Hi Marianna:
My approach to instructional media attempts to use lots of variety, mixing up the sequencing so students stay attentive, getting the students involved in the instructional process as much as possible, and having integrating student group study along with media. The combined power of multiple ideas along with good resources with students participating seems to improve the learning process.
Some things have to be lectured, but involvement and being engaged with participation is just as effective if structured correctly.
Regards, Barry
Hi Doug:
I think when students find something they perceive is beneficial to them they are more likel;y to remain engaged and perform well in their classes. So, a tip I share is to get to know your students and where possible, tailor the lessons to their interests.
Regards, Barry
I teach in a video game department...aka 2D and 3D interactive artwork...so everything I do must be fun, artistic, interactive, digital, and on the computer for the students to enjoy it, learn from it, and work on it. Otherwise, they get bored, uninterested, and do not stay focused.
In my Professional Presentation classes, I often use Power Point and internet to help illustrate/convey the message. However, in my Photoshop and Flash classes, I mostly use the software itself to demonstrate how it works. I do use internet and PPT to show work examples, however.
I teach healthcare, so DVD's and PPT are excellent for supplementing the written content. It helps the students see the practical applications first-hand, rather than leaving the details to their imaginations.
Dr. Westling: Good point! Most of the time I have to revise the powerpoints that the publishers give us! That way I am sure that the students will not be bored to death by them!
Dr. Westling:
It depends on the class. I usually try to use powerpoints, handouts, websites, news articles and lectures.
The more students I have the more media I use. Sometimes YouTube is helpful too!
I use examples of my own work, via projector, to show and demonstrate different techniques and methods for visual effects compositing.
some of the media is preselected for me - there are powerpoints that I am expected to use. In addition I am always looking for relevant news articles or short clips of videos. I also like to use the white board to illustrate concepts or write vocabulary words from the book.
Hi Ed:
Nice point - we should never read the slides to the students. Instead, it is considered more effective to "expound" on the information in the slide.
Power-point can get dull, so we should be ready to have an alternate activity to reinforce the learning.
Regards, Barry
Preview, preview, preview. The content, graphics, length of presentation and source of references have to be of high quality and very, very consistent. Professional trade associations and peer-reviewed medical journals have provided excellent video based instructional materials.
Hi Frank:
In general, the best approach is usually using a variety of media to be more sure of addressing every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
Depending on what I happen to be teaching. I use multiple forums for delievring course content. I do however find that hands on by far is the most effective for my courses.
Hi Marc:
You've hit a primary point - using a variety of techniques. By doing this, we instructors are more likely to be sure to address every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
Hi Brian:
Good point - by using a variety of materials, we're more likely to teach in such a way as to address every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
I try to select what is comfortable for me to interact with my class. I have tried power point presentations in the past, and still do you them occasionally, but I find it limits my interaction. If the lights are off, and I'm occupied with the equipment, I have less chance of seeing how my students are responding to what I'm lecturing about. I prefer content delivery that gives me more of an opportunity for that.
I use powerpoint presentations that is provided by the publisher. However, I also use a flip chart when provided to enhance personalize the powerpoint delivery.
I use powerpoint presentations provided by the publisher as well and found them to be useful in delivering the information.
I have used the supplied materials as well and found them to meet my needs in delivering the information in the classroom.
Since I mainly teach software programs I mostly use overhead projectors to display the program I am teaching. I also occasionally use printed handouts of screenshots so the students can make notes as I point them out.
