Module Components

• Overview
• Assignments

Topics

• Learning Theories and Objectives
• Lecture
• Instructional Media
• Panel

Nurs 791 - INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES AND ASSESSMENT

Module 3: Teacher Intensive Strategies

Instructional Media

Using Audio and Visual Strategies to Enhance Lecture

Although lecture is typically thought of as a one-way communication process, it is still possible to use other audio and visual strategies to enhance the lecture.  It is also possible to engage the learner in ways that make the lecture interactive.

Type	Strategies and Tips
White Board/Smart Board	Write large and clear so those in back of room to be able to read. Include main points or outline. Use a writing color that contrasts the color of the board. Color can be used for emphasis or highlighting points. While writing, frequently look back at audience to gain their attention and project voice. Erase after you know that learners have transcribed relevant information. When possible, write information on the board prior to the lecture. Bring your own writing tools
Diagrams/ Infographics	Use these images to simplify complex ideas or relationships. . If text heavy, provide copy to learners
Audio/ Video Clips	Audio/Video clips from YouTube or other sources can be integrated into a lecture, with or without PowerPoint. If you are only using a section of a longer video, have it queued at the preferred starting point.
Microsoft PowerPoint/ Keynote/ Google Slides	Create visually appealing slides. Ensure consistent use of fonts and color schemes. Limit the amount of content on each slide.

POWERPOINT Best PRACTICES

A slide deck created in something like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Apple Keynote can be a meaningful addition to a lecture. The use of PowerPoint takes careful consideration though, as it has been overutilized and misused at times. The slides can provide a basic outline for content, keep learners focused, and be a vessel for other audiovisual content provided within a lecture or presentation.

While there are varying perspectives on what best practices are for PowerPoint slides, here are some simple guides:

The 5/5/5 Rule:

• No more than 5 words per text line
• No more than 5 lines of text per slide
• Avoid having more than 5 text-heavy slides in a row

The 7/7 Rule:

• No more than 7 lines/bullets per slide
• 7 or less words per line

The 10/20/30 Rule:

• 10 slides
• No more than 20 minutes
• Font should be at least 30

The most important point that all of these guides highlight is the need to reduce the content on each slide. When making considerations about slide design, it can be helpful to consider Baddeley and Hitch’s Model of Working Memory (1974) also. A simple explanation can be found here. This model was used to identify what students do and don’t like about PowerPoint. Please read here to learn more.  At the bottom there are other resources you may find helpful if you need to improve your PowerPoint/presentation skills.