Teaching from a mobile desk or setting up "learning hotspots" around the classroom requires some adjustments, especially in terms of planning, organization, and classroom management. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Prioritize Essential Materials
- Only bring the essentials: materials like your iPad, consumables, basic supplies (pens, sticky notes), and any quick-reference materials.
- Avoid overloading the mobile desk; this makes movement easier and ensures you have what you need without clutter.
2. Organize for Quick Access
- Arrange materials so they’re easy to grab without excessive searching. Use the container bins attached to the mobile desk for specific items, keeping frequently used tools on top or in accessible compartments.
- Use the bins for supplies like markers, whiteboard erasers, or tech accessories, minimizing setup time as you move.
3. Plan for Technology Needs
- Ensure devices like iPads or laptops are fully charged or have a portable charging solution, as outlets may not always be within reach.
- If using a digital whiteboard, try to set up screen mirroring and open your online tools before class begins to avoid disruptions.
- If you have wifi issues:
- Mirror your iPad and use the camera to take pictures of student work and annotate as needed.
- Use Remote for Slides to advance Google Slides on your laptop from the iPad to stay untethered.
4. Strategize for Movement and Flow
- Think about where and when you’ll move during the lesson. Arrange student seating to allow easy access to groups and avoid obstacles that could hinder mobility.
- Plan “checkpoints” around the room to keep track of all students and maintain presence without needing a fixed location. This works well if you are not able to safely move the mobile desk around your classroom.
5. Set Up Visual and Audio Tools Effectively
- Use the Lightspeed microphone. This ensures students hear you without needing to stay near the front.
- If sharing visuals on a projector or screen, use screen mirroring from the mobile desk, so you can interact with content while moving around.
6. Emphasize Flexibility in Teaching Approach
- A mobile desk enables a more fluid teaching style; embrace a facilitative role by circulating the room, engaging students directly, and encouraging hands-on work.
- Try to spend more time guiding or coaching rather than delivering lengthy lectures; this approach is more conducive to the flexibility a mobile desk provides.
7. Set Boundaries and Expectations for Students
- Establish clear classroom routines so students know what to do even when the teacher isn’t stationed in one spot. This includes transitions, group work expectations, and what to do if they need help.
- Regularly remind students of procedures for when you’re moving, like how to get your attention or when it’s appropriate to ask questions.
8. Adapt for Small-Group and Individualized Instruction
- Mobile desks make it easier to work closely with small groups or individual students. Take advantage of this setup to personalize learning and provide targeted support.
- Bring assessment or observation tools to jot down notes on student progress as you work with each group or individual, allowing you to keep a record without returning to a fixed desk.
9. Encourage Student Independence
- When teaching from a mobile desk, encourage students to take more responsibility for their learning and classroom environment.
- Assign classroom jobs or roles that help manage supplies, technology, or transitions, reinforcing student ownership.
10. Evaluate and Adjust Regularly
- Reflect on what worked and what didn’t with the mobile desk setup, adjusting materials, routes, and teaching style as needed.
- Ask students for feedback on how the mobile desk impacts their engagement and participation. Small tweaks based on their insights can make the approach even more effective.
A mobile desk can create a more interactive and flexible learning environment, so by keeping these points in mind, teachers can maximize the benefits while minimizing potential challenges.
Crowdsource Mobile Desk Ideas from PISD Teachers - Padlet will open in a new window. You will need to click "Sign in with Google'" using your PISD email.
