Audio
Previous instructors would add sound to power point slides that were not relevant and distracting to students.
But, in the wines course the lead instructor added a person pronouncing the wine to assist students and it was extremely relevant.
Leigh,
The voice over PowerPoint is popular. As we move forward in designing online courses, remember to also provide a transcript for those with disabilities. Thanks!
This is a great example to emphasize the learning by utilizing technology as a component to the learning. I have added audio pronnunciations to many of my powerpoints (morlty due to the fact that the words that the students are learning are french cooking terms). It assists the students not only in the retention of the definition but the confidence in pronnouncing and applying the word in the classroom environment.
I have also used sound byte quotes embedded in the assignments to optimize learning and through the use of turnitin used recorded editing remarks toward the individual students paper for feedback.
Brion.,
Right - the videos can be very beneficial to students. Thanks so much for your input.
Brion.,
Yes, it can be a bit tricky. I use Adobe Presenter which allows me to record my voice over PowerPoint and incorporate quizzes along the way. It helps.
Hello Tena,
Yes, I agree. I think that the subject matter is vital to the use of technology. For instance, I think that videos are important when I am teaching a subject such as corrections- where hearing audio of prisoners speak and interaction between guard and prisoner can be effective. While videos is not as effective in research methods- where I like my students to be a bit more hands on. Brion.
Hello Tena,
The difficulty that I think exists with powerpoint is that it is sometimes hard to involve students. For instance, if I am using a white board in my research classes- I typically involve my students in scenarios, survey creation, and on- while I find myself simply lecturing when I use power point. Brion.
Rodney,
Ah, the 15 minute professor. That is the right amount of information to provide content in chunks to the students. Thanks for your input.
I like to use short (15 min. max) PowerPoints that have multiple "question for the crowd" spots in each PowerPoint. This keeps the students engaged, and allows me to pull in real world examples of the concepts.
Rodney C.
Douglas,
It becomes a part of the learning process and students begin to identify when the the lesson will begin or end with music. It does set a good tone.
Douglas,
We have visual and auditory learners in all classes, so it's important to offer a variety. Thanks.
When I use sound in my presentations i use MP3 files/songs to play when I start a session as background music as everyone comes in and before I get started... that helps the students to know that they are in the right place and it kind of sets the mood for the live session.
I like the idea of adding sound as well but it has to be well placed and professional.
Michael,
Correct. The proper use of any technology is essential. Thanks!
We must all remember that PowerePoint is a learning tool. used correctly by having text guide, help structure, summarize, emphasize etc it can be effective. Overused and with too much text and sound effects it will be a distraction and annoyance. Death by PowerPoint!
Dr. Brent,
Using OneNote with the audio/video capabilities is awesome and now there are apps to use with the iPad. The technology just keeps getting better and better to allow instructors to provide more meaningful feedback to our students. Thanks for your input.
I agree that the use of audio on a powerpoint slide for pronunciation purposes is a nice new spin on an older technology... but it would be quite useful for some.
Using a PC Tablet and integrating some inking software like MS One Note with the tablet along with capturing audio on top of the note taking creates an "on ground" experience for student offering both audio and visual learning. We need to continue to search out and try new technologies for enhancing our classrooms.
Ginny,
There's always something new to try with the great technology out there. I just found a text to voice software called Ivona and you can script what you want your PowerPoints to "say" and then buy a voice and it will say it. It's pretty cool. Thanks!
Hi,
I love the idea of sound in a boring old power point!! Spice it up! I like to add some cartoons as well, sometimes I even get a laugh out of them. I will have to check into the Adobe Presenter software.
Thank You,
Ginny Anderson-Klasen
Jay,
I work hard to make my PowerPoints more lively with quiz questions built in and everything, but every semester, I get some students who are still not enthralled. I keep trying. ;-)
