As we teach and instruct students, we have the opportunity to create curiosity along with guiding the student toward knowledge and information. A wealth of resources is available to instructors that can add creativity and stir interest among students.
I have three reasons why I believe online resources should be used in teaching. Before I list, take a moment to see this video clip by Steve Jobs. This is a presentation given in 2002 to explain to Apple followers about Mac OS 9 going away. Notice his creativity.
Why use online resources? My question is do you want to be like everyone else? The instructor who just gives information is one among many. The instructor who uses resources to show creativity will stand out and be known as a creative one.
Students are accustomed to video and pictures - this is another reason to use online resources. This past week I was in Houston observing to learn to teach an Emerson class called "Advanced Leadership in Emerson." The course has been revamped from an older version that was very PowerPoint slide driven and quite honestly was boring and out of touch. The new and improved course is 3.5 days of interactive dialogue and video clips to illustrate and reinforce the topics. The participants hear, see, and feel the principles being taught.
A final reason to use online resources - hasn't the time come to throw away the old notes and breathe life into the drab information we have been providing? For us as instructor, the opportunity to do something new and different sparks the creativity and exploration. The spirit is passed on to the listeners and they capture the same spirit.
I want to add that an excellent online resource of presentations is www.ted.com. This site has a variety of short talks - usually no more than 15 minutes. They are called "ideas worth spreading." TED stands for technology, entertainment, and design.
Here is a sample talk by Nancy Duarte on the science of outstanding presentations.
"For us as instructor, the opportunity to do something new and different sparks the creativity and exploration. The spirit is passed on to the listeners and they capture the same spirit."
ReplyDeleteI love that!!! I think back to the teachers who were really inspiring to me! That is exactly what they did! Your post has really reminded me to be that teacher!
It is imperative to move from the "sage on the stage" to active, engaging teaching modalities. I agree that these resources can spark creativity in both the teacher and the learner. We all must learn to use more online resources to make our teaching more effective.
ReplyDelete