Teacher's low-tech laptop hack to display handwritten notes for online class (mothership.sg)

Article summary

A teacher has shared a low-tech hack to display handwritten notes on a laptop camera for online classes. The hack uses a CD, pencil, tape, and coin to reflect the notes onto the camera. This solution is helpful for teachers who need to show their workings as they write. The post has gone viral on social media with over 24,000 shares.

Main themes

• low-tech hacks
• teacher resourcefulness
• online learning
• educational technology
• teacher support
• pandemic adaptation

What commenters say

• The clarity of the image reflected by the CD is surprising and has sparked debate about the reflective properties of CDs.
• The use of a CD as a makeshift mirror is a clever and accessible solution for teachers with limited resources.
• Teachers are often forced to improvise with limited support from communities, schools, or governments, which can be tragic and unfair.
• The effectiveness of the hack is not diminished by the availability of specialized hardware like Wacom tablets, which may not be feasible or necessary for all teachers.
• The value of a Wacom tablet lies in its ability to provide infinite space and other features that are not available with pen and paper.
• The cost of a Wacom tablet is a significant consideration for teachers who may not have the budget for it, making the free CD and pencil solution more attractive.
• The fact that governments and schools have not provided more support for teachers during the pandemic is a concern, with some arguing that it is not entirely the teacher's responsibility to adapt to new circumstances.
• The improvisational nature of the hack is seen as a testament to the resourcefulness of teachers, who often have to find creative solutions to unexpected problems.