Justin's MEDA 5400 Blog: Non-linear PPTs

Using technology in the classroom is a wonderful way to capture student interest. Non-linear PowerPoints can be used as a way to assess student knowledge by creating multiple choice quizzes. They may also be used for project ideas such as interactive stories. One of the more popular uses for non-linear PowerPoints is for student review. It is relatively simple for an instructor to create a Jeopardy review game using a PowerPoint template and integrate it into a classroom review session. I have created a Technical Theatre PowerPoint that covers subjects such as lighting and set construction:

Technical Theatre Jeopardy

Technical Theatre Jeopardy

Name: Justin Whitt	Date: 11/12/2010
Non-linear PPT Title: Technical Theatre Jeopardy	Grade/Level: 11^th Grade Theatre
TN State Learning Accomplishments: - 3.1: Understand processes, techniques, terminology and materials of technical theatre and theatre management. - 3.4: Understand and analyze theatre design positions. - 6.5: Explore technical theatre as a means of integrating traditional and non-traditional art forms.
NETS-T Performance Indicators: - 1c: Teachers promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. - 2a: Teachers design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. - 3d: Teachers model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
Essential Question: The Jeopardy game designed for this project is meant to be used as a form of reviewing four categories of technical theatre. Descriptions of each term, as well as visual aids, have been provided for each question to help students recognize each aspect of the content. Students that may have difficulty remembering certain terms will have both textual and visual cues to form knowledge of the subject. After viewing this PowerPoint and having extended practice with it, students should have a better understanding of the main topics of the unit. There are several aspects to technical theatre and it would be difficult to cover every single one in a Jeopardy game. However, the idea behind selecting the questions for this PowerPoint is that if students understand these questions, they should understand those related to them. For example, if a student understands and can identify what a “toggle” is, he or she should be able to identify the other parts of a stage flat.
Description of the ‘relative advantage’ of any and all technology being used in this instructional activity: Rather than give students a worksheet that asks them to define terms or look them up in a glossary, this instructional activity allows them to interact with other students while reviewing the material in a more enjoyable manner. Creating review activities that integrate technology allows the instructor to incorporate different resources into the lesson. For example, this activity provides students with visual clues that are presented in a clear manner that allows for students to put the term with the picture and then connect them both with the text. The technology used for this activity allows the teacher to present the information in a method that is both concise and effective.