What is screen sharing?
Screen sharing is when someone shares their computer or device screen contents with another person’s device. This allows the other person to see what is being shown in real time.
Why is screen sharing useful?
Screen sharing can be particularly valuable for children with sensory needs as it enables access to visual content and develops inclusive learning experiences.
Screen sharing platforms often provide options for adjusting the display settings, such as magnification and contrast. Depending on what is used, you can increase the font size, zoom in on specific areas, or adjust colours to optimise visibility for students.
Screen sharing can ensure that all students, including those with sensory needs, have equal access to digital materials. Teachers can share accessible documents, presentations, or e-books, which have been formatted with proper headings, alt text for images, and structured content.
Screen sharing facilitates collaborative learning among students. Students with sensory needs can participate in group work or collaborative projects by having their screens shared with others. This fosters teamwork and encourages inclusive participation.
What can I use to screen share?
There are several free screen sharing apps and software available, some popular options include:
1. Zoom: Zoom offers free screen sharing capabilities for online meetings, webinars, and virtual classrooms. It allows participants to view and interact with shared screens in real-time.
2. Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams provides free screen sharing features for video conferencing and collaboration. Users can share their screens with others during meetings and presentations.
3. Google Meet: Google Meet, part of Google Workspace, offers free screen sharing functionality for online meetings and classes. It allows participants to share their screens and collaborate in real-time.
4. Skype: Skype is a widely-used free communication platform that includes screen sharing features. It enables users to share their screens with others during video calls or chat sessions.
5. AnyDesk: AnyDesk is a free remote desktop software that allows screen sharing between devices. It’s particularly useful for providing technical support or accessing a remote computer.
6. Chrome Remote Desktop: Chrome Remote Desktop is a free Chrome browser extension that enables screen sharing and remote access between computers. It can be useful for providing or receiving technical assistance.
7. TeamViewer: TeamViewer offers a free version of its remote access and screen sharing software. It allows users to share screens and collaborate remotely.
It’s worth noting that some of these options may have limitations on the number of participants or specific features in their free versions. Additionally, the availability of these apps and software may be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check their respective websites for the most up-to-date information on free offerings in the UK.