Post 7

One thing I learned about in the text was the ASSURE Model. The ASSURE model is an Instructional Systems Design process that was made to be used by teachers in the regular classroom. The ISD process is one that teachers and trainers can use to design and develop the most appropriate learning environment for their students. The ASSURE model incorporates Robert Gagne's events of instruction to assure effective use of media in instruction. As a teacher, you can use this process in writing your lesson plans and in improving teaching and learning. ASSURE stands for Analyze learners; State objectives; Select instructional methods, media, and materials; Utilize media and materials; Require learner participation; Evaluate and revise.

I really have not learned much since my last posting. In class this week, we went over things that we already learned, and I already finished outside of class, so it was a pretty unproductive week in this class for me. I also made a powerpoint for the weekly assignment, but I am very familiar with powerpoint from other classes and did not learn anything pertaining to making better powerpoints. I did, however, figure out a shortcut to making my powerpoint design without having to do it myself. I just selected a layout I like, fonts and colors included, and applied it to all my slides.

I think powerpoints can be great and very effective in teaching. Some of my teachers, when I was in high school, just lectured or wrote a few things on the board. I think that powerpoints offer so much, that can bring your lesson to life. One advantage to powerpoints is that they appeal to different learning styles, so they can help to engage more of your class. They also let you add video clips, maps, and images to your powerpoint that you couldn't use otherwise. I am excited to use powerpoints in my classroom and see how they work with my students.