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Hello Risers! Each week we take the road less traveled in education and add essential tools to our Teacher Toolbox. By now, you should have come to the conclusion that good classroom management involves more than just quiet students. This week we are going to break the discussion routine by adding visual and verbal responses only! I know some of you are a little camera shy so this will give you the needed practice to participate in our upcoming live session without pause. Let's travel this road together and create your virtual office or meeting space.

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Hosting and Participating in virtual meetings can be overwhelming.  You are allowing people from your professional environment into your personal environment which is much different from your usual interactions.  Just as you wouldn't invite your principals, colleagues, and students to your physical house to lounge with your family on a daily basis, you shouldn't invite them virtually either.

Let's transform a section of our houses in the same manner we transform our classrooms in the beginning of the year!

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When locating the perfect spot in your house to participate in a virtual meeting, you have to be mindful of your background.  You don't want others to be able to see or hear a lot of background noise.  If possible, pick a room away from the common areas of the house like the living room or kitchen.  This will eliminate as much noise as possible when it's your turn to speak.

Secondly, situate your computer so your camera is facing a corner or wall, but you can see the entrance of the room. Utilizing a wall or corner will allow you to put a bookshelf, crate, or container with resources needed for work.  By relocating all your resources in one location, you won't have to waste time searching for materials when you need them.

If you can't get against a wall, create a backdrop.  Photographers, interior designers, and party planners have mastered the art of the backdrop.  As educators, we have mastered this in our classrooms by creating bulletin boards and atmospheres that appeal to younger learners. Turn on your computer's camera and look at the size of the space on your computer screen. You will only need to decorate what can be seen in your camera. Don't forget to leave extra if you like to move your camera.

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If you work area is in a well lit area, make sure your camera is not in direct contact with the lighting.  This will cause a glare or give you a shadow figure.  Viewers should have a clear picture of the presenter.

If you your area is dimly lit, try using an inexpensive lamp with a soft white light led bulb. This should project the light required for viewers to clearly see your face and expression. The lamp should also be placed on the opposite side of the camera to prevent a glare or shadow figure.

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No matter what room you're in, you'll be able to instantly illuminate your space with this handy LED Clip Table Lamp with Cord from Room Essentials™. This LED table lamp can easily meet all your lighting needs, whether you're reading, finishing up last-minute paperwork or studying for an exam. Featuring a plastic clip at the bottom that easily attaches to a variety of tables and desks, plus a flexible gooseneck design for easy adjustment, this LED clip-on lamp is a great addition to your home or office space.

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led clip table lamp black (includes energy efficient light bulb) - room essentials™

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LED Clip Table Lamp Black (Includes Energy Efficient Light Bulb) - Room Essentials™

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No matter what room you're in, you'll be able to instantly illuminate your space with this handy LED Clip Table Lamp with Cord from Room Essentials™. This LED table lamp can easily meet all your lighting needs, whether you're reading, finishing up last-minute paperwork or studying for an exam.

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When working from home, you may be tempted to jump on camera in your lounge wear.  If your attire would regularly violate your school's dress code, you shouldn't be seen with it on camera.  Being that you're only seen from the waist up, feel free to wear your comfy, gray sweatpants. We won't tell:-)

If you feel better in your favorite t-shirt, keep a cardigan or infinity scarf nearby to keep it business casual. Avoid shirts with writing or logos on the front. However, if it is an online interview, your attire should be dressy. Don't be shy, dress to impress!

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It's so easy to become distracted by other activities when you are not physically with another person.  When you have scheduled online classes and meetings, use the same practice you would for an in person meeting.
1. Silence your cell phone and computer notifications.  When you are constantly looking away from the direction of the presenter, you appear uninterested. Try to make eye contact by looking at or near the lens of the camera.
2. Be mindful of your body language.  The camera will catch your every move to be mindful of  your facial expressions. Smile.
3. Take notes. This will help you with later discussions and to formulate questions to create productive discourse.

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After the presentation, don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions or praise the presenter. Give a brief summary of a key point that resonated with you the most. It's always refreshing when someone recognizes your hard work and it demonstrates your were actively engaged in the presentation.