a few helpful digital teaching tools

Learned so far

Live, remote hans-on training is hard
Remote hands-on has to be MUCH simpler than in-person
Pre-recorded material (lectures, walk-throughs, tutorial docs), supported by frequent live office hours availability is probably the way to go

At the very least, invest in a headset, so that the microphone is always the same distance from your mouth for consistent audio. Probably the easiest option.
Condenser Microphones - Excellent dynamic range and sensitivity. I use a Blue Yeti (link)
- Require some sound dampening (reducing keyboard noise, desk noise, etc...) I've put everything on felt pads or coasters.
- Might be overly sensitive, if you have lively children
Be sure to test your sound settings (gain, levels, etc...) by RECORDING a short session (in zoom) with several minutes of varied speech. If you are using higher end microphones, it is easier to get your sound levels too high .

Already mentioned some mobile software for turning iphones into webcams
OBS Studio is a bit higher-end.
- Create "Scenes" with various camera setups
- save "profiles" for public vs internal, etc...
- loads of effects and features to create banners, use greenscreen, etc...

Probably more technically involved setup than most are interested in, but may make an interesting basae software for a shared SERG studio?

Already mentioned some mobile software for turning iphones into webcams
OBS Studio is a bit higher-end.
- Create "Scenes" with various camera setups
- save "profiles" for public vs internal, etc...
- loads of effects and features to create banners, use greenscreen, etc...

Probably more technically involved setup than most are interested in, but may make an interesting basae software for a shared SERG studio?

By Stace Maples