catch all
Keep slides up to date, funny, interesting. The youth we teach now need more stimulation than in the past, by keeping the slides "catchy" we can keep their attention.
Cory,
I like catchy, but I also recognize PPT slides are just a tool and too much of the same thing, regardless how interesting or flashy the slides are, can still lead to distraction. I break up my lectures to do a different activity, then come back to where I left off. This works as well as jazzy-flashy.
Barry Westling
so true its the age of technology. ie texting facebook iphones so on.
Keith,
Right. I agree it's important to "be where my students are". It's touchy sometimes. I collect all cell phones during tests or quizzes. Electronic tests are programmed to end if the student navigates away from the page (to Google, look at notes, etc). But I also try to integrate You-tube into PPT's, use contemporay movie names and themes when citing fictional examples, etc. The latter usually brings a laugh or smile, and that helps keep things less formal and students to feel more comfortable.
Barry Westling
I really like the use of technology, catchy power points videos from Ted.com built into ppt. I also find that flipping the class once in a while is neat to watch as the student will receive ppt ahead of time and will work in group of 2 to 3 on a specific part of the lecture have 20 minutes to set verbal presentation the whole class is involved and it great to watch them teach or discuss the subject and I fill in the blanks.
John,
Great ideas, and vey creative use of engagement activities. Getting student involved as you describe produces memorable and meaningful learning experiences.
Barry Westling
