We use current equiptment and have a supplemental simulator for our sonography students.
LeeAnn,
This is an example of the type of experience that students are seeking in the classroom. Any time an instructor can present materials that are not commonly found (in provided course supplemental material), the students feel that they have received an authentic learning experience and it encourages them to attend and participate in class. The students may not be as engaged in the course, if the instructor is not innovative and simply uses the provided materials (i.e. textbook), during the lecture.
Tremayne Simpson
In my classroom, I have used powerpoints and various games to help introduce and to review materials. In my surgical labs I try to teach the newer trends and technological advances that are being implemented in the field rather than relying on the written materials that are often dated and do not really apply to current procedures any longer.
Bruce,
It is imperative that the classroom is physically conducive to the course concepts. I can assume that it would be very difficult to teach an electronic health records course, without providing the students with access to computers.
Tremayne Simpson
I had the school install 20 computers in my classroom. This way I can effectively teach electronic health records.
Sometimes I will show clips. Other times, I will show the entire film. We have four hour classes, so often I can show an entire film and then have a discussion on it afterwards. Or, I make it in to an assignment and have them answer questions about the film that apply the course material. They then hand their answers or discussion in for a grade.
Jane,
This is an excellent suggestion, because many students commonly utilize Netflix. Do you show the films in class or just make reference to a few clips? In all cases, instructors should be mindful of their institution's compliance requirements, in regards to use of films in class.
Tremayne Simpson
If you have a Netflix account and your school allows you to access it (some don't) you can actually access a lot of good informational films and documentaries from it. I do this for my societal issues class, since there are a lot of documentaries. It's often something that my students don't know about and it starts great discussion.
Phillip,
This is an excellent assessment. We should encourage students to understand the importance of "networking" and developing relationships, as they prepare for their future careers.
Tremayne Simpson
A really good way, in my opinion, is to integrate social networking sites like Facebook and Linked In. Both of these sites allow students to interact with industry professionals, subscribe to industry related blogs and get feedback on projects/designs by people outside of the standard learning environment.
Dar-
E-courses and online-based learning tools work as excellent supplements for developmental or 100-level classes. The material in the supplements, can be used to "refresh" the student's knowledge-base in the subject matter.
Currently we are using the computer lab, smart boards and overhead ceiling mounted projectors for in class math training. We have engaged a publisher and are test driving an e-course math class with the usage of standard textbooks and study guides in the classroom.
