Elgato’s Stream Deck is a tool that streamlines productivity. Coming in as many as 32 and as little as 6 buttons, users can efficiently launch apps, play sounds, mute / unmute, trigger GIF’s and videos and much more - all with just one press of a button. This all sounds fantastic - if you’re a gamer or streamer. But, what about teachers? How can we integrate this tool into our classrooms? Learn how more below!
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Which Stream Deck is best for me?
Elgato’s Stream Deck comes in several different sizes: 32 buttons, 15 buttons and 6 buttons. The prices range from $250 (32 buttons) to $80 (6 buttons). There’s also an option to turn your mobile device into a Stream Deck using Elgato’s app.
When deciding which is best for you, it’s important to note that there are an infinite number of actions that can be assigned to each stream deck. For example, if you’re working with the 6 button stream deck, users can create folders inside of folders to organize their actions. This features is available on every Stream Deck, so there’s always room for more!
So, which one is best for me? That depends…If you’re looking for more control, you’ll definitely want a bigger deck. More buttons = more options. If you’re looking for something small (pocket sized) and see yourself using the same actions all the time, then the Mini may be right for you. Speaking from experience, we prefer the larger sizes because you don’t have to assign actions to all the keys if you don’t want to - but at least they’re there if you do! Click below to purchase:
Elgato Stream Deck Mini (6 Buttons)
Elgato Stream Deck (15 Buttons)
Elgato Stream Deck (32 Buttons)
Elgato Stream Deck Mobile (app w/ 15 Buttons)
Once you’ve decided on which stream deck is right for you, check out Elgato’s starter guide right here!
Where Can I Find Sound Effects and GIF’s for my Elgato Stream Deck?
So, you’ve got your deck and you understand how the software works. But, where can you find sound effects and GIF’s to use? Here are a few places we recommend!
SuperLuigiBros.com
Looking for video game sound effects? Check out SuperLuigiBros.com for a collection of Mario Kart effects. No account required!
Free SFX
Free SFX requires you to sign up for a free account. But, once you’ve created your account, you can easily access tons of free sound effects that can be downloaded directly to your device.
Free Sound
Free sound also requires you to create an account before you can download, but doing so will give you access to tons of free sound effects!
Zapsplat
Zapsplat doesn’t require an account to download files. Users can select a sound effect, then Zapsplat generates a file link to download.
Giphy
Giphy is home to countless GIF’s, all of which are available to use for free. GIF’s can be downloaded (right click, save image as), but the true magic comes from making your own. This can be done right within the site. We also recommend checking out Giphy’s stickers - which have transparent backgrounds.
Tenor
Another fantastic website that features countless GIF’s! Like Giphy, users can create their own GIF’s in Tenor by uploading content and using the sites GIF creator tools.
How Can I Use the Elgato Stream Deck in My Classroom?
This all sounds awesome - but how does this translate into the classroom? How can this benefit my students and their learning experience? Like with the Stream Deck, the possibilities are endless. But, here are a few ways that we’re using it in our classrooms:
Engagement
Kids today are able to process information in a much quicker pace than ever before. They are also able to take in information for multiple resources and know exactly what to do with it. This means our students are excellent multitaskers! In a world where sound effects appear right on top of videos that they’re watching, kids need engagement. So, try using the Stream Deck to load up some sound effects. Create buttons for things like “oh, no” or “oops.” Maybe even create one for “money” (when something good happens) or “kerching” (for when something great happens). Then, when those situations arise, be quick with your buttons and press the appropriate one!
Timers
The Stream Deck can play short sound effects and long songs. So, program your Stream Deck with a timer - or song. We try to keep ours at 1 min and 30 seconds. We use this same song for all transitions, clean up, etc. Playing the same song gets the kids familiar with it, so they know exactly how much time they have until the timer / song runs out.
Mini Brain Breaks
Sometimes your students are a bit ansy. If your students have a case of the wiggles, keep them on their toes with the Stream Deck! Teach the kids that when a sound effect or song is played, they can get up and dance. The trick is that they must be back working and on-task once the sound effect of song is over! Check out our example below!
-- Stay tuned for more on how to use Elgato’s Stream Deck in your classroom! Already own one? We’d love to see how you’re using it! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
