What would you do?
I teach online. When I do my powerpoints I use pretty pictures from clip art to enhance the presentation slides.
My students seem to specifically like landscape pictures. Sometimes, when what we are learning is complex, I put a "Moment of Peace" slide with a beautiful landscape picture. The students say they like it.
This module seems to suggest that an instructor should only use visuals with a relationship to what is being taught. But I teach medical records so the landscapes provide a needed respite. What would you do?
Use pictures of things that are important to them or are the main reason they are in your class or even a goal reached. To remind them why they are there.
I teach technical courses and sometimes I like to use interesting things from the trade just to get their attention. Like wearing a cowboy hardhat and holster for a meter. It gets their attention and also is a talking point.
I like the idea of a moment of peace. It is so easy to overwhelm the learner with too much information. I think it is a nice idea to give the learner some type of moment in the lecture. I am looking forward to trying this.
Great ideas! I think balance is the key when using graphics. I ask myself the question...will the graphic I am considering really help my students to learn? If I can answer yes to this question then the graphic is a possible candidate for my material. I still want to maintain a balance and not overuse graphics. They can be a distraction.
I think its a great idea. I do the same with powerpoint to give students a visual of the items I want them to remember. It gives them something to associate the lesson with which makes it easier to recollect later.
too mcuh decoration can be a distraction to the students and cause daydreaming
Hi Steven!
I use the grammer school look and students have gotten a kick out of it. They stay very connected for what they might see next.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Also when I use power point presentations I chang the back round color. By diong this I find my students seem to be more instrested in the presentation
Deborah,
I teach health information management courses as well and I can surely see the value of providing a respite. I find that anamating key points and themes to be effective as well.
Deborah Balentine
I like that some time I think simple is best and I have gotten some great out comes from the small things that I have done.
Some learners are visuals some have to read it word for word and some just like to listen. I think you should use all methods to reach all types of students.
BRAVO Ruth!
Elementary school taught us how to have fun and learn at the same time. Why can't we do that with adult learners? I like my classroom bright and colorful and I use juvenile training tools as well and students respond in a very positive way.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I agree I think that using peaceful slides will help keep your students attention
I like to use alot of things from the elementary as I am a retired elementary teacher and simple things that make you think or bring back a good memory. Simple pictures to describe or write about in oral communication.
Hi Felicia!
I like your approach. I can be very eclectic in my dress and sometimes I have to remind myself that I could be distracting.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
I totally agree Ruth!
What type of things do you use in your classroom? I like color and using things that are odd shaped and in some cases, things that take us back to elementary school.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I feel decorations also give the students something else to look at and it might also help the students remember what was being taught while they observed the decorations. You can also have the decorations relate to the class. I think some rooms are very sterile and I have a hard time focussing as i feel diconnected in the classroom.
I try to wear exciting colors to promote learning and to keep the students attention. I also love to have music playing quitely in the background when they are going over study guides.
I like your method best for the subject matter you are covering.
I dont think that the idea on clip art or graphics that dont match the material applies to your situation, as you are not augmenting the data with an off subject pic, you are providing the mental break (even if for a short period) that allows the mind to catch up and process the more technical aspect of your presentation.
I would not have an issue using this technique if the powerpoint presentation is especially long and/or full of technical data or specifications.
