Unit 9: Presentation Tools and Skills
Unit Overview
“Because of the emergence of multimedia technology,
the 3Rs are becoming the 4Rs: Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, and aRt. Thanks
to the struggle to use multimedia effectively, the language of art is taking
center stage.”
—Dr. Jason Ohler, www2.jun.alaska.edu/edtech/fourthr/
This unit introduces students to the professional world of multimedia
presentations, another large category of technology tools that are ideally suited
for playing a significant role in changing the way students learn and teachers
teach, the ultimate goal of Generation www.Y.
Being functionally literate in a multimedia culture has taken
on new meaning. Teaching students to be discriminating users of technology and
to be effective communicators involves much more than teaching reading, cursive
writing or keyboarding. Students of today have a menu of multimedia or presentation-authoring
packages to choose from as they complete traditional and nontraditional assignments.
As a group, these tools are often referred to as presentation tools. From KidPix
(an intuitive program for younger students) to PowerPoint (adapted from the
business world by educators), teachers and students are excited about new tools
for teaching and learning.
In educational research, best practice demands that schools reach a greater proportion of students with a variety of intellectual strengths and styles. Multimedia technology opens up enormous educational opportunities for many students. New multimedia or presentation tools provide students with many different modes of interacting with content, with material.
Activities & Prioritized Objectives
Following the completion of Unit 9, students will be able to:
| Activity 1—Presentation Software and Design | ||
| 1.1 | Demonstrate understanding of the following
operational features and capabilities of presentation-authoring software:
using menus and main commands entering and formatting text selecting overall design from existing choices customizing existing designs or developing original ones adding graphics and transitions creating backgrounds |
|
| 1.2 | Identify elements of good design in presentations | |
| Activity 2—Preparing a Presentation | ||
| 2.1 | Interview a partner | |
| 2.2 | Prepare a storyboard | |
| 2.3 |
Use the appropriate tools to develop a computer-based presentation or slide show |
|
| Activity 3—Preparing to Give and Critique Presentations | ||
| 3.1 | Understand and exhibit good presentation
skills including the following: clear and appropriate content awareness of audience appropriate body language, posture, and mannerisms voice: volume, tone, and pronunciation timing, pacing, and fluency |
|
| 3.2 | Describe the various pieces of equipment available at your school for viewing presentations | |
| Activity 4—Giving and Critiquing Presentations | ||
| 4.1 | Present slide shows to Gen www.Y class | |
| 4.2 | Use rubric to critique presentations of peers | |
The lessons which support these objectives are included in The Generation
www.Y Program and Curriculum Guide, available from:
International Society for Technology Education
(ISTE), or by calling 1-800-336-5191.