selceting instruction media
I am a multi media instructor. I like to mix it up to keep the students attension. I do enjoy power point even though it has draw back such as wooing the students to sleep I never use power point after lunch.
Hi Ian:
Many teachers fall into their comfort zone without much consideration for the students they are really there for. Using a variety of media, mixing it up, and constantly engaging the student with different activities that involve them and require thinking and application - that's where true individual learning will sprout from.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
Well stated. I agree with you that technology is just a tool. I really like the quote from Abraham Maslow that says, "If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." I think sometimes in education we tend to do that - think we only have one tool and that because we have that tool we have to use it. I know my students will face a world where technology will be even more an ever-present part of their lives. Therefore, I try and teach them to think about the idea that rather than using a technology just because it exists we should think about whether or not we should use that technology or how it is being used. I just wish the educational world modeled that idea a bit more.
Hi Ian:
I have never had a lesson in PPT, but I have sat through hours of good and awful PPT presentations, so I can consider myself an expert on what I think works (for me). Too much information, reading slides, inconsistent or overdone formatting, no discussion - just a few of the more obvious blunders.
Really, it's simple. If you think what is is your students will be subjected to, there'd probably be many adjustments to slides.
I think of PPT as a tool. And as such it has a function - like a hammer is not to build the entire house, but when needed it's there. All media choices, and related instructional aids can be thought of in this manner.
Regards, Barry
I have taught various media as well including video production, film and media studies, etc. Therefore, I have made use of the media in my teaching. I share some of your thoughts on power point. In fact, I am amazed at how often in meetings, conferences and other settings run by people in education or supervising educators, power point has been used in ways that are not very effective. This includes handing out duplicate copy of what is then presented in a power point with little or minimal conversation points, repeating ideas that can be shared in other ways, etc. Yet the very same people will be very critical of educators who are not using the media available. It is also amazing how often in education teachers are asked to use a new media format simply because a school or organization has purchased the new media and then without any real training on how to use it expects the educators to incorporate it into their instruction and then they are so proud that they have new technology. Technology can be great and a wonderful tool for education. I cannot imagine teaching without certain 'toys' to bring to the class but at the same time it is curious how it is incorporated.
Hi Taylon:
Variety creates more opportunity for students to catch on to the message or the keynotes of the lesson. Delivering a topic only one way limits the opportunity for all student to grasp your lessons, while adding lots of variety almost guarrantees that students will get it.
Regards, Barry
i agree the more i vary the form of information delevery the better the students retaine the meteral.
Hi Stephen:
Good general plan. Variety in choosing media is important and takes thought, planning, time and effort to make classes meaningful and interesting. The more media involved, the more retention of needed information is likey to result.
Regards, Barry
We try to break our day down with power point and white board starting the class. then in the afternoon do some demos of what we just learned. It seems to be very effective.
Hi Nancy:
Good strategy. Keeping variety in your lessons and using a mix of delivery methods helps keep attention, class more interesting and enjoyable, and fun!
Regards, Barry
