Using Technology to Enhance Classroom Learning Facilitated by Dr. Sophia Scott

Agenda Understanding our students Technology & Learning Tips & Techniques for using PowerPoint technology to enhance learning in the classroom Tips & Techniques for using Website technology to enhance learning in the classroom

Understanding Our Students

Pop Quiz What does this mean? ROTFL a)Pneumonic for remembering the 5 plant cell types b)Reserve Officers Training Florida c)Record of True Foreign Languages d)Rolling On The Floor Laughing

Pop Quiz What do these chat acronyms stand for? LOL POS GNSTDLTBBB CUL8R

Pop Quiz What do these emoticons mean? ;-) >:-( ^5 (((((name))))

Pop Quiz Web site comparisons –Which of each pair of Web sites is designed for younger learners, which is designed for us?

Website comparisons OURS THEIRS

Who are our Students? Baby Boomers TV generation Typewriters Memos Gen X Video games Computers Net Gen The Web Mobile devices Instant messenger Online communities

By age 21, The average person will have spent…. 10,000 hours video games 20,000 s 20,000 hours TV 10,000 hours on a cell phone Under 5,000 hours reading Prensky, 2003

Children are exposed to technology for play and learning at a very young age

Neuroplasticity The brain reorganizes itself through life –Stimulation –Developmental experiences Their brains are really wired differently

The Net Generation… Born in or after 1982 Gravitate toward group activity 8 out of 10 say its cool to be smart Focused on grades and performance Busy with extracurricular activities Identify with parents values; feel close to parents Respectful of social conventions and institutions Fascination for new technologies Racially and ethnically diverse Howe & Strauss, 2003

Teen use of Web 100% use it to search for information on colleges, careers & jobs 74% use instant messaging as a major communication vehicle 54% of students (7-12 grade) know more IM screen names than home phone numbers

Teen use of Web for Communication 81% friends & relatives 70% instant message 56% prefer the Internet over the telephone

Why do teens go the Web? Find new & exciting information Learn more/better For community Show others what they can do Be heard

The Net Gen is Self-teaching – What does that mean for the classroom?

Teens & Multi-tasking Online

Technology & Learning

Todays Learners… Digitally literate Mobile Always on Experiential Social (stay connected) Oblinger, 2004

Hypertext minds: Qualities Crave interactivity Read visual images Visual-spatial skills Parallel processing Inductive discovery Fast response time Prensky, 2001

Concerns… Short attention span Choose NOT to pay attention Lack reflection Lack text literacy Lack identification of source quality

NetGen learning preferences Teams, peer-to-peer Structure Engagement & experience Visual & kinesthetic Things that matter Oblinger, 2004

Students vs. Faculty Students Faculty Pictures, sound, video Text Random access Linear, logical, sequential Interactive & networked Independent & individual Multitasking Single or limited tasks Spontaneous Deliberate Engaging Disciplined

Generational Comparisons Ctrl+Alt+Del is as basic as ABC They dont understand the return key Computers fit into backpacks They have always had a personal identification number Photos are processed in under an hour Gas has always been unleaded Rogaine is available for the follicularly challenged

Multiple Media Literacy 2 million children have a personal website (ages 6-17) 6 million will have one by the end of the year

It is not about AGE… We live in a technologically enriched environment

Compare yourself Are you comfortable composing documents longhand? Have you turned remembering over to a technology? Are you connected? (Internet, cell phone) Do you engage in more than one activity at a time? Do you play computer or video games?

What does the learning environment look like?

Environments for learning Every students learns all the time –Learning is in & out of classroom –Every setting can be a learning environment Direct experience shapes individual understanding Individuals learn by establishing & reworking patterns, relationships & connections Change is stimulating

The Big Question… How can teachers enable students to be successful in education?

What students want in a learning environment… Teacher to have an in-depth knowledge in their field Faculty ability to use technology Effectively Dont overuse the technology

Interaction Students learn from thinking… thinking is engaged by activity Junassen, 2003

Balance Action Reflection Visual Text Social Individual ProcessContent Speed Deliberation Peer-to-peer Peer Review

Engaging Learning Experiences Emotional Engaging PassiveActive Case Study Voting Debate Problem Solving Real Project Games Facilitated Discussion Lecture Q & A

Tips & Techniques for using PowerPoint technology to enhance learning in the classroom

Preparing Presentations Use a design template so you can focus on content Use PowerPoint interactively Outline the lecture using PowerPoint Use text sparingly The Joy of Six – max of six points & six words per point

How to Design Effective PowerPoint Presentations

Know Your Audience

Organize the Content Effective PowerPoint PowerPoint in The Classroom PowerPoint on the Web PowerPoint Nuggets

Font Styles Garamond Bookman Old Style Comic Sans Ariel Courier New CG Times Times New Roman

Present in a Variety of Ways Use: Tables Charts Shapes Graphics Stair steps Dont overuse Bullets

Say it With Graphics

Which slide communicates the clearest visual message?

7 Seconds Eye Contact Entry Non-Verbals Your Visual Image Attire Organization Movement Demeanor

7 Seconds Eye Contact Entry Attire Organization Non-Verbals Your Visual Image Movement Demeanor

Use Animation When Appropriate

Editing PowerPoint Presentations Use the tools provided FOCUS on content & not presentation Read & Edit before showing

The Purpose of a PowerPoint is … to give Power to a Point

What do you think of the Following Slides?

Great Graphics

Keep it Real First Year Success At Southeast, youll learn two kinds of skills and knowledge: those particularly targeted for a specific career or profession (your major), and those that will serve you regardless of your chosen profession (University Studies). In your major, youll learn leading-edge information that will allow you to be successful in your first job. In University Studies, youll learn skills and knowledge that will go beyond job-specific abilities. These are the skills that will make you a valuable employee and a valued colleague.University Studies Advising: At Southeast, you are encouraged to consider many academic and career interests. Our academic advisors can help by providing guidance related to course selection and registration. If you havent selected a major, the University Studies advisor can provide you with assistance.Advising First STEP Orientation: Sign up for our specially designed Southeast orientation program. This critical program connects students and parents with faculty, staff and other Southeast students and parents. During the day you not only will meet with an adviser and get that all- important class schedule but also you will get your official I.D. card, get advice about academic majors and possible careers, learn about social activities and find out where those critical offices and services you will need are located.First STEP Orientation First Year Seminar: Check out our nationally recognized and required First Year Seminar, where youll be introduced to the University Studies program and the value of a liberal education while addressing one of a variety of themes.First Year Seminar Kent Library: Southeast's Kent Library is your partner in finding information for completing research papers and class assignments. Library professionals can work with you in person, by phone or . Online resources bring the library to wherever you are, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Kent Library

I like Color Do you like this color?

Animation and sound too far… This is point one This is point two This is point three This is point four

Preparing Materials Use notes Prepare handouts Can use PowerPoint for transparency handouts

PowerPoint in the Classroom Make it interactive Use text sparingly Print slides in advance Put on website Use as an outline Leave out information – to be filled in class

PowerPoint in the Classroom Remember the Joy of Six Minimize animated text, sound and transitions Black out the screen (use B on keyboard) Use three slides per minute Use 24 font or bigger Dont turn your back on your students

Avoid PowerPoint Overload

Focus on minimizing Distractions!

Mix Lecture with Technology

PowerPoint on the Web Can enhance learning online Do not overuse Use creative ways to present the information Specify what you want your students to look for (terms, concepts, examples) Narrative the clips for added interactivity View as both PowerPoint & HTML

Issues with PowerPoint on the Web Some animations & slide transitions are not supported Some images do not show in certain resolutions Frames could be a problem Sounds do not play

PowerPoint Nuggets Use PowerPoint tools Focus on Content not presentation Do not overuse PowerPoint Vary your Presentations Edit Make PowerPoint Interactive

What are some tips you can offer using PowerPoint in the classroom & Web?

Tips & Techniques for using Website technology to enhance learning in the classroom

Assembling web-based materials

First Things First! What's the purpose of your web site? If you can narrow down what you want your viewers to do when they're at your site, you can save yourself a lot of time by focusing your web site content. Who is your audience? What kind of technology is your audience using?

Tips for Basics of Web Design 1.Identify Purpose 2.Recognize Bandwidth (design to 28.8 modem) 3.Graphics (GIF or JPEG? – GIF better for bandwidth 4.Monitor resolution (design to 640X480) 5.Recognize multiple platforms and browsers (MAC or PC and Netscape or Explorer) 6.Navigation should be consistent & easy to use 7.Use common Fonts

Notes and hints... To get "headings," use the style drop- down menu. This is the first dropdown menu in your toolbar. Use "bold" and "italics," but stay away from underlining text. This makes the text look like it's a link, which is confusing to users. To get sub-bullets, click the "indent" toolbar button twice.

Maintaining a web site Have a back up copy Update the site Use the navigation and interface tools

Delivering Check the content Check links Get feedback from students & others

Student Comments Keep the site organized Keep the site updated Have a place for questions Have clear instructions & directions Respond in a timely manner Add additional resources Have a purpose for the content (dont like busy work)

In summary…. Recognize your students Balance technology & lecture Be active in teaching Use PowerPoint & Websites effectively Engage students in different learning experiences It is NOT about technology – it IS about interactivity!

Thank you for your Time! Any Questions or Comments