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Online schooling has transformed the way we look at education, by enabling pupils to join classes remotely from any location with internet connectivity. In this article, we take a closer look at:
- The incredible capabilities of auto-tracking cameras
- The benefits of E-Books and digital resources
- Visualizers and the unique functionality they provide
- Video conferencing platforms and their various features
- Content Cameras for Whiteboards and interactive displays
Thanks to advances in educational technology, remote learning is starting to feel closer to the in-person experience by the day. The digital classroom’s rise owes much to the availability of a variety of advanced tools that promote an immersive, engaging learning environment. Today, the online schooling experience boasts a range of mechanisms that foster communication, collaboration and interactive learning. Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest technology that is reshaping the online classroom:
Auto tracking Cameras
Webcams have been around for a while, and although these might look like sleek webcams, auto-tracking cameras are distinctly different. High-quality cameras have become an essential tool for online schooling, serving as the primary visual connection between students and teachers. They bridge the gap created by distance learning, allowing for real-time, face-to-face interactions. Sadly, if your image is low-resolution and grainy, your online students will most likely have a lacklustre learning experience.
Auto-tracking cameras offer high-definition video quality, designed to streamline distance learning in hybrid classrooms. Using AI-powered human detection, these devices are able to track educators as they move freely around the classroom. Teachers can present on a stage or in front of a blackboard, while live-streaming their lessons to remote students, without having to worry about camera angles.
With a built-in optical zoom and versatile tracking modes, teachers can offer a more comprehensive learning experience for those outside the classroom. Presenters can focus the camera on their movements, automatically track and display content on a blackboard or screen or seamlessly transition between these two.
E-Books and Digital Resources
Online schooling has also catalyzed the widespread adoption of e-books and digital resources, vastly increasing students’ access to knowledge. These resources offer numerous advantages, including instant availability, search functionality, reduced prices and even some interactive elements.
E-books can include hyperlinks to supplementary materials, embedded videos and interactive quizzes, turning passive reading into an engaging, multimedia experience. This digital approach to learning materials also reduces the need for physical textbooks, making education more sustainable, accessible and cost-effective.
Visualizers for Online Schooling
Visualizers, also known as document cameras, bring a tangible element to online schooling by allowing teachers to display physical materials in real-time. These devices can project books, documents and even three-dimensional objects onto screens, helping students learn through visual aids.
As the name suggests these devices are particularly effective when presenting books and documents. Allowing instructors to display texts for in-depth reading or grammatical analysis, fostering a deeper comprehension of the material. This versatility makes visualizers a must-have for a variety of subjects, enriching learning experiences across the board.
In subjects like math and science, visualizers allow teachers to demonstrate concepts step by step from a point-of-view perspective. Biology experiments can become even more engaging as every student now has an unobscured view of what’s happening. These devices support and promote interactive learning, enabling students to follow along from a virtual front-row seat. In fact, even the front row in the classroom wouldn’t have such a good view!
Video Conferencing Platforms
Video conferencing platforms have become a cornerstone of online schooling, enabling real-time interactions. These platforms support a variety of features, including screen sharing, breakout rooms and chat functions, which encourage engagement during classes.
Breakout rooms allow students to work in smaller groups, allowing them to have group discussions or work on projects together. Screen sharing enables teachers to display slides, videos and other resources during the lesson. Chat functions provide an alternative communication channel, allowing students to ask questions and share their thoughts during class. Popular platforms such as Livestorm, Zoom and Microsoft Teams offer these features and more, including scheduling tools and recording options to allow students to revisit lessons.
Content Cameras for Whiteboards and IFPs
If your lessons are largely focused on what’s happening on the whiteboard, or you’re using an interactive flat panel (IFP), a 4K content camera could be the perfect fit. This versatile camera is typically equipped with a WDR sensor, ensuring a high-res display of every detail from whiteboards and interactive displays. A 120-degree wide-angle lens offers an expansive field of view, capturing all that important information effortlessly. This, combined with a digital zoom, ensures that content is clearly visible, even if it’s quite small, making it easier for remote students to follow along.
An automatic whiteboard reframing function tidies up your presentation and can even make presenters translucent, ensuring that the content stays visible regardless of the angle. Flicker removal technology eliminates black flickers when recording from interactive displays, providing consistent quality across both electronic and non-electronic whiteboards. The camera’s flexible installation options, including an adjustable-length arm mount, make it adaptable to various classroom environments.
Final Word
When you embrace new technology, educators can bridge the gap between traditional and online schooling, offering students an enriching educational experience no matter where they are. Educational technology is continuously evolving, and we at PPM Audio Visual are excited to be a part of this journey. We believe that remote learning empowers learners, and are committed to staying at the forefront of this innovation. Contact us today to speak to one of our representatives, or feel free to browse our website for our wide range of products.
