I'm always on the lookout for "stuff" related to the concepts I teach--jokes, puzzles, film clips, anecdotes, horrible examples, exercises, etc. The trick is remembering what I have and where I put it!
Prepackaged instructor materials usually need some adaptation to the specific needs of my students and often provide the best bad examples. (And no, I'm not telling which textbooks I've been using.)
Often, though, the effectiveness of the media (or lack thereof) hinges on the balance of body language and rapport between (and sometimes among) students and teacher--the change in tempo and timbre of voice, the deliberate movement from one part of the classroom to another, for example. In short, the dynamics of the interpersonal relationships may be the most effective medium.
Hi Mark:
Good use of resources available to you. The more variety you can add, the more interesting and enjoyable the class will be for your students. Variety alls contributes to better information retention, which is usually related to better student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Peggy:
Good mix of media. PPT or whiteboard alone makes for a difficult learning environment if it goes on for too long. Mixing up the resources available, and using a variety of media will keep the students attention better, contribute to more student participation, and lead to better retention of needed information and learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
I'm in the same boat - don't have a lot of options. I am a lousy artist and my hand writing is terrible so I rely mainly on power point. I teach a media arts curriculum so my students are wanting/needing a more visual presentation most of the time. I do have a digital projector that I can plug almost anything into so I am able to show short film clips related to their courses. I just try to keep it interesting for what ever format I am using.
Hi Kelly:
Using a variety of media and learning resources makes for more interesting and enjoayable classes for both teacher and student. Each change of media is a "change-up", that is, a break in the flow that redirects and refocuses the students. The more frequently we can introduce change-ups, the better the student's attention, which results in better retention of information, and hopefully, improved student learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
I use power point mainly in class, but do lots of group projects the relate to the pp and I use the white board to make notes about the material from different group from their project report out.
I use a combination of media for my class. I use the white board, powerpoint, overhead projection, and also the skeleton for anatomy. I find a combination of these media works the best.
I don't hae a lot of options for media at the moment, but I do use the white board daily. I also provide supplemental material they can take with them.
Hi Frederick:
You've listed a variety of important components. Variety will actually add structure to a balanced class using media that captures the students interest and attention and contributes to their learning. Making it fun and enjoyable can't hurt. But as you indicate, the learning objectives have to be met regardless how interesting the material is. Also, how could an accurate assessment occur if the necessary material was not given?
Regards, Barry
Should be familiar with the students, not a distraction, reliable, incorporate as many means possible of involving the senses, and reinforces the learning objectives.
Hi Christine:
The more appropriate media choices we make can only contribute to a more interesting and enjoyable learning experience for the student. Variety is really an important consideration.
Regards, Barry
Hi Anthony:
Yes, I agree too. Mixing up the media choices will provide a more interesting and enjoyable learning experience for the student.
Reagrds, abrry
Kowning how to properly use media is crucial. Time is money - don't waste it by not being prepared.
I agree with your selection criteria. It depends on what your are presenting and how you want the students to get/receive the message
Hi Shelina:
Choices made do make a difference and I agree it depends on the dynmanics of the class, the topic, and a host of other factos that determine how best to teach the lessons in the most efficient and meaningful manner.
Regards, Barry
It depends on the class to what method I use.
Hi Anne:
Mixing up and using a variety of media makes for more interesting classes as well as keeping the student focused and on target with the lesson.
Regards, Barry
Hi Wayne:
Sometimes the PPT that the publisher supplies can be kind of bland, so adding your personal touch for use in the varieties of methods you use is a great idea.
Regards, Barry
I select the media based on the course content. for example if I am teaching about the skeletal system then i would bring a skeleton into the classroom.. If I were teaching about a medical procedure then I might utilize a video.
I like to use different instructional media. However, I do find the use of PowerPoint to be very versatile. Most of the textbooks come with PowerPoint presentation. I find these useful with a few modifications. Adding the pictures and figures from the chapters makes it easier for the students to see without having them refer back to the textbook. PowerPoint can be use to develop games (Jeopardy) which makes a fun review.
