Katie,
Right! Matching the media to the topic is so important. And there is so much out there these days, we really have to be a bit selective so that we choose the best resources (over just satisfactory) in order to meet our students need.
Barry Westling
I select media based on the subject matter that I am teaching. If I am instructing students on how to sign up for and use a technology that is web based, I make sure I have a computer and projector. The students will not learn well by only listening and not being able to see what I am talking about ("click here", etc).
Maria,
Sometimes a media presentation is able to get students refocused on their studies, especially if it is closely related to the topic at hand. Variety always adds a more upbeat learning environment, plus, it helps keep students engaged.
Barry Westling
Media that reinforces the material being taught is beneficial to the student because it is a nice break from the lecture. Using current events or pictures may give students that "ah-ha" moment and clarify things for them.
Traci,
There is a lot of media available these days, we have to be selective in what choices will best convey what we want to emphasize. Part of the instructional process involves keeping attention, so adding variety is good, as it appears you are doing. And more different but topic-related material is bound to result in better student retention and understanding.
Barry Westling
I generallys tart with a PP that may come with chapters they have read. I then will delete or add slides depending on what I feel is most important they gleen from the reading. I also will try to find, videos, pictures or any thing visual is always helpful. If applicable having hands on Labs can really be another type of media to help put the information in the memory banks.
Tessie,
Good PPT's convey ideas and provide information that's memorable. Too much information is not the answer, as you say. The instructor is the expert, and combining that knowledge with PPT is a great mix.
Barry Westling
I usually do my own power points and just as was mentioned in the topic, most of the time I have a picture, diagram or something catchy to make them understand better or remember the previous slide. I don't crowd my power points and just explain more, so they can write notes too on the side.
Robbi,
Good examples. Getting students involved is always helpful. Plus, using activities that complement the lesson material you're presenting add to interest, attention, and retentikon of needed material.
Barry Westling
This is usually dependent on the material being presented. If it's something that's rather dry, I will make it more interactive with the students, writing on a whiteboard. If it is to give them a feel of how an event happens, I might rely on video clips.
Nancy,
Super!. Variety does keep interest and classes more enjoyable. Of course, more media selections contribute to a fuller student learning experience, better retention of information, and effective engagement of students.
Barry Westling
I like to mix up the media I use so students are not seeing the same thing every day. I often use media to show students how a certain procedure or equipment is used to tap into the visual students. I also will use power points for key objectives and add more information and then folow up with a demonstration. I always try to mix it up so students stay engaged in the class lecture or discussion.
Ron,
Media involves senses, and I think the more senses involved in the instructional process, the better retention of needed information will occur. Plus, mutlimedia makes classes more interesting and enjoyable, and perhaps improves student engagement.
Barry Westling
Media selection or technology use in the classroom plays an important role. Media such as power point presentations and videos allows students the ability to see actual content. For example I use videos in my lectures to teach certain skill in which requires long steps. Seeing these steps acted out in real situation help students have a better understanding.
Claire,
Sometimes the good old days provide great memories! Really, there's no reason why the overhead can't be used still (unless they've all been removed from use). I've found as new technology evolves and is introduced, I often have top learn to adapt and find the way way to use it in my classes. Seems like there's always a learning curve to technology progress.
Barry Westling
Unfortunately I don't have a lot of choices. My classroom is already set up with a media projector connected to the computer and I have only one whiteboard at the front of the classroom. It will be behind the screen if I want to use the projector.
I miss the old overhead projectors with transparencies. They were great for accounting classes because I could project templates for journals, ledgers, and financial statements and have the students fill them in at the board.
If I had my way, I would have white boards all around the room and I would have the overhead projector.
I do like being able to use dvds because they are easier to carry around and you can play them off the computer unlike the old video tapes.
I used to use video a lot but now I don't seem to have time. The videos they loaded on my DocSharing only play in a little window and all detail is lost.
In out lecture room we do not have some of the materials we need to maximize our learning experience. We may have a visual on a ppt presentation, but do not have the tactile (hands on) way of learning. If incorporate a youtube video of a process or treatment this helps the students to understand the process until we have our lab time this suffices.
lisa,
Right, variety helps keep attention. We want to avoid "busy work" that while may be related to the topic, contributes little to advance learning.
Barry Westling
I think variety is the key. Change it up and use the best media for what you are trying to teach.
Judith,
There are so many media choices these days, it's like we have to narrow down to only those that are most effective in conveying the needed information. Variety is good, in that it inhances the interest and engagement of students. That said, using materials that students use as short cuts or bypass the intended learning pathway would not be a desirable activity Too much of one activity can lead to disinterest or classes that are not enjoayable to be attending for very long.
Barry Westling
