Synchronous on-line instruction
Hello to the forum. I will be teaching a synchronous on-line paramedic program that will consist of "traditional" lectures and demonstrations of practical skills. The didactic portion will have upwards of 25 students and practical demonstrations will have a student:instructor ratio of 6:1. I have taught pre-hospital providers for 25 years in traditional face-to-face settings and have developed teaching idiosyncracies that will not work on-line, such as walking around while on video camera. I was wondering if anyone had experience with, what to me is, a major change in presentation style and how they worked around it. I find that moving around in front of a class helps me work off nervous energy and I am concerned with not having that crutch to aid me.
Matthew,
I'm right there with you. ;-] Take care.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dr. Vaillancourt, thnak you for your advice. It's been quite some time since I've thought of the Socratic Method. I will take your suggestion to heart. "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing."
Matthew,
There are couple of "tricks" that I use in the synchronous audiovisual presentations: (1) Prepare a relatively comprehensive list of quick answer questions for all of the items in the presentation. Most of them should simply provide a cumulative review of the last 3 to 5 points discussed. Additionally, a few "Socratic" open-ended questions to apply the information provided interspersed throughout the presentation will help provide some reflective time for the students to assimilate the information at those stops points. Using an interactive questioning technique (kind of, walk around by questions) to both involve your students and provide you feedback on progress will help some. (2) Depending on the video capability, try to include different visual media presentations such as; 1 to 3 min. video clips, PowerPoint slides (no more than 3 to 5 at a time), whiteboard – if available, even easel notes. This is so your presentation does not become a "talking head" only. Try to change the visual media every 5 to 10 minutes and be sure to not let the "talking head" monopolize the screen for more than five or 10 min. Best wishes on your adventure.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
