Joyce Perry, of the department formerly known as Health
and Exercise Sciences, has used computer technology for presentations
for several years. “Today’s students grew up with MTV, images
and high-tech animations. It’s important to view the in-class presentation
as a way of sparking discussion, not just of broadcasting your notes,”
she said. Perry said she believes the influence of computers and television
has increased the number of students who are visual learners.
“So, in-class, multimedia presentations allow an instructor to
communicate more effectively with students with more than one learning
style,” she said. And, once a lesson has been converted into a
multimedia presentation, it’s relatively easy to update.
“The technology allows me to bring in new examples and discussion
topics every semester, while I retain the basics. By making the material
current, we can make a class more relevant to the students.” In
the classes she teaches to future teachers, one point she emphasizes
is that the technology is a vehicle.
“I love the technology,” Perry said, “but, you have
to start with what you want to teach and what you want your students
to learn.” “Don’t let the technology lead where you go.
Use it—don’t be directed by it.”
Joyce Perry