Multimedia Classroom 101

Agenda

• Overview of Equipment

• Ideas for Use

• Transferring From “Old” to “New”

• Existing Resources

• PowerPoint Design and Delivery Tips

• Hands-On Practice

Equipment Overview in the Multimedia Classrooms

Differences

• There are several different configurations for the multimedia classrooms on campus.

Similarities:

• All equipment is controlled via a control panel– Turn everything on via the control panel– Pick what’s projected via the control panel– Turn everything off via the control panel

Typical Control Panels

Alternatives to MM Classrooms

• Borrow a laptop and projection system from Tech Services (x8324)

• More and more classrooms will be wired in the next couple of years

Ideas for Use

Multimedia Classrooms Can…

• Offer more options for students with different learning styles.

• Offer you more opportunities for incorporating existing resources in your classroom.

• Add an element of excitement to the classroom.

Example: Probability

• The instructor is discussing the probability of pulling certain colors of M&Ms out of a bag.– Without multimedia classrooms the

instructor would be limited to the chalkboard/whiteboard and overhead.

– With multimedia classrooms the instructor could introduce an animated Flash example.

Example: Anatomy

• The instructor wants students to see a variety of bones in the human body and compare them to those of a gorilla.– Without multimedia classrooms, students

would look at pre-determined handouts, overheads or slides.

– With multimedia classrooms, students can view comparisons “on the fly” with an online comparison tool.

Example: Articulation

• A Spanish instructor wants his students to understand the parts of the face that help make sounds.– Without multimedia classrooms: the

instructor is limited to handouts, overheads and drawings.

– With multimedia classrooms: the instructor can utilize an existing interactive online diagram.

Best Practices

When using a multimedia classroom:• Use existing resources• Use multiple resources where appropriate• Avoid using technology just because it’s

there…your use should fit with your classroom objectives

• Remember that the sun does not rise and set on PowerPoint.

From “Old” to “New”

35mm Slides to PowerPoint

• The up side: You have more control over order and can add text elements to your slides.

• The down side: The transfer process is time consuming and there may be copyright issues.

• Resources: – Slide scanner in the TRC lab

Overheads to PowerPoint

• The up side: You can easily change the information and it’s easily transportable.

• The down side: The transfer process may be time consuming and there may be copyright issues.

• Resources:– Scanners in TRC lab.

What Else?

• What other classroom material do you have that you’d like to make more modern to use in a Multimedia classroom?

Using Existing Resources

Merlot

• A repository of FREE online learning objects.

Let’s Explore http://www.merlot.org

Publisher Resources

• Your book publisher may have existing online resources that you can use with your class.

Example - Vista Online

Other Internet Resources

• Do a search on Yahoo! or Google or Netscape and see what you find. You’d be amazed.

Visit Google

PowerPoint Tips

• Just because you use a multimedia classroom does not mean you need to know PowerPoint.

• Some things just don’t transfer well to PowerPoint

Design and Color

• Limit yourself to – 4 or fewer consistent colors– 2 cross-platform fonts

• Font size should be 24+

• Use slide animations sparingly…they can be distracting.

Content

• PowerPoint slides are a guide to discussion.

• They help students follow the lesson

• In most cases, 3 or 4 points per slide is plenty

Learning PowerPoint

• Training in the Foothill and DeAnza TRC.

• Tutorial CDs in the Staff Development office

• Free Online Tutorials

Hands-On Opportunity