Who better to ask what tech will help people prepare for back to school than an experienced teacher? I have several teachers in my family and I have observed something that many people might find ironic: teachers are constantly researching, constantly testing new tools for their trade, and as a result, constantly learning. Want to learn what tools are great to have at your disposal for back to school … ask a teacher!

We asked two teachers, Sarah Habibi  and Cam Lee about technology available at Best Buy that they are looking forward to using this September. In the next section, each teacher shares their tech suggestions for back to school.

Science teacher Sarah Habibi has her eye on wearable tech and a new monitor

Sarah Habibi wearing FitbitI love Best Buy for all my back-to-school tech, because it has everything I need to continue teaching online, staying on track with my physical activity, and helping my students all over Canada! Not to mention, the tech that I love to use is helpful to both students and teachers, so it serves a dual purpose! I still get that giddy feeling in my stomach now every time I walk into a Best Buy during back to school season as I did when I was a kid and student!

With back to school around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on my past year of teaching. One thing is for sure, I had to adapt my teaching style to fit in this new virtual world. So, with September coming up, here is the tech I am eyeing this year from Best Buy to help up my teaching game.

1: The Fitbit Versa 3 Smartwatch with Voice Assistant: This past year I have been obsessed with my Fitbit. I love tracking all my steps throughout the day because I find it helps to keep me active and accountable while working from home all day. Also, the calendar and appointment application will definitely help any student, or employee stay on track this fall.

2: My personal favourite technology is the LG LED Free Sync Gaming Monitor. With 5ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate, you get virtually seamless action when you need it most. Not to mention, I love how I can adjust the monitor to be either landscape or portrait. This will seriously help with all the presentations I have coming up!

Yoga teacher Cam Lee suggests tech for distraction free learning

Let’s be real, the past year has been hard on us all; but, technology has made a huge difference by keeping me connected with my community. As a teacher, I stay connected with my students online. However, there are many struggles to troubleshoot to make this happen. For me, ridding myself of distractions has been key to keeping a tight bond with my community. My favorite tool to do this is an awesome pair of headphones. I absolutely love the Bose QuietComfort In-Ear Noise Cancelling Truly Wireless Headphones from Best Buy, and here’s why:

  • First off, they’re totally wireless so there aren’t any awkward wires getting in my way or distracting me as I connect with my students.
  • Working from home brings with it many distractions. Whether it’s other folks working from home or the neighbour’s lawnmower, the noise cancelling feature blocks out the commotion and keeps me focused on what matters most—my students.
  • They’re super sleek and stay locked into your ears, so I can move with confidence, hear my background music, and cue my students all at once.
  • The audio is super clear, rich, and precise so whether you’re taking a class, teaching one, or listening to music, you won’t miss a thing.
  • I love that they’re sweat and water-resistant, so I can move straight from the computer and into my sweaty workouts without hesitation.

Like all teachers, Sarah and Cam know that going back to school, whether in a classroom or online, requires great technology. Today’s teacher, especially over the past year, requires a laptop, smart phone, numerous peripherals, and the skills to manage both a real classroom of students and a virtual one.

What tech do you consider most important for going back to school this fall. Let us know in the comments, and visit Best Buy for all of your back to school tech needs.

Martin Renaud
Editor in Chief
Martin loves working with the talented editors and writers on the Best Buy Blog as Editor-in-Chief. During his spare time he is either working on his next novel, cooking up a masterpiece in the kitchen, or adding some smart tech to his new home on Mayne Island in British Columbia.