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TECHNOLOGY REPORT

USE OF POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS IN AFRICAN POLITICS CLASS.

GOALS
I submitted a propoal to the Library, Technology and Learning Committee to incorporate the use of images, and outlines using Powerpoint. Africa is arguably the part of the world about which students have the most misconceptions. Their stereotypical images of the continent can be more easily replaced by the introduction of new images. Telling them that the 'jungle' part is actually a very small portion of the continent does not do it as well as showing pictures of the vast continent beyond the small jungle area.

STRATEGIES
In the past I've used the blackboard, transparencies and slides, which meant looking in many directions. In those sections where visual material is important I've consolidated the material in Powerpoint. I've completed and used this for the first third of the course where images are more crucial. For the rest of the course where visual material was not crucial I've used Powerpoint for notes and other materials like cartoons in strategic places.

I've also used images directly from a CD ROM, AFRICA INTERACTIVE MAPS and the related website.

I've learned a lot and intend to use Powerpoint for integrated presentations in my other courses. I could not have done this without Abdul's generous help.

ASSESSMENT

I did the evaluation of the Technology component separate from the general course evaluation. I also did it on a separate day so students would give it more attention and not treat it as just an addendum to the main evaluation. I encouraged them to write a lot. Out of 24 students 22 felt the use of Powerpoint, CD, and Web helped them a lot. One of the two dissatified students was not sure and said the pace is too fast when I'm not writing on the board. The second student did not like technology at all. "Do not use it" was her/his simple injunction. One of the students wrote, "I like the use of technology - it makes the course material a lot clearer. The notes make it easier to grasp the concepts-images, bring concepts to life and truly aid in the learning of the material"

DISSEMINATION
At present I have no plans for dissemination outside Wheaton

Last updated on 2/21/00; 11:55:09 AM
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