I bring in objects from work used in the criminal justice world
For my accounting classes i have computerized accounting option, guest speakers, and annual report analysis of real corporations from the internet or formal printed annual reports
Staying tuned in to what the students are using and keeping up with the schools requirements for the classroom usage of the latest technology. The younger students are by far better with the technology, the older students still have basic computer problems. Make it fun and interesting for all age groups!!!
Technology is a way of life for many of these students and a great interactive tool!
I do an online poll were students can answer a question that I have entered into the poll. The question is usually based on what I will be lecturing that day. This gives the students an opportunity to use technology by using there cell phones to answer the poll and leads in a discussion on the topic of the day.
We have a variety of guest speakers who specialize in different areas that we teach. We have a dog behaviorist come in and lecture and trouble shoot student issues with their pet. We also have a Dr. who specializes in ultrasound come in and does a few.
Guest speakers are great. They can provide stories and pertinent information from the field. Students are engaged and excited.
Deborah,
This is great information. In addition, most publishers provide instructional resources that can be used as supplements with the course textbook. This typically includes: videos, PowerPoints, quizzes and interactive activities.
Tremayne Simpson
the use of technology in the classroom in the form of powerpoints for discussion of the subject. I use former students as a resource to come back to speak to classes. i also use and make up jeaopardy questions to review for test and put them on the the computer.
Adding instructional resources to the lecture increases students participation and learning by utilizing the different teaching approaches. I have found that multiple state and national organizations offer mini videos, tutorials etc. that include "live action" film of surgeries, cardiovascular system etc. The mini videos give the students a very real/graphic learning experience that they can then use to understand the theory better.
Case studies, group activities, simulation in the lab, and assessment tests on a program used by the college in the computer lab are some of the instructional resources used at the college where I am an instructor.
As a vocational instructor, my intial instructional resource is the power point presentation followed by handouts, diagrams and exploded views.
Recently we have encompassed the use of video presentations that we make in house to demonstrate how systems work.
I have found that these "video presentations" are a time saver in that I no longer have to wheel in a unit, diassemble, set up and demonstrate each time.
Now the student doesn't have to wait for the above, they can see the funtion of the system and understand how the system works.
I have had bad experiences with Guest Speakers. Many try and recount "war stories" and are easy taken off of topic. The big question is how can you, as the instructor and host, be gracious to your guest and get them back on target, on track.
KGBishop
roy,
What types of projects do you assign for your students to build?
Tremayne Simpson
I could not agree more - asking previous grads or other practicing professionals is much appreciated by the class. Bringing reality into the classroom is so valuable for student understanding.
I teach in the apparel production area, and it's always a huge addition to the classroom when you can get an industry professional in to talk to the students about how and what the industry is doing currently. Especially with so many companies bringing or looking to bring production back to the US. It gives the students a much better picture of what to plan for and how to prepare for their job search.
Anita ,
This is an interesting activity. Have any students produced their own videos for the assignment?
Tremayne Simpson
I have requested that students search the internet to find a helpful video, for example, that they feel is a good illustration regarding how a specific physiologic process works. They then email it to me and I show it in the following days class as a review.
Carl,
I agree. Information Literacy is a cross-circular skill, in which students should always seek methods for improvement. Being able to locate resources and distinguish their credibility, will ultimately lead to the student being a more autonomous and prepared employee in their desired career field.
Tremayne Simpson
