ppts
I overheard some students the other day complaining that their teacher did not use ppts at all and that they "had to take notes the old fashioned way." The students were upset that they couldn't just print out the ppts and have instant notes. The younger generation of students, it seems, has come to expect this type of media in classes. It's a balance between satisfying their preferred media for learning and changing things up a bit by using white board, demos, etc. It's challenging to satisfy all the students in class with their preferred delivery of media, especially when there is a tremendous variety in age.
Hi Mia:
I agree that many students are visual learners. In a way, depending on how it's formatted, some PPT's are really reading assignments - just in larger fonts.
Visual learners remember things they see. It can be words, but more likely pictures, drawings, movies, imnages, graphs and charts, etc. are the things that catch their eye. So, better PPT's have a lot of images embedded to inhance the presentation. But like ice cream, students can get filled up with even a good thing. So, it's a good idea to add some change ups to avoid boring your students with even good information.
Regards, Barry
Hi Candy:
Some think the overhead is "old hat", but there are many advantages over a prepared PPT. I still use the overhead, along with PPT, white board, chart and easel among them. Students like a change up every so often (every 20-30 minutes), and using the overhead is a relatively easty way to accomplish that.
Regards, Barry
There are so many instructional tools that can be used to aid instructors with teaching. PowePoint is a very useful teaching tool. Some students are visual learners. I have found it to be very useful during my instruction.
I agree with you, I do try to mix up the method of delivery in every class. I do find most students do enjoy power point over any method, but there are times when the overhead projector fits the presentation better.
Hi Fernando:
Yeah, that's the downside of most eberything electronic - it requires electrical power. Good rationale for developing a dood back-up plan.
Regards, Barry
I agree that new generations wish instant information. Us old Timers know that sometimes the old fashioned way is still the way.
Please understand I like convenience as well, however commitment to memory through taking notes is a good tool still.
What if we lost power!!!!!!!!!
Hi Anupam:
I think what you've described seems very logical and instructional allowing you to vary the amount of detail needed based on the basic bullet points presented in the PPT.
Regards, Barry
I see what you are saying, what I try and do is mix it up, do some powerpoint and but only the bulet points on the powerpoint and then add on into it as the lecture goes on, so they pay close attention to the lecture, also get some unique items to pass around in class. I feel this keeps them their interest alive and adds to the learning process by having visual and a tactile learning.
Hi Cynthia:
Boy, these days it's tough when you have generational differences in expectations, especially when you technological-savy students wanted high tech mixed in with older students who may not be totally comfortable with newer technology. The best we can do is try to relate to each age group and do our best to individualize instruction as much as possible.
Regards, Barry
