Elevating the Learning Experience: Why Students Need a Second Screen for Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning’s popularity has grown significantly over the past few years. It combines traditional in-person classroom learning with online education, allowing students to have access to lesson resources from virtually everywhere. Oftentimes, students can interact with content independently online while collaborating and applying key concepts within the classroom. The pandemic has forced educators and students alike to adopt hybrid learning practices and adapt to this new way of learning.

One of the biggest challenges of hybrid and remote learning is the lack of a proper workspace and difficulties adjusting to a new learning environment. Students often have to make do with whatever space they have available at home, which may be a limited or non-permanent setup. This is where portable second screens come in. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of using portable monitors as second screens for improving the hybrid learning experience.

1. Increased Productivity

One of the biggest benefits of using a second screen is enhanced productivity. With an extended screen, students can have multiple applications open simultaneously. This allows students to easily reference learning resources to work more efficiently, including having their lesson notes or online textbook on one screen while working on an assignment on the other screen.

Studies show dual monitor users switch windows 15% less frequently than single monitor users. The reduced need to constantly switch between different applications and helps students stay focused on their work.

2. Improved Collaboration and Engagement

Using second screens can help facilitate collaboration both inside and outside the classroom. With an expanded screen space that can be rotated to face their peers, students can easily share their work and receive feedback in real-time. This can be especially helpful for group projects or for study groups, where students need to work together to achieve a common goal.

When utilizing online video chats with teachers or tutors, screen monitoring via a second monitor allows educators to be present with their students when remote – so they can more effectively guide learning and encourage student engagement. 

3. Greater Learning Flexibility

Using a portable monitor as a second screen can provide students with greater flexibility in where and when they learn whether it be at home, in the library, or on-the-go. Often attaching to laptops directly or utilizing a built-in kickstand, portable monitors require minimal or even no added desktop or tabletop space, making them the ideal travel companion for students and educators.

When selecting the most ideal portable monitors for hybrid learning, we recommend options that are lightweight and can stand up to the wear and tear of daily travel. SideTrak Essential HD 11.6” portable monitor is optimized for education and feature built-in drop protection. Its compact screen folds flat against school-issued Chromebooks or laptops to easily fit into students’ bags when on the move.

4. Enhanced Ergonomics

Students shouldn’t have to sacrifice their extended screen setups to be comfortable while learning. The best dual-monitor setups allow for easy screen adjustments and viewing flexibility to help improve long-term comfort for students.

With the flexibility to position their screens to their optimal height, distance, and viewing angle, students can maintain a proper posture while working remotely or in school, which can help prevent back and neck pain. This is especially important for hybrid learning, where student’s workspaces can be ever-changing, and a permanent ergonomic setup isn’t always guaranteed.

Conclusion

Using a second screen, especially a portable option, can provide students with numerous benefits when it comes to hybrid learning and exceling in their studies - making quality learning both more accessible and engaging.

As hybrid learning continues to grow in popularity, investing in a second monitor can provide an ideal solution for students who want to maximize their learning potential.