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. 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.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 Let’s Explore

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