School districts throughout New Jersey, New York, and other states have had to quickly adapt to becoming a connected classroom. Some schools already had some technology in place to adapt to virtual or hybrid learning environments, while others had to start from scratch. While many schools had to abruptly switch to an all-virtual learning environment when COVID-19 first began, many schools have shifted to a blended classroom environment for the new academic year. Schools in New Jersey also have the opportunity to utilize your available CARES Act Dollars on Audio/Visual Technologies for your Education Facility.
The success of a connected classroom depends on having the right technology in place to facilitate utilizing online resources and encourage collaboration. Many schools have quickly rolled out 1:1 initiatives to ensure their students have the proper technology available to them. IT departments are working overtime to build a solid foundation to support these connected classroom initiatives within allotted budgets.
The bottom line – it’s not an easy task to undertake, and our team at CSAV Systems is here to ensure your school is running with the right technology.
So what makes a connected classroom successful? Keep reading to find out.
For blended learning to work, everyone must have the right technology available to them. This means both the teachers and students need to be equipped with everything they need to login to online classrooms, teach lessons, and collaborate with other students. Such technologies such as video conferencing enable teachers to teach lessons in a way that is similar to learning in person. Many students rely on visual learning aids so this technology is vital for schools.
It’s also vital that both your teachers and students are working with proficient internet connections in the classroom or their homes. Without a strong connection, virtual learning will be a frustrating experience for all.
Another factor to consider when it comes to technology is many students will be relying on mobile devices such as phones or tablets to complete their lessons. This means that it’s important to create mobile access to teaching videos and lesson notes so students can learn more effectively.
Communication and the ability for you to collaborate with your staff is vital. If you are operating under a hybrid learning model for the 2020-2021 school year you need to ensure that the learning experience for your students is seamless regardless of whether they are in the physical classroom or learning from the virtual classroom.
Blended learning combines traditional classroom teaching with online instruction so one group of students can engage in direct instruction with their teacher, while another group is able to work independently at home utilizing online or technology-based materials.
This means you need to have clear communication across the board that includes every from administration and teachers to parents and students. Expectations have to be clear for everyone involved for this model to work efficiently.
Technology can be fickle, and without a dedicated, experienced IT staff on hand, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with the demands of the technology you have implemented. By collaborating with an experienced audio visual company, you will have the support you need to evaluate any issues and quickly address the problem.
They’ll also be able to help you ensure your existing technology works with the new technology you plan to implement and help you navigate any technology hurdles you are facing.
A successful connected classroom takes a lot of planning, don’t be discouraged if the school year has already started and you feel both your teachers and students are still struggling. CSAV Systems can help you get back on track by ensuring the right technology has been implemented to support your education goals, and ensure your staff is proficient in using them.
CSAV Systems can provide custom design solutions and A/V integration to support your school’s plans of instruction for the 2020-2021 School Year. We work with K-8 Schools, High Schools, Private Schools, Community Colleges, and 4-Year Universities in New Jersey, New York, and other states. Don’t forget to utilize your available CARES Act Dollars on Audio/Visual Technologies for your Education Facility in New Jersey!
Call us today at 732-577-00777 for assistance.