Using technology to enhance classroom learning

Using Technology to Enhance Classroom LearningUsing Technology to Enhance Classroom Learning

Facilitated by Dr. Sophia Scott

AgendaAgenda• 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

Website comparisonsWebsite comparisonsOURS• http://www.sciencemag.org• http://www.yahoo.com• http://www.ask.com• http://www.hgtv.com• http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

THEIRS• http://www.brainpop.com• http://yahooligans.yahoo.com• http://www.ajkids.com• http://www.nick.com• http://www.sikids.com

Who are our Students?Who are our Students?

Baby Boomers

• TV generation• Typewriters• Memos

Gen X

• Video games• Computers• E-mail

Net Gen

• The Web• Mobile devices• Instant messenger• Online communities

By age 21,By age 21,

The average person will have spent….

• 10,000 hours video games

• 20,000 emails

• 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

NeuroplasticityNeuroplasticity• The brain reorganizes itself through life

– Stimulation– Developmental experiences

• Their brains are really “wired” differently

The Net Generation…The Net Generation…• Born in or after 1982• Gravitate toward group activity• 8 out of 10 say “it’s 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 WebTeen 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 CommunicationTeen use of Web for Communication

• 81% e-mail friends & relatives

• 70% instant message

• 56% prefer the Internet over the telephone

Why do teens go the Web?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 Teens & Multi-tasking Online

Technology & Learning

Today’s Learners…Today’s Learners…• Digitally literate

• Mobile

• Always on

• Experiential

• Social (stay connected)

Oblinger, 2004

Hypertext minds: QualitiesHypertext minds: Qualities• Crave interactivity

• Read visual images

• Visual-spatial skills

• Parallel processing

• Inductive discovery

• Fast response time

Prensky, 2001

Concerns…Concerns…• Short attention span

• Choose NOT to pay attention

• Lack reflection

• Lack text literacy

• Lack identification of source quality

NetGen learning preferencesNetGen learning preferences• Teams, peer-to-peer

• Structure

• Engagement & experience

• Visual & kinesthetic

• Things that matter

Oblinger, 2004

Students vs. FacultyStudents vs. FacultyStudents Faculty

Pictures, sound, video Text

Random access Linear, logical, sequential

Interactive & networked Independent & individual

Multitasking Single or limited tasks

Spontaneous Deliberate

Engaging Disciplined

Generational ComparisonsGenerational Comparisons• Ctrl+Alt+Del is as basic as ABC• They don’t 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

It is not about AGE…It is not about AGE…

We live in a technologically enriched environment

Compare yourselfCompare 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?

Environments for learningEnvironments for learning• Every student 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…The Big Question…

How can teachers enable students to be successful in education?

What students want in a learning environment…What students want in a learning environment…• Teacher to have an in-depth knowledge

in their field

• Faculty ability to use technology Effectively

• Don’t overuse the technology

InteractionInteraction

Students learn from thinking…thinking is engaged by activity

Junassen, 2003

Engaging Learning ExperiencesEngaging Learning ExperiencesE

mo

tio

nal

En

gag

ing

Passive Active

Case Study

Voting

Debate

Problem Solving

Real ProjectGames

Facilitated Discussion

LectureQ & A

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

classroom

Preparing PresentationsPreparing 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 AudienceKnow Your Audience

Organize the ContentOrganize the Content

Effective

PowerPoint

PowerPoint in

The Classroom

PowerPoint on

the Web

PowerPoint

Nuggets

Font StylesFont Styles

Garamond

Bookman Old StyleComic Sans

Ariel

Courier New CG Times

Times New Roman

Present in a Variety of WaysPresent in a Variety of WaysUse:

• Tables

• Charts

• Shapes

• Graphics

• Stair steps

• Don’t overuse Bullets

Say it With GraphicsSay it With Graphics

Which slide communicates the clearest visual message?

7 Seconds

Eye Contact

Entry

Non-Verbals

Your Visual ImageYour Visual Image

Attire

Organization

Movement

Demeanor

7 Seconds

Eye Contact

Entry

Attire

Organization

Non-Verbals

Your Visual Image

Movement

Demeanor

Use Animation When AppropriateUse Animation When Appropriate

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

What do you think of the Following Slides?

What do you think of the Following Slides?

PowerPoint in the ClassroomPowerPoint 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 ClassroomPowerPoint 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

• Don’t turn your back on your students

Mix Lecture with Technology Mix Lecture with Technology

PowerPoint on the WebPowerPoint 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 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 NuggetsPowerPoint Nuggets• Use PowerPoint tools

• Focus on Content not presentation

• Do not overuse PowerPoint

• Vary your Presentations

• Edit

• Make PowerPoint Interactive

First Things First! 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?

In summary….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!Thank you for your Time!