James,
Great idea to reengage your audience, that change of state can be very powerful.
Ryan
I use the white board a lot in my class. Since I teach classes in IT I do a lot of drawing so I use the white board to draw out a concept.
It is hard when students get lost and you see it. I do a change of "state". Like you I go to the white board,a hand out, or even start asking questions to try to draw them back to the subject.
I do the same. I incorporate a typed outline of the lecture and use ppt only for the pictures that help me explain each section of the outline. I display the pictures on the whiteboard to allow me to write "on the picture". I rarely pull down the screen; I am so afraid of writing on it!. The pictures I use on ppt are found in the students textbook so they are able to write in their book and have the key points available to them while they read the text.
Great ideas Paul. Something I often try to reinforce to my speech students & clients is that Power point is meant to enhance & support a presentation, it is not meant to be the presentation.
Ryan
The technical presentations that I give are prepared by a curriculum writer, so I must use the PowerPoint to move through the reviews of the previous lessons. However, during the lecture portion of my presentations, I don't rely on the PowerPoint for primary focus; it is used only to reinforce or review what has already been discussed. I use physical pass-arounds and talk about them from the point of view of someone who has personal experience working with the items. I use the PowerPoint for cues about what to discuss or explain. I also use the white board to offer additional information not contained within the PowerPoint or to expand on the information that is in the PowerPoint. During the presentation, I will ask questions to gauge the level of comprehension. I often will answer questions with questions to try to stimulate the thinking process in my students. This is a method I use to get them engaged in the discussion and not to concentrate on the next slide in the PowerPoint.
Thats great. I use a combo of both ppt. pictures, and video integrated in my ppt. to reinforce the ideas and concepts for the students. The use of the photos and video help to bring the students attention back.
I've stopped using the Power Points that come with my textbook. There are usually 120-150 per chapter and I end up losing my students attention. I've made my own with more media and less text and found that the students are taking more notes and paying attention for longer periods.
Excellent idea! I have seen others use this concept & I love it!
Ryan
There are pros and cons with both.The ppt gives good information, but using the white board gives a chance for students to anticipate more.
I only use power point for pictures! My presentation comes from what I have to say, not the words on the screen. Well-chosen pictures add to the enggement of the audience and function as an "outline" for me...the picture reminds me of what I have planned to discuss next!
I agree and keeping the lectures open is very needed. Remember, we can keep our lectures open even with power point, just making sure we control the power point & not the other way around.
Ryan
I beleive instructors can become too reliant on power points too. Keeping lectures on a more open platform can keep students thinking about what is being presented as they read the slides themselves.
Great point & I would add that this can be done with power point if we need to or want to. The key is not letting the power point dictate that we put a ton of information up there, but limiting this.
Another new technology is Prezi. This format lends itself more to high level thoughts rather than detailed notes.
Ryan
Yes, yes, yes! I think students have become too reliant upon power point. I too often like to mix it up & only use the White Board with minimal information. It really does force the listener to be more engaged, especially when they are accountable for the information.
Ryan
I do not like to use powerpoint presentations as much as I like group open discussion. I like it when the students can hear each others thoughts on the subject and their ideas on how they plan to remember the topic sections. sing the white board I can give just the main idea/topic and a few key points then open the discussion.
