Archive for the ‘Church Checkup’ Category

By:  Michael Euliss

For most of us, our paradigm of a learning environment has to do with what we have observed through the years. Usually a chalk or dry-erase board, overhead or computer projector, handouts, etc. This environment worked very well for most of us and those who proceeded us. For those we are serving today, these old techniques may not be as effective as we would like them to be. The people of today are “digital natives” and are accustomed to more interaction than those of us who are “digital immigrants”.

Some research shows that by the time today’s male reaches age 18 he has spent more than 10,000 hours playing video games. Females are slightly less. This means that social skills are impacted and they are comfortable living in an environment that “they” create.  They desire to not just observe or listen to a learning experience, they want to be part of it.

In my tens of thousands of hours of providing classroom instruction and through my interaction with professionals around the country, I have discovered a few tools that will take your teaching environment from analog (traditional) to interactive. Some are less expensive than others and some are free. Here are some that I have found effective.

1. Using “Clickers” to allow students to interact with content.  Imagine asking the question, “How many of you think that we are doing enough to help the homeless in our society?” in an open forum.  You can predict the outcome.  A percentage will raise their hands.  Another percentage will not.  Yet there is another percentage that just did not want to participate because they did not want to be seen raising their hands (or not) by others.  By using “clickers” you allow everyone to take part.  Now the question is rephrased. “How many of you think we need to do more to help the homeless, how many think we should do less, and how many think that our current effort is about right?”  Clickers or classroom response systems allow students to take part in the learning experience and their responses show up, typically in graph form, on the screen when you as the instructor choose to reveal them.  These response systems are available through a number of manufacturers.  E-instruction makes many different varieties that I am familiar with. One uses infrared technology (like your TV remote) and the others use RF or radio frequency technology, reducing the need to point the clicker at a certain location.  Doug Eaton of Nashville’s media services is the best I have ever experienced at helping you analyze your environment and choose the right tools for the job.

2. Using Cellphones or Smart Phones to interact with content.  If your environment is conducive to allowing the use of cellphones in the classroom, this may be the solution for you.  PollEverywhere offers free accounts for small polls (up to 32 people) and paid accounts for larger audiences.  The following video shows an educator’s view of how to use this tool with and without a cell phone.

3. The Laser Pointer Goes Pro – For years I have used pointing devices in classrooms of various types. Telescopic pointers, yardsticks, and other archaic devices.  Then I graduated to laser pointers.  I have tried about everything from those I bought at Myrtle Beach, SC for $10.00 to “professional” models from AV stores.  However, I now use what I consider to be the ultimate in laser pointers.  The Logitech Professional Presenter R800 was my choice when the last pointer was worn out.  I was amazed at the high price tag ($79 from Amazon) but incredibly impressed with the performance.  This pointer doubles as a remote mouse for presentation navigation from up to 100′ away,  along with providing a vibrating timer to remind people like me to allow the audience to take a break.  But the most incredible item is the laser pointer. The pointer is a brilliant green laser that is visible across any auditorium that I have been in and does not blend in like many of its red counterparts.  Understanding that in any audience, about 30% have a color deficiency (mostly males).  That means that low-light red pointers are many times invisible to them and they have no idea what you are trying to highlight.  This pointer leaves no doubt and it feels good in your hand.

I hope these tools have inspired you to look at your learning environment. Whether it is in a classroom, auditorium, worship center or others, your goal must be to engage your learners in the experience.  As one of my collegues put it, “There is a lot more to teaching than talking”.

If you have suggestions or questions that might help others to be better teachers, please leave them here or email us and we will post it.

I hope you have a great week.  Please let us know if we can assist you in the implementation of these or the development of a better learning environment for those you serve.