Teaching with Technology
Please contact Wayne Miller for assistance with any of these...
Before Class
- Pose discussion questions on the Class Email List, or on Blackboard
- Require students to post their own discussion questions
- Require students to reply to discussion questions
- Poll students to test conceptual understanding of the day's readings (using Blackboard or Duke's survey software Viewsflash)
At the Start of Class
- Display your main points in a brief PowerPoint or an outline from a word processor, so that students are oriented to the day's plan
- Let students know that you will distribute your Powerpoint slides, or outline, so they don't feel they have to write everything down
- Poll students electronically (using Blackboard or Duke's survey software Viewsflash) to test conceptual knowledge, or to illustrate the controversial nature of a topic
- Start off with a scene from a video or DVD to highlight the day's main point
- Display on screen and discuss the mornings headlines from Jurist, NYTimes.com or CNN.com
During Class
- Put a piece of student or professional writing up on the screen and ask for help in polishing it (if there is a wireless keyboard, ask a student to make agreed-upon changes)
- Show a video or describe a scenario, and poll the students before discussing it
- Ask students to close their laptops and discuss more intently
- Put students into groups to reach a consensus or majority opinion on a question, then have groups report back with a PowerPoint or outline of their main arguments
After Class
- Send out your slides, outline or notes to the Class Email List, or post on Blackboard
- Ask a follow-up question on the email list or Blackboard
- Require students to post follow-up observation or question/response on the Class Email List or Blackboard
During the Semester
- Give self-assessment assignments to allow students to review their conceptual understanding, perhaps through CALI lessons, or through review questions or quizzes on Blackboard
- Provide brief mock exams questions to work through, in a timed environment using Blackboard if possible, and provide model or alternative responses
- Assign mock exam questions to groups, have groups develop model responses and share them with entire class through class email list or Blackboard