Click Here To View June 2005 Classroom Presentation Equipment
By: Dorothy Roberts
Computers, satellites, telephone networks and VCRs have changed the face of instruction in a few short years. Many of us, however, are still working with the "tried and true" chalkboard, the more recent version known as the overhead projector, an occasional bout with a 16mm film projector and, thankfully, a VCR and television for a little variety.
In as much as chalkboards, overheads, VCRs and audio-tapes are the most commonly used audio-visual materials in classroom instruction, a few timely hints on their use are probably in order. Standing in front of your first class is no time to have to learn how to run the equipment.
Chalkboards & Overheads
When using the chalkboard and the overhead, it is important for you to consider the physical limitations of your classroom. How big is it? How far away are the back seats? How large do you need to write in order for those in back to easily see what is on the board? When inspecting your classroom, make sure you have some chalk with you and experiment. Write on the board/overhead and walk to the back of the room, sit in a desk, and read the board or screen.
Bored with plain old standard white chalk and black felt-tip pens? Try some colored chalks/pens. Colors can be used for emphasis and separation of different points or issues.
Try writing out what you want to emphasize in your next class. Can you pre-write an outline of the day's activities or lecture before class begins? How much chalkboard area do you have to work with? Do you want your students to keep the overall picture for the day in view, or do you prefer to use the board as a big scratch pad?
Overheads that are copies of regularly typed hand-outs are often typed in 10- or 12-characters per inch (Pica or Elite) are singularly difficult to read, and are terrible distractions for students who are madly copying the overhead instead of listening. Do yourself a favor, and make sure that you use large, dark lettering on your transparencies.
VCRs and Film/Slide Projectors
Advance planning is absolutely necessary with any equipment that you plan to use in your classroom. Consider the following points when contemplating the use of A/V equipment:
- What kind of electrical outlets are in the room? How many?
- Where are they in relation to where you want to place the equipment?
- If you need a projection screen, what kinds of screens are available? Will you need to bring one in, or is there one in the room? Can you reach it? Does it work?
- How far in advance do you have to reserve the equipment? From which office? Is there a charge to the department?
- Who is responsible for picking up and returning the equipment?
- What about the tape or film itself? How can you be sure that you will have the tape on the day that you need it?
- What are the procedures for checking out tapes and films?
- How do you operate the beast?
Exhibits
Known to school-aged children as "show-and-tell," well-selected exhibits are an effective source of instructional material. Deciding what exhibits to bring to your class and where and how to display them, setting up and taking down, and transporting exhibits are all time-consuming and labor-intensive. You will probably be doing all of this by yourself. That makes exhibits fairly prohibitive in terms of regular classroom use. Once in a while, however, there is just no substitute for allowing your students to "see it with their own eyes."
Most of all, you need to consider the following. Why are you using the film, tape, exhibit, overhead, or slide in the first place? What do you want your students to see, hear, learn or remember? What is the significance of what you are showing them to the content and purpose of the course?
Take care that your A/V materials don't take over your class-- we all remember the instructor who overused A/Vs.
Sidebar
Product Roundup
Dry Erase Wallcovering
Walltalkers is a wallcovering system that can turn walls into presentation surfaces. Walltalkers ez · rite can be easily applied directly over existing chalk/marker boards, providing a clean, bright dry erase surface. Primarily designed as a low-gloss, dry erase marker surface, Walltalkers erase · rite can serve as a projection screen. Nu · vu · rite is available for higher quality projection capability. Walltalkers uses vinyl substrate, not paper, so it maintains its flexibility and strength. The product is laminated with DuPont's Teflon thermoplastic film. The wallcovering comes in rolls and installs like most commercial wallcovering. Options include magnetic receptive, projection (low-gloss), adhesive-backed, printed lines, decorative colors, designer patterns and more. www.walltalkers.com
Walk-and-Talk Interactive Panel and Cordless Lectern from Polyvision
PolyVision's cordless lectern provides added flexibility to your presentations by allowing you to be mobile without losing control of your tools. The lectern comes with a 8-10 hour rechargeable battery capable of powering two devices. Add the Walk-and-Talk Interactive Panel to the mobile lectern and convert your computer into a robust and dynamic tablet PC, adding interaction to large screen projection. With the mobility of the cordless lectern, presenters are free present where they want, when they want. You can use the stylus to highlight key points, annotate presentations or capture new thoughts. No application software is required.
www.polyvision.com
EverWhite Boards
While EverWhite boards are the right choice for any environment, they are perfect for classrooms. Unlike dusty chalkboards, teachers can use a variety of bright colors on EverWhite boards to make everything on the board easier to read, even for students seated in the back row. Plus, unlike other dry erase boards, EverWhite dry erase boards won't dull, gray, or develop ghost images, guaranteed. If a permanent marker is used by mistake on EverWhite's unique surface, it's no problem. Simply go over the spot with a dry erase marker and erase as usual. No evidence will be left. EverWhite dry erase boards do not require harsh or expensive cleaners and are easy to maintain. Try the unique EverWhite surface for yourself and prepare to be amazed by the excellent quality, affordable prices and quick lead times.
www.everproducts.com
Interactive Whiteboards from Numonics
The Numonics Corporation manufactures two lines of interactive whiteboards, the IPM and the DPA. Both boards use fast and accurate electromagnetic digital technology, and, when incorporated with a computer and an LCD or DLP projector, they become powerful tools for teaching, collaborating and presenting. The Digital Presentation Appliance (DPA) is their "entry-level" interactive whiteboard. A Windows-based whiteboard, the DPA has the fundamental feature set you need and is very easy to learn and use. It will make a great impression and a fast transition into your classroom, conference room or anywhere you need to present and exchange information. The Interactive Presentation Manager (IPM) is their advanced interactive whiteboard. Compatible with either Mac or Windows operating systems, it just oozes with personality and features. There are 17 user-definable Softkeys located on both sides of the IPM that you can define to launch Web sites, applications, files, keyboard commands and any of 14 different Presentation Tools.
www.interactivewhiteboards.com
