Getting Started - Course Instruction

Using Technology in the Classroom

Overview

Utilizing technology in the classroom can greatly enhance and strengthen your instructional delivery. Students have a variety of learning modalities, such as visual, auditory and tactile, with classroom technology potentially able to reflect these differences. Student interest and motivation can be acquired and sustained through the effective use of technology. Also, utilizing technology, such as accessing Web sites during class, can provide the most up-to-date information for students.

Hardware options possibly available in your classroom are the following:

• Computer with internet access
• Projector attached from the ceiling that projects onto a big screen
• ELMO projector for showing information from books and other paper sources
• VCR and DVD players for showing videotapes and videodisks

In general, classrooms designated as “smart classrooms” should contain all of the above; whereas, other classrooms may not have all of these options. Check with you supervisor to determine the classroom’s technology. Computer software programs typically include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Florida Community College Internet Links

PowerPoint presentations can provide an effective way to communicate information to students in an organized, succinct, and interesting format.

Technical Help Desk: Includes how to report a technical problem, deal with computer viruses, backup a computer, work with your e-mail, etc.

Florida Community College University (FCCU): FCCU is the College’s in-house staff training program and includes technical training for adjunct instructors, such as assistance with instructor Web page construction, and utilizing the Blackboard online course software platform.

Instructor Web Pages: Having and utilizing an instructor’s Web page can provide a number of benefits. For example, instructors can build enrollment by promoting their courses to prospective students through posting the course syllabus and course registration information, such as the course name, prefix, number, reference number, and description. Also, by accessing the instructor’s Web page prior to a course beginning, students can find out which textbook(s) to purchase. During a course, instructors can upload documents to the Web page, such as a course syllabus, course schedule and project assignment, providing students with updated information on a 24-hour/7 days-per-week basis. If you wish to set up an instructor’s Web page at the College’s Web site, then contact the help desk at the instructor Web page construction directions. Examples of Web page content can be found by reviewing some of the existing instructor Web pages.

Florida Community College General Information on Blackboard: Information on how College staff and students can access the Internet course platform for Blackboard.

Online Course Platform Links

Each on-campus credit course is also automatically set up for your potential use with the Blackboard online course platform. Although this platform is more typically used for online courses taught through distance learning, it is also available for on-campus instructors to use with discussion boards, announcements, handouts, etc. Once you’re at the platform site, you can gain access by typing in your FCCJ ID and Password. The previously mentioned FCCU program can provide you with training on how to use the course platform. Visit Blackboard now.

Note: No More WebCT - Beginning Summer 2006, Florida Community College will no longer offer courses through WebCT. Online courses will be offered only through Blackboard. Get the details.

Microsoft Software Information and Links

PowerPoint presentations can provide an effective way to communicate information to students in an organized, succinct, and interesting format. This presentation software, although very popular in a wide range of organizational settings, is often not used for optimal effectiveness. For example, slide content should be organized with key bullet points consisting of just a few words each. Utilizing complete sentences and paragraphs often results in the audience trying to read the information and not listening to the instructor speaking, and could find the instructor boringly reading the content. It is important that slide content is legible to students in the back of the class. Practicing a slide presentation prior to class will allow you to walk to the rear and see it from the students’ point of view. Legibility is also enhanced if there is sharp contrast between letters and background, such as using light background with dark colored letters or dark background with light colored letters. Stimulating and relevant slide information can be provided by including Web site links on the presentation slides. Also, asking the class what makes for an effective PowerPoint presentation can elicit helpful content information.

• PowerPoint Home Page - Microsoft’s PowerPoint support page
• PowerPoint FAQ1
• PowerPoint FAQ2
• PowerPoint Tips - such as typing titles and bullet points into slide shows
• PowerPoint Slide Templates
• Excel Home Page - Microsoft’s Excel support page
• Excel Tips1 - such as copying and pasting cell content
• Excel Tips2 - such as how to obtain a full screen view
• Word Home Page - Microsoft’s Word support page
• Word Tips1 - such as using shortcut keys
• Word Tips2 - such as finding recently used files

Other Technology Support Links

• MERLOT: Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching
• Multimedia and Learning: Use of graphics and animation with instruction
• CATALYST: Using technology to support teaching goals