Nearly everywhere you look, you can see the rapid changes in technology. That’s true in the classroom, where modern laser projectors have evolved significantly from traditional machines that mainly show images on a screen. Today’s projectors harness powerful teaching technology that helps educators deliver engaging and memorable lessons.
With the vast number of options, flexibility and adaptability modern laser projectors offer, teachers are constantly finding creative ways to bring lessons to life.
Here are some tried and true projector “hacks” experienced teachers use to solve classroom challenges:
Hack #1: Manage classroom energy by using the projector’s capabilities for demonstration, video and audio
Teachers must continually manage classroom energy so students are ready to absorb information throughout the day. That means helping students settle in quickly after transitions, such as changing classes or coming in after recess. It also means increasing energy after a test or toward the end of a long afternoon.
Create a calm environment amidst a boisterous classroom by having students remain in their seats during a science or art demonstration, or while watching an intriguing video clip. The big, bright projector screens ensure virtually everyone in the class can see the material, which captures students’ attention and encourages them to watch and listen quietly.
In contrast, create more interactivity by inviting students to share and present projects or show how they worked through math problems.
With apps available on today’s projectors, select music to help students focus during an assignment or take a quick dance break to get their wiggles out.
Hack #2: Keep everyone on task by using the projector as a project manager
Every day, teachers have a detailed lesson plan. They need to ensure they stay on track, yet have the flexibility to spend additional time on a topic when necessary so students understand the material. Even as teachers work to keep themselves on track, they also spend a lot of time repeating information to help students keep up as well. What page students should turn to. What math problems they should work on in class. What the next task is after finishing an assignment.
Use the projector as a project manager by casting the class structure and assignments throughout the class period. Every student can easily reference what they should be working on. Providing this information decreases disruptions and gives students more autonomy for managing their work.
Hack #3: Make abstract concepts concrete by using the projector for visual learning
Some concepts are difficult to explain — they must be shown to provide enough context for understanding. Projectors offer visual learning, which improves comprehension and retention. With 65% of people classified as visual learners, incorporating visuals is a powerful way to deliver learning.
Bring math problems to life by demonstrating them on the projector. Show how one variable impacts another, such as how changing x and y affects slopes in geometry.
Share photos or pictures of historical or even mythological events, like the image of Icarus flying too close to the sun or the opening of Pandora’s box.
Hack #4: Bring fresh new voices into the classroom with the projector
Teachers recognize that students sometimes need to learn information from different resources for it to resonate. Using today’s projectors, teachers can bring unlimited sources into the classroom, adding diverse, fresh and current information.
Use current news clips to help high school students analyze critical issues and assess how various news sources present them.
Build a lesson around a current event, such as the eclipse, and live stream it as it occurs.
Use clips of historical or viral speeches, poetry slams, or movie moments that offer new perspectives.
Augment studies to bring historical figures to life. For example, when studying an artist or writer, find YouTube videos that include the artist’s voice providing a perspective of their work.
Hack #5: Explore beyond the classroom by using the projector to create virtual field trips
There’s so much to teach beyond the classroom, but field trips require funds, time, chaperones and a lot of coordination. By using today’s immersive projectors, teachers can simulate field trips virtually anywhere in the world — and beyond.
Plot a route from the school to the Egyptian pyramids using Google Maps, and virtually travel that route. Use Google Earth to explore stops along the way.
Use Google Earth to provide perspective when teaching about the continents, including their size and population.
Virtually visit museums, libraries and national parks. Explore art, aeronautics, history and science.
Make virtual field trips a regular event, at the end of a week or a lesson block. Encourage students to get in a “field trip” mode by discussing what they anticipate seeing and afterwards, getting their reviews of the event.
Laser projectors help teachers be more creative than ever to enhance learning — these examples are just the beginning of countless options. For more in-depth stories from real teachers who have found hacks using today’s projectors, check out our guide on The Creative Solutions Teachers Use to Engage and Educate.
