Kickstart the School Year: 8 Innovative Tech Tips for Teachers

9 August 2024 | By viviedu

The new school year is a fresh start. This year, empower every student and create a learning environment that’s as dynamic and engaging as they are. Technology can help you get there.

Wireless screen mirroring for student presentations, eye-catching digital signage to keep everyone informed, and real-time feedback tools that let you tailor your lessons—these are just some of the ways the right technology can transform your classroom into a hub of creativity and collaboration.

Ready to kick off the school year strong? Let’s dive into eight tech-powered tips to make it happen.

8 ways to enhance your classroom with technology

1. Make introductions memorable, build community

The first impression on the first day sets the tone for the year. Imagine a scenario where each student presents an “About Me” slideshow directly from their seat, using multimedia to narrate their personal journey. This method not only captures attention but also eases the usual nerves associated with public speaking.

By incorporating technologies like Vivi’s wireless screen mirroring, you introduce a tool that eases the way for students to participate from the start and lays the groundwork for a year rich in engagement and creativity.

2. Keep students informed and on track

Transform your classroom with digital signage, turning it into an information hub that keeps everyone informed and aligned. This goes beyond simple announcements—digital signage can be a platform for motivational messages, educational content, and reminders to keep your class connected.

This approach ensures that every student knows what to expect and what is expected of them, fostering a smoothly running classroom where students can focus on learning.

Teacher with digital signage in class

3. Inspire collaboration with student control

Encourage a collaborative classroom environment with Vivi’s wireless screen sharing. This tool allows students to present their ideas and projects directly from their own devices, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the classroom discussion.

Additionally, Vivi’s collaborative learning tools enhance this experience by allowing small groups to control what is displayed on the main screen. This not only supports the development of teamwork skills but also integrates technology into everyday learning interactions, making collaboration as natural as conversation.

Pro Tip: Teachers can experience student screen sharing free, with Vivi for Teachers.

Students collaborating using Vivi in classroom

4. Explore the world with virtual field trips

Bring the world into your classroom with the magic of virtual field trips. Use resources like Common Sense Education for ideas on how to transport students to historical sites, natural wonders, or the frontiers of science—all without leaving their desks.

With Vivi, you can easily share videos and online resources, providing an immersive experience that enriches your curriculum without being stuck in the front of your room or behind a computer.

5. Go green with digital tools

Eliminate unnecessary worksheets and papers this school year by using digital alternatives. Vivi’s screenshot capabilities make it easy for students to capture, save, and annotate projected content on a Vivi-connected screen and reference at a later time.

6. Engage with real-time feedback

Utilize interactive tools like quizzes and polls to assess student understanding in real time. For example, Vivi’s real-time check-in tools provide instant feedback on student comprehension, allowing you to tailor your teaching dynamically to the needs of your class.

This immediate insight into student learning can help you adjust your strategies and interventions more effectively, ensuring that all students can achieve their full potential.

Students being polled using Vivi

7. Ditch the dry erase and embrace digital whiteboards

Digital whiteboards provide a versatile platform for brainstorming, problem-solving, and sharing ideas. They allow students to annotate, edit, and display their thoughts and save teachers the hassle and expense of replenishing whiteboard supplies throughout the school year. By incorporating tools like Vivi’s whiteboard feature, students can practice a new skill, show their work, or model different ways to solve a problem. Students can easily save multiple whiteboards to their computer or the cloud with a click of a button. This technology encourages active participation, fostering a more interactive and inspiring classroom environment where students can contribute and collaborate effectively.

8. Prioritize mental health and well-being

A supportive classroom starts with student well-being. Integrating mindfulness practices, even in small ways, can make a big difference in reducing stress and improving focus. Vivi’s integration with Headspace offers a seamless way to incorporate guided mindfulness sessions into your daily routine.

But even without specialized software, you can easily prioritize mental health. Start the day with a quick breathing exercise (search “guided breathing for kids” on YouTube!), put on some calming background music during independent work time, or encourage students to take movement breaks throughout the day.

Empower your classroom with Vivi

As you gear up for the new school year, consider these eight tech-powered tips to elevate your teaching and enhance your students’ learning experiences. Ready to transform your classroom? Dive into the possibilities with Vivi and watch your educational space become a vibrant hub of engagement and innovation.

Ready to see Vivi in action? Book a demo today and explore how these tools can improve your classroom.