Afrodite Tsiakopoulos

@glin23

I am an online instructor.  I use a combination of PowerPoints, websites and whiteboard in my chats with my students.  I find the opposite to be true of sharing PowerPoints.  I find that if I post my presentations to the students, I then receive less participation in chats.  I use the PowerPoint as a supplement to my discussion with my students.  You also have to be careful with sharing your PowerPoints.  If you are not using an original creation you cannot post a book generated presentation because of a copyright issue.

I like to use the icebreaker technique in my classes.  It allows students to get to know each other better but it also encourages participation in the classroom.  Students learn in different ways and their comfort level in the classroom may also vary.  Having an icebreaker activity can encourage them to open up and share information.  Once they do this many of them find it easier to participate more in lesson questions and discussions as well.