Set Up for Sim Day

Virtual work can be super fun and also a little new and challenging. Here are some protips to help you get set up for the day

1. Set up your workspace

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Steve Jobs said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” Whenever I make things or set things up I love reflecting on this quote by Steve Jobs. It merely outlines three things to consider when designing:

Does it look good?/ Is it aesthetically pleasing?

Does it feel good? How does doing/using a product or space make me feel, and would I want to have that experience again?

Does it work? What am I designing? Who does it need to work for and in what ways?

Virtual work spaces are as much for you as they are for team/ external people. Therefore, when setting up a virtual teaching space, I make sure it works for both you and “viewers”.

Does it look good?

Create a space that appeals to you. Keep it simple and tidy and make it your own style. In choosing a spot to work, ensure you have a static background/ use background feature (lots of movement can be very distracting).

Having good light it is essential for both your morale and for video calls and recording. Light helps sharpen the image resolution, make sure that your face is illuminated from the front and minimize shadows. Avoid having bright light behind you. If you can, ensure your web camera is at eye-level. I used a stack of books to achieve framing the picture better without straining my neck or eyes!

Does it feel good?

The things that make us feel good differs from person to person but if you feel good you’re likely to share that energy with others.

Get a comfortable chair and one that supports sitting well. If you can, create a standing desk variation for yourself and mix it up for the day.

Reduce background noise during meetings (Zoom has noise reduction automation) but it will support you and your mood.

Add things to your space that makes you feel good. Plants or flowers are great natural elements to add calm, a yoga mat next to your desk is great for stretching in between classes and taking a break, burn a candle or incense to create a relaxing atmosphere and have a glass of water or water bottle nearby, even though you are home, don’t forget to drink water.

Does it work?

Do you have everything you need nearby? If you need stationery, your grade book, resources, post-its your journal…anything that you need to be the best teacher, set it up in your virtual classroom space. Use jars, cans or containers to organize and sort things and where possible keep desk surfaces uncluttered and tidy.

Power outlets and multi plugs are your best friend! You’ll be using your devices a lot more than usual and there is nothing worse than mid-call realizing you’re about to run out of juice. Just set up all your chargers at your workspace and have them within reach.

2. Have snacks (we delivered you a little snack pack for the day) nearby for Virtual Coffee/ Lunch/ Breaks

3. Technical Tools to have installed and set up

We have sent invites for you to join all our necessary platforms.

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Slack:⁠

we use this for comms instead of email & whatsapp. (If you want to connect)

We use Google Workspace. You have been given access to a google folder that has everything in it that you need for your Sim Day. Particularly google sheets.

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Loom⁠

is a great tool for recording screen cast and sharing video with team mates and documentation. Download it we’ll be using it tomorrow!

. Zoom!⁠

Which I know you already have ;)

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