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There are many challenges to conducting training sessions. Keeping students focused, alert, interested and motivated all come into play. Then assessing if the participants understand the material and can apply course content back at their jobs can be particularly tough in a classroom environment. But there is help!
Studies have shown the use of interactive teaching methods in the classroom can significantly increase learning and retention. The use of these technologies can help overcome many of the challenges previously noted by engaging students in an otherwise one-way teaching environment. Two classroom technologies can dramatically make an impact improving student retention. These are the use of interactive whiteboards and student response systems.
INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS
An interactive whiteboard is a device that interprets a projected image and interacts with a computer's desktop. A computer is normally controlled by a mouse. The interactive whiteboard allows control to take place with your finger or with (electronic) pens directly on the board. Now the instructor can control all the computer actions from the front of the classroom. The writing or drawing performed on the board, such as installation diagrams or session notes, can be saved and then printed or e-mailed. Some of these boards even have software called Optical Character Recognition (OCR) meaning you can write on the screen and it will be translated to editable computer text.
In addition, interactive whiteboards allow instructors to record their instruction and post the material for review by students at a later time. This can be very effective for students who were not able to attend the training session, students who need to see the material presented again, and for review for certification examinations. This method of instruction can change the concept of learning, expecting the instructor to be present for instruction to take place.
The use of these devices is starting to gain widespread popularity. There is currently a cumulative total of over one million interactive whiteboards in use worldwide. In addition, the interactive whiteboard market is forecast to increase four-fold in the next five years, indicating that one in nine classrooms worldwide will have a board by 2010. And with a price point starting at $900, there is no reason not to investigate using this system to really change the way training is presented.
STUDENT RESPONSE SYSTEMS
A Student Response System, also called Classroom Communication System (CCS), is a combination of software and hardware designed to support communication and interactivity in the classroom. A Student Response System is technology that:
- Allows an instructor to present a question or problem to the class.
- Allows students to enter their answers into a wireless device.
- Instantly summarizes students' answers for the instructor.
A Student Response System can be used to insert occasional audience questions into an otherwise traditional lecture, to quiz students for comprehension, or simply to keep students awake. Students can answer multiple choice, true-false, yes-no and survey style questions (with most systems). The answers received from the questions posed can be instantly charted and displayed in an overhead projector.
Historically used only in large classroom settings, they are being implemented in smaller classroom environments. Instruction utilizing Student Response Systems makes students active participants in the learning process. They are eager to participate in the class questions and surveys.
The result is better retention than the traditional lecture format offers. Subject matter reviews assure that the material is being retained and automatic scoring reduces the trainer's workload of manually tallying answers.
Many manufacturers who offer training are asking for methods that combine student response systems with interactive whiteboard products. By bundling the use of these products, instructors are able to present interactive material and receive feedback from the students. For example, the interactive whiteboard allows students to solve diagnostic problems and demonstrate their knowledge of troubleshooting. It also allows the teacher to keep notes, as an electronic file on the lesson for later distribution in any number of electronic formats. The use of the student response system allows the instructor to pose questions to the student body about the accuracy of the progress to the class and capture that information for charting.
BREAKING DOWN ALL THE BARRIERS
One barrier to implementing new technologies in the classroom is the cost of the new product. While the cost for these new technologies has come down significantly over the years, there is still an expense to consider. Perhaps one of the largest barriers to any new technology adoption is the fact that instructors must learn new skills and adjust to new roles — and this can be intimidating and demanding. The instructor must master the skills to use the new technology selected (pen, tablet, whiteboard, clicker, software, etc.) and must ultimately feel comfortable using the system in front of the students. They must also learn to plan their curriculum around the new technology, rather than teaching as they have always done.
While some of these challenges may seem significant, changing the way your staff is taught and improving the classroom setting will have immeasurable benefits. Most instructors are accustomed to being the focus of attention in the classroom. To implement these new tools effectively, they must learn to give up control and allow learning to occur around them and not at them.
CONNIE MOORHEAD is the President of The CMOOR Group and founder of SecurityCEU.com, Louisville, KY. CMOOR is a full-service education solution provider, custom online content development and Webinar service firm focusing exclusively on the security, manufacturing, and construction industries. SecurityCEU is an industry certification resource and online continuing education provider. Send your training questions and needs to questions@cmoor.com.
author: By Connie Moorhead