I use powerpoint and will writing and demonstraing on the board.
I try to use several forms of media to cater to different individuals in my learning audience...powerpoint, flip charts, videos, etc. I generally use the socratic method and teach by "facilitating" a discussion with my students. And quite frankly, I use ppt to keep me on track more so than the students. But ppt is certainly a good way to bring in the visual learners.
Since I teach a lot of computer application classes, I use a variety of methods in my classroom. I use PowerPoint mainly to review the class content for the period, use application demostrations and then the student use a supporting program that "tell them what to do, shows them what to do, and then let's them try it." These methods have worked well for my students.
I select the instructional media based on my students comprehension level. If the instructor is familiar with their students learner stlyes it makes it easier to have an impact on the instructional media used.
Power-point slides usually works the best to educate my students. They are more intune with the delivery of the contents from the slides. They take notes as well as ask questions.
I also incorportate the use of the blackboard as a method of an instructional media. I try to have important notes on the board that will help to clarify the topic that I am lecturing about.
It all depends on the situation. Some topics lend themselves to powerpoint presentations, some lecture-based, some, especially skills-based require models, samples, and more "hands on" demonstrations. I like the saying in the video ex: Eliminate the tedium, vary the medium.
I select my media using varied methods to appeal to all the learning styles - visual (white board or PPT), auditory (lecture), and tactile (lab projects)
In the medical field the use of PP is critical to explain anatomy and other concepts that are image based. The slides in the PP become my assistant in the class helping me teach. When prepare well in advance the PP makes the flow of information easier for the student to retain.
I use a variety of different media. I try to hit on the different learning styles of students.
When I use PowerPoint, I only use bullet points and incorporate discussion from students for each individual topic. I do not use it as an "instructor only" one way communication.
I also use the white board to do problems solving. I initiate a problem on the board giving students time to do their own calculations and then I show the problem worked out to see if they arrived at the solution.
I feel that you need to use the best media or combination of media to keep the student actively involved. Different courses and different subjects may need to be handled differently and there is not always a "best way" to use media.
Hi Vernise:
Being able to hold the student's attendtion is key, especially with adult learners. In fact, it is most likely due to instructor's being unable to do this that translates to some retention issues.
Regards, Barry
Hi Reginald:
To piggy back on your comment, most adult learners are hands on as well. That said, having as many activities that forces the student to "do" something can often enhance their learning.
Regards, Barry
Selecting media usually depends on the material needed to be learned. Often, demonstrations are more effective in helping the student remember specifics over a given subject matter. Power points are quickly becoming more frequently used, but we must be careful not to become too reliant on them.
The media I select really depends on the lecture content. For example, I deliver most of my lectures using PP slides, but will integrate 5 - 10 minutes using an overhead projector if I want to show the class an example of what an "A" APA style paper should look like. This way I can show each section of the paper and make additional comments on each. The bottom line is that you have to be flexible and tailor your lecture accordingly.
It really depends on what the subject is, and the student types that i am instructing. Some respond to information followed by a related story. Others need to see it and hear it.
I will use powerpoints and if the room has it I will use the smart board. Smart boards are a great way to teach. When I have the powerpoint on there I can write "inside the slide" highlight key points. Powerpoints if done right can be rewarding and a good way for the visual learner to learn. Putting my slides together I come up with what I call break points, I may put a quote of the day between slides, or pictures in my slide. Once I had a group of athletes so I would be put highlights of previous days sporting events. Students lucky if they have 20 minutes attention spans. This helps me get them back to listing to me.
I love writing notes on the WhiteBoard. It may seem a little "old school" with all the technology out there right by, but this accomplishes a couple things. I write the notes, which helps keep the material organized. Two, it gives them something to concentrate on and focus on during class by copying down the notes. Three, it reinforces the material when they write it down. Now, they've seen it, heard it,and wrote it down. My students tell me they love this method.
Powerpoint presentation along with handouts for the students, and use of additional lines to the side of each slide for students to jot down important key points throughout.
I base the selection of instructional media mainly on the type of information that will be discussed in class. For example:
- If there are a good number of graphics and tables to explain the use of Power Point slides is very useful. There is no need to draw the graphic (or table) and the explanation can be given right away.
- Instead, if there is a mathematical problem to be solved, it is more convenient to use a white board to give a detail explanation on how to solve the problem stepwise.
I have found that news clips are a great way to get the students engaged and to keep them current on events in their future career industry.
I am lacking in really up-to-date media to help deliver the information I teach. No smart board, too bright for power point (windows), no color printing.
So I went "old school"... Sometimes I teach about a topic, then hand out poster boards and markers and have the students get into groups, assign a topic to each, and have them make a small, impromptu presentation on the subject.
I also use personal accounts from myself and the students.
I like to use Powerpoint slides. Using a projector it is easy to modify the class presentation as required. I have added pictures and real live examples to illustrate points. If there is an unanswered question from a prior class, it is added to the introduction of the next class. The slides keep the core material consistent.
