I really like using clickers and can see myself using them in a larger lecture class, as well as smaller classes. I think their versatility would definitely be an advantage. I think some of the more challenging biologically concepts, where it is often most difficult to assess student understanding prior to an exam, are the situations where I would find it most valuable.
The other great thing about clickers is that it is a great tool for student participation and also provides immediate feedback to the student about their progress in the class. I already have participation points in my grading schemes, but I think that a percentage of those points would come from clicker participation in class. In a smaller class, I think this percentage would be smaller because I expect my students to participate in class discussion, whereas in a larger lecture, it would probably be the majority of the points, with maybe some of the other points coming from attendance each day. I also like the idea of using those one-minute papers in class to find out if students are trying to cheat the system.
I'm also really interested in this video conferencing tech talk today. I have been thinking about utilizing Skype in the classroom as a way to bring in guest speakers for a lecture on special topics. This would be especially useful in topics in which I would want my students to know more about, but to which I may not have the best background to teach it well. It would also be great for bringing in people who are conducting research in the field, and show students that the topics they are learning about are really being studied in the "real world" and that these researchers are "real people." It never ceases to amaze me how many students don;t think we really study these things and having these researchers talk about their work and the impacts of it, is highly beneficial in the classroom. That is how I got interested in research and it can really change a student's level of interest in the class, and potentially his/her future beyond the class.
I like the idea of using Skype for guest lecturers. I just wonder how well it would work.
ReplyDeleteI also completely agree that students need to hear about research being done on the concepts discussed in class. I'm doing it a little more low-tech this semester by having a graduate student research panel for one class session toward the end of the semester (in my research methods class). My thought is that students will become more aware of the research that's going on, on our own campus and in areas that might interest them. Also, by having it at the end of the semester I'm hoping that they'll be able to ask the grad students more informed questions.
My experiences with Skype have gone really well. I used it last summer to bring in people. I had thought about having my lab doing a Skype demonstration last summer when I was away, but I didn't get a chance to do it. But Skype has been pretty good and easy to use in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas, all! Scott, you may want to talk with some of the clicker users in your department or others to get some more tips and tricks for use in the sciences. Let me know if you would like some contact names.
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