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Students Assess Computer-Aided Classroom Presentations
Student Results
The results of the student evaluation of ten statements about
computer-aided presentations are shown in Figure 1. Students ranked
three areas most highly. First, the computer-aided presentations made
the class organized and supported the content. They also highly ranked
legibility of the material. Next in importance, students believed the
presentations did not distract from the lectures but rather made them
more interesting and helped with understanding of material. Last,
students believed the presentations helped them pay attention and
clarified information. Rated least highly was its ability to help them
remember the information.
The "helped me take notes" response varied greatly from teacher to
teacher. On one hand, it was easier for students to take notes because
the information was more organized and legible. On the other hand, it
was harder to take notes in rooms without adjustable lighting. It also
appears that there may be a relationship between higher scores and the
frequency with which computer presentations are used in class. This
relationship needs to be assessed further. In response to the question,
"should Wright State continue to promote the use of computer-aided
presentations," 446 students replied yes; 35 replied no. There were 76
indecisive or incomplete responses.
General Comments
Students were given the opportunity to comment about various aspects
of the presentations. Several themes appearing frequently are
summarized below.
Screen Design
1.Letters are often not large enough or legible.
2.There is not enough color contrast.
3.Too much information appears on each screen. Students suggest
including only key points.
4.Students prefer an outline format with a hierarchy of points and
sub-points rather than bullets at all one level.
Multimedia
1.Students do not feel the computer is being used to its
advantage. In addition to text, they would like to have sound,
pictures, maps, diagrams, animation and humor. Many feel that
using the computer as a glorified overhead is a waste. If only
bullet points are displayed, it is not seen as better than
transparencies.
2.Some students believe that special effects (flying text,
transitions) should be used in moderation.
Methodology
1.A major complaint is that faculty move too quickly from slide to
slide, that information is not up there long enough to take notes.
