Because of the various methods available it is essential to select the most appropriate devices to reach your students. For example, when discussing the anatomy of the heart I incorporate the use of a model of the human heart with chambers, valves and septal walls that are easy to identify. This can be introduced to the class by allowing each student to examine the model. Another useful tool is powerpoint presentations which flow with my lecture. Each bullet should be introduced seperately so that the students can hopefully grasp the concept being discussed. Limit your bullets so that the students do not become overwhelmed with the information being introduced to them before moving to another topic. Another useful tool is the use of color which enhances the presentation. To ensure that your reaching the students who choose to sit in the back of the classroom, adequate font size is essential. Depending on the audience and the information introduced helps me to determine the media which is most effective. The overall goal is to reach all of the learners by utilizing various tools to enhance their comprehension. All students do not learn alike so by incorporating different media styles a wider audience can be reached.
We have alot of pre-approved videos and movies to go along with our courses. If I am looking for something new, I usually start at the local library and pre-view what they may have. Sometimes there are current movies that fit in with our course content.
Hi Donna:
Selecting media really takes some thought and planning. There are so many media choices and instructional methods to choose from - we wan to find the ones that will be most efficient in teaching the student well, and in an enjoyable manner that's interesting and memorable.
I use the course objectives and student learning outcomes as a starting point. Then I reflect on my own experience and think about "how can I get this across". Keeping the end in mind also helps decide what may work best.
Regards, Barry
Boy, how times have changed with multimedia. In the 80's we were so strapped by limited accessibility to computer usage, VCR, TV programming, etc and now we are inundated by DVD's, textbook resources, YouTube, and handheld electronics to mention a few.
My selection of media sources would vary based on topics of lecture, ice breakers for the beginning of a class, research, and general information. With the immergence of YouTube the last few years has given way to reality on the spot for instructions aide. I found that inserting a 5 to 10 minute segment of YouTube would definitely break up a lecture with visual reinforcement for better competency. A lot of students are visual learners therefore; this is a way to fuel their senses of learning.
I have used all types of media. I use the white board and powerpoint when introducing a new concept. We have a lab where the students are then able to apply what they learned with hands on with the equipment. We do have a few computer programs that help with different areas. Some programs are needed to help with learning the different sounds.
It depends on the subject. I really like using a dry erase board and markers in a variety of colors. For example in a medical terminology class, I'll write the medical term on the board in black, then I have individual students come up and disect the work in a different color, then another student will tell what each word part represents, ie; suffix, prefix, in a different color. This really seems to help the students break down the words and to learn the meaning.
I use power point in my class and the computer and projector. Since I teach Intro to Computers it is much easier for me to outline the chapters, important information, show pictures of hardware and computer applications. Within my course we work with the Office applications and I demonstrate how to use each piece of software on the screen and then have the students’ model after me. Students are able to grasp these technical skills better when they are able to actually see the software being used.
I also believe the media I select for my course needs to relate to the topic. I find my students enjoy the change when I incorporate variety into my classroom.
Hi Seth:
Newer technology (smart board) doesn't mean older technology (overhead, whiteboad) is not useful. Like any craft, we have tools. We want to choose the tools that work best for a given job.
I do think adding variety helps keep students interests and allows the instructor to focus their lesson better.
Regards, barry
I agree with this. Standing in front of the class, lecturing from a book will put students to sleep. Graphic pictures=worth a thousand words!
As a writing instructor, I still use a lot of the traditional classroom media devices. Overhead projectors are still relevant for my courses, but I use the whiteboard most often. When teaching grammar, these devices are easier to make corrections on, so that students can see the correct versus incorrect answers. Although I'd like to incorporate powerpoints more, they are harder to use in a "hands-on" way, which I feel students benefit from. I am also fortunate enough to have a Smartboard in my room, and I am still developing my skills with it. It's great to have another tool to add to my arsenal!
Whatever you choose, make sure you know how the program works!
I enjoy using power point presetnations because it allows me to time the lectures. I also try to use videos when applicable as much as possible.
Isabel
Teaching online with live chat sessions prompt the use of powerpoint AV's as well as a number of other learning tools such as polls, use of the white board. I respond to questions and real life situations to make the content come alive. Interaction is a key to engagement!
Hi Robin:
Concisely stated. Variety is always good. But focused variety hits the mark.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donna:
With variety, as you suggest you're using, you are bound to create a favorable learning environment for most learners.
Regards, Barry
I teach five courses and use powerpoint in all my lectures. In addition to the powerpoints, I incorporate videos, podcast, dvd's, and handouts. I try to make sure I am focusing on each student's learning style.
Hi Creighton:
For me, selection of media is simply choosing the best methods I can use to get my message, lesson, or infromation conveyed to my students.
There are a gazillion ways to deliver information; my challenge is to find which ones will be the most efficient, instructive, helpful, and useful given the resources I have available to me. I try to add as much variety as possible, and use only short sessions of any one type of media.
Regards, Barry
Hi Richard:
Choosing media is simply selecting what you think will best teach your students the needed content. For instance, PPT or discussion, whiteboard or overheard, class exercise or take home assignments, etc.
Regards, Barry
Hi Maria:
Selecting media is simply choosing the best way to deliver information in your courses, For instance, Is a PPT or discussion better to supplement your lecture, and so forth.
If it's your class, you can always get information from your peers, but ultimately you want to be able to present your couse in the most smooth, effective method possible.
Regards, Barry
