After using the same sets of slides to present the images of theatre performance spaces and structures for many years, it seemed time to try newer technologies. Initially, only selected units of this three-semester course were chosen for this format. Several hundred slides were digitized; the images were enhanced using Adobe Photoshop and then imported to Microsoft PowerPoint. Appropriate labels, titles, etc. were added to create the core of the presentation units. The computer-driven format allowed us to also include short video clips, a 3-D animation, and additional images from a variety of sources (scanned on a flatbed scanner), making the units more comprehensive.While this was still used as an in-class presentation similar to the former straight use of slides, the primary advantage to student learning seemed to be a clearer presentation of the materials. The option of side-by-side images illustrated comparisons more clearly, labels on the images improved student grasp of specific information, and the enhanced presentations covered the material more completely. In final testing, students did slightly better on the materials presented in this format.
For the professor, more material could be covered more effectively in less class time. While the initial time investment was large, we have found the computer format to be very dynamic. Material can be added, altered, and re-arranged relatively easily, making it ideal for use in the future and in other related classes. We plan to continue developing additional units for class use and to convert some segments to self-teaching modules, as this course sequence will become a two-semester class in the departments revised curriculum.
For additional information on this innovation, contact:
plavendr@vt.edu
drapeau@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu