Be prepared for equipment failure.
Sooner or later its going to happen. Your compter or projector fails, you can't find your notes or handouts, your microphone quits working. Best to always have a backup plan.
I am a new instructor and I have had power point issues. I had handouts as well. I've had to use my notes and the handouts to present the information.
Dan,
so true, we must have all kinds of back up plans in place if we are using any kind of technology. Be prepared!
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. Always have a plan B and sometimes {lan C.
In my case the projectors are not always returned on time. I have had the projectors with missing parts, cords unpluged ect. So I always keep extra handouts, ready. Or I will chang the format that I will present that day.
Ricky,
excellent advice & one that we all should take to heart. I also like the idea of turning it into a teaching lesson.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Always prepare for the worse case scenario. In the case of doing a cooking demonstration, always precheck the equipment to make sure that everything is is working order. In the event that it is not, have a backup plan part 1 and 2. Do not make a big deal of the malfunction, turn it into a learning lesson about being prepared and how to react positively to situations.
Make sure to get the equipment checked out before you presentation, and open up your powerpoint and review before presenting.
Daniel,
yes, we have to be checking the equipment & verifying that it all works.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I do a lot of technical demos ,something can always not work right . I always check the equipment before I start a demo usualy when the students are not in the room . avoiding any problems .
Heidi,
unfortunately an all too common problem. Quite honestly, I have almost completely quit using electronic equipment whenever I have a choice for this reason.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This happens so often, that I prepare extra activities for the audience to engage in while the electronic equipment is being attended to. Thought it was just my bad luck.
Walt,
I completely agree & practice your presentation without needing all of the extras so you can be ready to go when the equipment fails.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I always have a backup plan when equipment fails. Several flash drives, additional handouts, alternate classrooms, IT contact numbers, etc. Sometimes it is not a matter of if but when. I always arrive early for a presentation to check the equipment and make adjustments if needed.
