My First Date session

Shade Gomez's session on project based learning, highlighted the benefits of students using technologies they have a working knowledge of and interweaving it with course work. This is one of the primary goals in Eng 307.

I thought that the two most interesting ideas in Shade’s presentation were getting to know your librarians and the ten rules for a Power Point Presentation.

Not being fully acclimated into the mindset of a teacher, I found it helpful to be reminded that librarians are one of a teacher’s most useful resources. Not only can they help you make the distinctions that would make a good presentation standout from a bad one, but they are also ideal for any hardware and software problems that we may encounter.

The Ten Rules for an Effective Power Point Presentation stressed the information that is presented on the screen as a compliment to lecture that is being given. This is key to having the presenter and not the screen, be the focus of information. This was helpful for students and teachers alike who do not have much experience with the program.

I believe what impressed everyone in the room was the extent of creativity that Shade’s students displayed. He brought in samples of music, posters, movies, fabric art (which included printmaking and quilts that tied into his curriculum) even a few woodcarvings and an airbrushed piece of aluminum. These were perfect examples of that how his students blended their interest with course content.