Using all forms of media to teach and advance student learning?
When PowerPoint works and when it does not?
Methods of teaching to advance student learning is changing as fast the technology appears. You may not need to embrace new methods, but rather strive to consider all options to find your voice. Regardless, your use of various forms instructional media and technology in teaching, whether new or old, can have a profound impact on student learning. When done well, using a variety of media can enliven a class, encourage student participation, and help students grasp difficult concepts. When used poorly, these same tools can obscure your instructional objectives and make students confused, anxious and frustrated.
Tips for using different types of media and technology are discussed below. However, before moving on to specific methods, several general principles related to your use of media and technology should be kept in mind:
• Choose the media that best suits your instructional objectives. Decide what you want to
accomplish and then employ the tools that are most likely to help you achieve results. Do not let the media that is available to you determine how or what you will teach.
• If possible, use a variety of tools. PowerPoint, mpeg/mov files, internet, and, yes, the chalkboard not only keeps students’ interest but also responds to the needs of those who receive information in different ways. Personal response systems (aka, “clickers”) also continue to make inroads into the classroom and are attractive as they create opportunities for a quantified form of student response and immediate assessment of learning, by both student and teacher.
• Check out your media or technology before class starts to be sure it is working properly.
Nothing is more frustrating to you or the students than to find that your computer connection or ppt file is not working.
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