So what is a Digital Toolbox?
I heard this term last year for the first time at FlipCon, during a session with Joel Speranza. Joel described the digital toolbox as the tools that you use to prepare and run your digital classroom.
Every toolbox must have:
- A presentation surface
- A recording device
- Screen Capture software
- A video sharing platform
- A LMS (Learning Management System
Plus you might also want:
- Interactive software / interface
- Analytics
- Document Camera
- Other devices
- Apps
- Online Programs
As you can see from my toolbox above, your toolbox doesn’t have to be huge or expensive. The key is to make use of what you already have access to and are comfortable with. If you try to add too many different items at a time you will feel totally overwhelmed.
As I work in a QLD state school access for my students to certain programs can be quite limited and thus there are only a few internet based programs in my toolbox above.
A presentation surface & A recording device
I simply use my school issued laptop to record all my videos. I use the webcam that is in my screen with a USB microphone, and a Wacom Intuos tablet. I also use my IPAD to take recordings and photos in class as well. The way teachers record can much more complex however for my busy life the simpler the better.
Screen Capture software
Since I didn’t want to spend much and wanted something easy to use I picked Screencast-O-matic which has a free license. I pay the annual subscription fee now to get a few additional features and the ability to record and download my videos at the same time.
A video sharing platform & a LMS (Learning Management System)
As I mentioned earlier being part of a QLD state school limits the access that my students have to different video platforms. I upload all my videos to Blackboard as well as all my other resources. I do also have a youtube channel (Crystal Caton) for my senior students to access as most of them access videos on their phones.
Getting your own digital toolbox together is the first step in preparing and planning to run an effective digital classroom.
What will be in your toolbox?
Educating The Digital Learner 
Air Server is also great for displaying your iPad’s screen on your computer wirelessly.
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Thanks for your comment Stephen, I have heard of apps that have a great ability to do this. How do you use it in your classroom?
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I use it mostly to use my iPad as a document camera but it also comes in handy to move about the room and project students’ work for the class and to read digital books while being able to walk around the room. Very similar to how you are using your iPad to control your computer only I tend to use the iPad itself.
Here is a more detailed explanation with images:
View at Medium.com
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