart TV to connect to an app. They are usually composed of hardware and software.
The disadvantage with this option is that they are not specifically made for teaching. Most are geared purely for entertainment or a corporate environment and connections are notoriously unreliable.
Another disadvantage of mainstream screen sharing technology is that it is missing the central management piece. IT managers can’t manage the entire network centrally, and teachers can’t maintain screen sharing control. Lastly, they are not agnostic, meaning that integration with any device, media type and display might be difficult or even impossible.
Screen Sharing Software for Schools
A wireless screen sharing software engineered for education is the best choice for both teachers and IT. This solution has both hardware and software, especially developed for learning environments.
They allow independence for students and teachers, seamless agnostic connection across devices and features that enrich the teaching process. From one solution, schools can leverage digital and classroom signage, active directory connection and central management for different classrooms or rooms.
With central IT management, the platform also offers complete control and security.
Choosing the Right Solution
Choosing the best screen sharing software for school is a big deal. Of course, the solution needs to work as advertised, and the price needs to be right. Instructors in the K-12, higher learning, and tutoring spaces have also stepped up their use of screen sharing platforms. So how do you choose the best software for your school?
You’ll need to understand what is important to you, your facilitators or teachers, and your learners and students. The best way to do this is to first brainstorm with key stakeholders on what you really need to deliver an amazing learning experience.
For this you need to create a list of features that you absolutely “must-have” along with a list of features that are “nice to have.” You can then start comparing some software options you come across to see where they land.
But there are also other less tangible goals like:
· What solution is going to enable educators to teach students most effectively?
· What platform is the easiest to use and most fun for teachers and students?
· Which wireless classroom software is going to be the easiest to maintain?
Finally, it’s incredibly important to test-run your preferred screen sharing software before making a decision. Try it in one or two classrooms first, and then expand it across campus.Need an alternative to allow teachers’ an easier way to use screen sharing? Request a demo from Vivi and bring teachers and students closer together through screen sharing software for schools.
