I enjoy using PowerPoint, which is the main media usage. But, I as well, use Annoucements. They are posted on the class board. Of course, I use other media, but PowerPoint, is the main one I use to explain the lesson plan and to get new idea out to my students.
Hi Christina:
Media is really just a collection of activities that an instructor chooses because they feel that's the best way to present the information so the students can learn the material in the most complete and efficient manner.
So really, the choices are many. I think variety, student involvement, discussion, and practice are key methods that contribute to better student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mirann:
Yes, repitition is very important especially in skill-oriented programs. I notice that for CPR, for instance, students read, watch, review, thaen practice. Finnaly they demonstrate their competence. The first ones get most of the comments about improvements, then they seem to taper off until the final students, who've viewed a whole class practice and receive feedback, until, now they now all the tips and things to look out for.
Regards, Barry
That's good to hear. I currently do not use Power Point, but I am open to it.
I agree. The way I use this approach in clinical is I demonstrate to one student who then demonstrates to the class and so on. Sometimes students learn better from other students demonstrating than from the instructor.
Mariann U
Hi Brent:
While all classes are different and have different student outcomes, in general, the more variety and engagement by students related to the topic will result in improived student learning outcomes. Some have access to lots of resources, and other are limited. As teachers, we have to be creative and use what we have available.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mariann:
Taking a basic teaching point and then examining it by different media delivery methods is great in that it reinforces the important points and students will soon realize what is important - and why - just from the repetition.
Regards, Barry
I keep it simple: what am I trying to accomplish? I categorized media content into three categories:
1. analysis - media that provides students with the opportunity to utilize theoretical concepts or other abstract methodologies with a given video clip or image.
2. illustration - illustrate a point or idea.
3. critique - to offer students the opportunity to critically evaluate a given clip or image utilizing new information.
I am clinical instructor at a hospital. I usually do on site and pt. bedside training. Sometimes I use the hospital prepared DVD to further explain to my students the types of pt and care they will be doing. However, most of it is hands on demonstration. Also students are invited to many site inservices given by nurses or other disciplinary team members and then the inservice is discussed in post conference.
Mariann U
Hi Susan:
You've put some thought into your media selections, and that's great. Classes do vary from session to session. So, what worked last time may not be the best media choices this time. So we have to put in the time, planning, and effort too consider "how can I best convey the needed course material to my students".
Our focus is on our students learning rather than our teaching. It's not just a job that we perform mindlessly session after session. It's about student learning, and better teachers really have to work at that to make it happen.
Regards, Barry
Hi Timothy:
You've got a good blend of media choices. I'm sure when you add in reading, exercises, and skills labs, your students are well informed. Good Job.
Regards, Barry
As an hvac instructor, I try to bring as many parts and cutaways of parts used in the industry to pass around the class. I find that this helps them stay more attentive to the lectures. I also try to make as much use of drawing on the whiteboard, such as different piping setups or internal mechanisms of parts to show how things work. Sometimes I feel like I'm playing Pictionary all day. I always try to draw out what im going to do in class beforehand so I can see how it will look. I use powerpoint slides for notes and I often will save pictures from the internet onto a flash drive of different parts or systems that supplement those from the textbooks. Ive found that to be a good tool.
For one class I currently teach I have requested the text company's supportive PP materials that I have used when previously teaching the material. As a new text edition is to be required shortly, we are waiting until then and hopefully will purchase these visual presentations at that time. I found them extremely helpful before. For my next semester class I am in the process of making a class introduction PP, explaining the what/how/why of the class, along with campus policies. After that I plan to zero in on those classes that are heavy in terminology or need more stimulation than a droning lecture. I also use sensory explorations (ie: taste, smell, see, feel). Finally, we also use jeopardy, and I hope to develop a tic-tac-toe style review format, as well as role-playing. The more varieties of relaying info the more I can retain the students' attention.
Hi Joan:
If we have appropriate Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's), course and lesson objectives, then selection of media is mostly based on what resorces we have available to us and deciding which will achieve the objectives the best, given the time and learning environment we have to use.
Regards, Barry
Media type needs to complement the content not distract from it.
Selection of media is based on ease of use, and whether its an asset to student learning (i.e. not a source of distraction, means for show and tell, provides application or captures student attention).
Hi Gregory:
Sounds like you're using a variety of media and integrating it in a good sequential order. Good job!
Regards, Barry
Barry,
Depending on the lesson, I try to incorporate all forms of media. I usually use a lot of graphics during the PowerPoint presentations as the visuals convey the message better that words. I embed video and audio files to make a point (when applicable) or just to add humor to the lesson (brings everyone back to the task at hand). Physical handouts/aids are great for certain subjects (like history or geography). If you have an object from a region/era that people can touch, if conveys a powerful message.
Hi Gregg:
Variety helps so much. Keeping students attention, especially in an evening class setting is more challenging than day classes. Mixing media, varying the time spent, moving from one resource to another keeps attention and contributes to keeping the students engaged and focused. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir on this post, eh?
Regards, Barry
Hi Dixie:
These days, there are almost unlimited resources. The trick is to thin these down to the resource and delivery that will best convey the content in a meaningful and enjoyable manner. Two keys: One is to get students engaged in wahtever media is chosen (active vs passive learning); The other is to use variety; mix it up and stimulate as many senses, thought provoking points, interesting ways of presenting that keep students interested.
Regards, Barry
Of course I select from relevant sources...I also try to find things that will not put the students to sleep. I try to put myself into their shoes...I teach in the evening, so some of the adult students are often ready to go home and sleep.
