> Also, if you work it right,
> > you
> > > can plug in some demos right into powerpoint (a short-term memory one
> > > comes to mind, for example).Some Demo-type stuff that I do:
I've created a fairly good simulation of the Stroop task, enough that with the
class saying the words out loud you can hear the hesitations and errors in the
'conflicted' condition. And, while you have no real control over the timing, if
you use the 'flash once, fast' animation option, the Sperling task (fast
presentation of 3 rows of 4 letters) can be reasonably simulated. I add a tiny
graphic (can't really see it) and attach a sound to it (play after the letters
disappear) to simulate the High, Med, Low tones to simulate the partial recall
conditions. The classes get recall levels close to the original.For the Tower of Hanoi I produced one from the basic shapes in PowerPoint. It
is just a display of the 3 pegs and the rings. Since the rings are 'side view'
they are just rectangles, too. I go from the usual presentation mode back to
edit mode at this point and have the class call out the moves. In edit mode the
rings can be 'grabbed' and moved.For serial position I present a word list, words presented singly, then have the
instructions to count backwards (or not count backwards), it can be set to time
the counting, give a sound, then time the recall period and give another sound.You can put web site links in your slides. I often go to the IllusionWorks site
when discussion illusions, and I like the Nova "Night Creatures of the Kalahari"
site when discussing vision. I also have a file that does a good black & white
spiral pattern to use for the Waterfall Effect, it can be run by linking it to a
slide and clicking on it.I sometimes take part of the class on a method of loci walk, and I have taken
pictures of the 'spots' and have a PowerPoint version of the walk.> > to pace yourself. Folks who use powerpoint or overheads (especially the
> > overly detailed type) often don't give the students enough time to write
> > down the material.I don't think that they *should* write down every word on them, but since they
try I provide my students access to the slides before the lectures.> > My last complaint about powerpoint, etc. is that faculty often become
> > glued
> > to the lectern/computer stand and lose what little animation they might
> > exhibit. None of these problems is insurmountable but they need to be
> > addressed.
>I lobbied strongly for remote mice. They allow me to wander around and use the
board. I don't like having to stand there and lean on the cart and click the
original mouse.Since it is obvious that I will never get rich as a stand-up comedian, I
sometimes copy in a good (and sometimes relevant) Dilbert or other cartoon to
provide some humor and a break in the action. It can be handy for us
humorously-challenged professors.
--
__ Rick Stevens
__ Psychology Department
__ University of Louisiana at Monroe
__ http://www.ulm.edu/~stevens
