Achieving Pedagogical Goals with Technology

Various types of technology can help you meet your teaching goals, both in the classroom and as supplements to classroom learning.  We have highlighted several examples of technology use.  Contact Robin Hill (766-5499) or Andy Bryson (766-2035) for a consultation on classroom technology.

For additional information, see Instructional Computing Services FAQs.
 

Transform written and visual teaching materials into electronic files

A scanner reads and interprets text, slides, and other visual materials, allowing you to save the files in plain text, word processor, or other office application formats.  Columns and tables can be preserved, and figures and charts can be saved as image files.  Transform your slides into digital files for editing and incorporating into presentations and web sites.

Dictate or record lectures, interviews, speeches, or other audio materials

Dragon Naturally Speaking or other voice recognition software, available on Instructional Computing Services lab machines and checkout laptops, will transcribe your dictation into text files.  Learning this process only takes a few minutes of training.  You can also borrow a small digital voice recorder for dictating or recording and then use our software to transcribe into text.  Electronic audio files, such as podcasts, can be incorporated into online and classroom materials in ECTL labs.

Distribute your syllabus, lecture notes, and other materials 

Use a supplemental online course for secure, electronic distribution of course materials to students. Since students must authenticate (log in) to reach the course materials, some potential copyright violations are obviated.  Other mechanisms that might satisfy this goal include e-reserves from the library, advance preparation of a CD, or development of a course website.

Prepare class lectures and materials enhanced with visual and
audio materials

Use presentation software such as PowerPoint, or set up web pages to show in class and post online.  You can also use facilities that do not require proprietary software, such as Netscape Composer or NVU, instead of PowerPoint, to create slides in web page format. In the classroom, use a document camera (“Elmo”) for projecting objects and artifacts, including handwriting. Use a tablet laptop to draw and write on prepared presentation slides. Prepare electronic exhibits through advanced digital editing techniques. Consider WebTV for recording and archiving lectures.

Create student interaction and obtain feedback on student learning

It is entirely possible to employ discussion in classes as large as 150. Use a clicker response system to obtain immediate answers to questions you ask in class .You can project a tabulation of student answers to stimulate discussion. Results and statistics will also be available to you for later use. Type or write student contributions during class discussions by way of a projected computer or document camera. Project student work to use as a basis for problem-solving in class. Some instructors extend discussion beyond the classroom with blogs, Wikis, e-mail, instant messenging, and videoconferencing.

Invite guest professionals to participate in your class

Colleagues from off campus can participate in class sessions by using Skype, a free voice-over-IP, or by IP videoconferencing through the Multipoint Conferencing Unit (uwyo.edu/mcu).  Invite librarians, outside experts, and other faculty colleagues to investigate class issues through live explorations of electronic databases and the internet.
 

For additional information, see Instructional Computing Services FAQs.

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