Enhancing Your Online Teaching Space

Hybrid and online instruction presents challenges. Enhancing your workspace can help you to be more comfortable and efficient, while facilitating a more effective educational experience for your students. Here is a list of 4 accommodations for you to consider. 
An Extra Device or Monitor - Having additional screens allows you to manage a variety of activities on different screens. You might display your online lesson on a laptop, monitor live chat on a separate monitor, and manage Google Classroom on your tablet device. A Paper Notebook - With multiple tabs open and several programs running, it can be difficult having to switch back and forth in order to find information. Having a paper notebook on your desk can help you to have important information available at a glance. It can also be helpful for taking notes to add to your digital files after your online session. A Natural Light Source - You not only stare at electronic screens during your live instruction; you also spend substantial screen time planning lessons and gathering resources. This can lead to eye strain and headaches. A study conducted by Cornell University found optimal daylight reduces headaches and eyestrain of office workers by 84%. You can achieve this by either setting up your workspace near a window, or using daylight-colored bulbs in your area. A Yoga Mat - The online work environment requires us to remain in stationary positions for extended periods of time. This can lead to a host of health-related problems. According to https://www.mayoclinic.org/, such problems may include obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Online and hybrid teaching unlocks instructional possibilities and offers a variety of conveniences for both educators and learners. It is important, however, to approach this new phenomenon with attention to your well being. 

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