When not energetically writing math equations on the board, drinking endless amounts of coffee, or playing chess at Starbucks, Mr. David Thaxton can now be found in front of a camera.

“I’ve got to find a way to get the kids help,” said Mr. Thaxton, who has created a YouTube channel to stream his energy and teaching online.

With a homebound student on his role this semester, Thaxton’s mind was rolling on how to get the students help who are not able to be in class—he arrived at the conclusion of recording and creating videos for students to watch and have the opportunity to learn at home. “It’s been on my mind for a couple of years—I was homeschooled, so I had to watch [and learn from] videos,” he said.

Although it was a bit “awkward” teaching to a camera at first, Thaxton is now posting lessons on a regular basis. Following recording, the video goes through a 45 minute compressing process and each lesson is posted by 5PM each day. “Mrs. Yeatts provided the equipment and Tittiris sat and showed me how to edit,” he said. He has also even constructed a white board and purchased lighting to create a mini “home studio” in case he is unable to record at school.

While it is not a requirement for students to watch the videos, many students are taking advantage of the opportunity. “Before, I would just pretend like I knew what was going on, but now I can go watch the video and take notes,” said junior Jacob Ingram.

“[It’s good because] I’m not bouncing around like a kangaroo,” Thaxton said on his mission to move slower than he does in the classroom in hopes to help the students be able to truly grasp the material.

The videos also ensure that the class doesn’t get behind on snow days—when school was out on January 14, the Algebra II students were able to receive a 100 quiz grade if the video was watched and notes were completed. A good portion—nearly 80% of the class—logged on to YouTube on their snow day to watch the lesson.

Not only are the videos benefiting students, but they are helping Mr. Thaxton as well. “I can reflect on myself and improve as a teacher,” he said. After recording each lesson, he is able to go back and realize what he could improve or elaborate more on, and the amount of views each video has helps him to know what lesson is causing the most confusion in the students.

For those who don’t have access to internet, he burns DVD’s for them to take home—making sure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from learning outside of the walls of the classroom. Each video ranges from 20 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on the complexity of the lesson.

While the recording and editing and compressing of the videos takes time, he is excited about creating them because “the thinking process is more beautiful”— he is happy to create a new approach in his goal to “flow” more in educating students instead of just focusing on “structure,” while also keeping in mind his motto that “anytime you invest time into something, you will get rewards.”

The videos are open to anyone. “If you need help, use it,” he said.

To find the YouTube channel, search “David Thaxton Tunstall High School Algebra.” (Or click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCEYiMTmB0WWrVPgfy58RQ)