Ron’s Education Technology Blog
This week we were asked to explore applications and
multimedia resources that can enhance adult learning. In an earlier post I identified TED Talks and
Microsoft PowerPoint as multimedia resources that I intend to use as an adult
educator. In this post I will explain my
rationale for choosing those resources and provide several examples of how I
intend to use them.
To provide the proper perspective the reader needs to know
that I will be teaching various leadership and organizational development
courses at the baccalaureate level. My
students will primarily be adult learners attending school at night, on weekends,
and online.
My rationale for incorporating TED Talks into my curriculum
begins with social learning theory principals, which state that people learn by
observing others they perceive as credible and knowledgeable (Noe, 2008). TED Talk Speakers include some of the most
engaging speakers on the planet today, including such notables as President
Clinton and Stephen Hawking (Nelson, 2013).
Having students observe such talented speakers could help them develop
effective presentation skills of their own.
Another benefit of incorporating TED Talks is letting the
students gather information that is relevant to the course. With over 2000 talks on hundreds of subjects,
it is highly likely that students could find information on topics relative to
the class and share it with their fellow students. Finally, incorporating a multimedia resource
into the classroom can engage the students more effectively than just having
the instructor lecture about a subject.
As I’ve noted in previous posts, one way I can use TED Talks
in my classes is to have students select a talk to watch and then write a
critical report on it. This type of
assignment will help the students develop critical thinking skills.
Another strategy for incorporating TED Talks in my class is to
use them as learning resources. I can
find talks that are relevant to the course and include all, or portions of them
into my lectures and presentations to the class.
My rationale for using PowerPoint in my classes includes the
fact that many of the students would potentially use this application in their
jobs. Therefore encouraging them to use
it in school will provide them with transferable skills their employers will
appreciate. Furthermore, PowerPoint has
the ability to incorporate videos, music, and graphics in addition to text,
making the presentation of information more engaging for the audience.
Like TED Talks, my strategy for using PowerPoint includes
requiring the students to use it and using myself to present information to my
students. When requiring the students to
use it, I will assign both group and individual assignments. I will also require them to incorporate
several different media such as graphics and video. When using it for presenting information, I
will be sure to include several different media. Additionally, I will post the presentation
online so that it is available to the students at anytime.
References
Nelson, J. (2013). TED Talk- What are they and why are
they so good? CITES Academic
Technology Services. Retrieved from:
https://blogs.cites.illinois.edu/cites-ats/2013/03/07/ted-talks-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-so-good/
https://blogs.cites.illinois.edu/cites-ats/2013/03/07/ted-talks-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-so-good/
Noe, Raymond, A. (2008). Employee Training and Development.
New York: McGraw-Hill
Ron,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know a little about you. I think that both your core standard are very important: ‘evaluating a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric’ and is important and ‘presenting information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience’ are important parts of critical thinking and solving problems. How we communicate is with others is important. When we speak we need to make sure that our message is clear so that all are understanding the message, and our tone of how we present ourselves to the audience are important.
You state there are several applications that support the development of those standards, such as PowerPoint and reports with TED Talk. TED Talk are short videos that can be used for discussion in which will bring out students critical thinking skills (CITES, 2015). Is that correct?
Why have you chosen both of these and have you used them before? I am not that familiar with TED Talk, from what I have seen it is a video presentation, so do the students make them? I am still not clear on this? Why do you believe TED Talk is so good to use? How do both relate to the technology emerging technology you chose of social media and virtual reality? Both would go with virtual reality I am correct?
Thanks
Gracesinda
Reference
Nelson, J. (2013). TED Talk- What are they and why are they so good? CITES Academic Technology Services Retrieved from https://blogs.cites.illinois.edu/cites-ats/2013/03/07/ted-talks-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-so-good/
Ron,
ReplyDeleteThe multimedia sources of TED talks and Microsoft PowerPoint are very interesting for adult education. You identified your core standards for your teaching practice which focuses on learning the observation of well-respected speakers. I am not as familiar with TED talks as with PowerPoint but it appears to be very resourceful in helping students understand how professional presentations with meaningful content are done. I actually view at TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson (2006) that captured my attention as an observer. I think TED talks are an excellent way to engage learners with a speaker’s content and as you pointed out “develop effective presentation skills of their own.”
Overall I can see where using this would motivate students to research deeper about a topic for better understanding and clarity. “Whether you’re simply using a talk to spark discussion or you’re creating a TED series of your own, TED Talks make a creative, exciting, and rewarding teaching lens” (Leavy, 2014). This multimedia resource is part of what is new and exciting with today’s educational technology. PowerPoint is always an attractive tool to incorporate in teaching in the classroom or online. It is relatively easy to put together and follow along. What I like most about PowerPoint is the effectiveness of organizing information through bullets or numbers to keep the presentation in an orderly manner.
Ron, I look forward to hearing more about the multimedia sources you will be introducing to your students. There is a lot of information about these technologies, the pros and cons of these resources, and other technologies that continue to be part of the great debate of which multimedia resources are best for adult education.
Robin
Reference:
Leavy, L. (2014). 5 Ways to Incorporate TED Talks into Learning. http://www.edudemic.com/ted-talks-lesson-plans/
Robin, thanks for your comments. I am looking forward to learning more about multimedia resources as well.
DeleteCheers,
Ron N.
Hi Ron Powerpoint is really a great tool that is used more and more in education. When I was in undergrad it seemed like I never even needed a book for class because the powerpoint was all I needed. This is definitely shaping the new technology because of its advanced in the use of it. I have seen videos, audio, and pictures all in one slide. This is a great tool to use in education.
ReplyDeleteHello Joshua, I seen a lot of PowerPoint on my educational journey as well. Whether it was my instructor's presentation to the class or myself developing a presentation for an assignment. I agree it is a great tool and the ability to incorporate all the various media types keeps it interesting.
DeleteCheers,
Ron N.