A journey into self-hosted technology is ultimately a journey into an educational wonderland!

As a teacher, you know the importance of engaging your students and keeping them interested in the lesson. However, with so many distractions and digital devices vying for their attention, it can be difficult to keep their focus on the task at hand. Luckily, there's one simple trick that can help you wow your students and bring your lessons to life – the classroom SERVER!

vintage gray game console and joystick
Photo by Lorenzo Herrera / Unsplash

What is a classroom SERVER, you ask? In short, it's a small computer that acts as a central hub for your classroom. It allows you to store and share files, run applications, and collaborate with your students in real-time. And the best part? You can set up your own classroom SERVER using open-source software and inexpensive hardware, making it an affordable option for teachers on a tight budget.

a man holding a jar with a savings label on it
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya / Unsplash

So, how can a classroom SERVER help you wow your students? Here are just a few examples:

  1. Collaborative projects: With a classroom SERVER, you can create collaborative projects that allow your students to work together in real-time. For example, you could have them work on a group presentation using Google Slides, which is stored on the SERVER and can be accessed by everyone in the class. This not only encourages teamwork and communication skills, but also allows for a more dynamic and engaging learning experience.
  2. Interactive lessons: With the SERVER, you can run interactive applications that allow your students to participate in the lesson in a more hands-on way. For example, you could use a game-based learning platform like Kahoot! to create quizzes and challenges that your students can complete on their own devices, with the results displayed on the classroom projector.
  3. Access to digital resources: The SERVER can also be used to store and share digital resources, such as ebooks, videos, and educational apps. This not only makes it easier for you to manage your classroom materials, but also allows your students to access these resources at any time, whether they're in the classroom or at home.
person using laptop
Photo by John Schnobrich / Unsplash

So, how do you get started with setting up a classroom SERVER? The first step is to choose the right hardware and software for your needs. There are a number of open-source solutions available, such as Raspberry Pi and Ubuntu Server, that are easy to use and affordable. Once you have your SERVER set up, you can start exploring the different applications and tools that are available to you.

black and silver laptop computer on brown wooden table
Photo by Gabriel Benois / Unsplash

In conclusion, a classroom SERVER is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you wow your students and bring your lessons to life. With its collaborative capabilities, interactive applications, and access to digital resources, it's a must-have for any teacher looking to engage their students and create a more dynamic learning experience. So why not give it a try? Your students will thank you for it!