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Home Postgraduate Programmes Course Units MD210

MD210 Introduction to Presentational Techniques In Education
Credits: 20
Tutor: Dr Sue Ralph

Aims

• to develop students’ understanding and skills in relation to the development and deployment of audio-visual techniques and materials in education;
• to develop students’ analytical skills in determining the relationship between learning and training needs and audio visual techniques and materials;
• to encourage students to improve the quality of their educational presentations;
• to develop students’ understanding of group dynamics and to further their understanding of interpersonal skills.

Learning Outcomes

On completing this module students will have developed their critical abilities and skills in:

• developing group-work techniques required to produce educational audio-visual materials including a short tape-slide presentation;
• analysing the construction and content of audio-visual materials;
• developing the interpersonal and group skills required to work successfully in a
• team;
• presenting graphic information;
• using simple photographic techniques to produce titles for presentation.

Content

The programme will include:

• using equipment in presenting learning materials – slide and overhead projectors, VCRs computers, scanners;
• using equipment in producing learning materials – cameras, audio and video recorders, sound mixers, sound pulsing equipment, camera copy stand and lighting, software packages to produce graphics, scanners;
• matching, mixing and elating sounds and images;
• researching and selecting audio and visual materials for different learning needs;
• using the Internet as a source for learning materials;
• using computer-based graphic design and presentation programmes;
• planning, monitoring and developing collective projects;
• developing group-work skills;
• acquiring and understanding time-management skills.

Method

The work within this module will take place within small groups. While considerable emphasis will be placed on the development of practical skills and techniques, the need to maintain a critical yet flexible approach to this area will be stressed. While the technology may change over the next decade, the process of analysing learning needs and developing relevant materials will continue to be the foundation of successful materials development.

The formal classroom-based element of this module will employ a variety of learning approaches including tutor and expert presentations; small, large and whole group discussions; case studies; simulations; media text analyses; seminars, etc.

Time Allocation and Credits

A single module is worth 20 credits under the UCET Credit Rating Scheme. 180 credits represents a full MEd.

Assessment

Students are required to complete, as a member of a small group, a short tape-slide project complete with project diary. Each individual will need to produce a personal portfolio of AV materials. All work should be submitted within four weeks of the end of the module.

Core Publications

Simpson, R. (1996) Effective Audio Visual. Oxford: Focal Press.

Kindem, G. and Musburger, R.B. (1997) Introduction to Media Production: From Analogue to digital. Oxford: Focal Press.

Hansen, A., Cottle, S., Negrine, R. and Newbold, C. (1998) Mass Communication

Research Methods. Basingstoke: Macmillan Press.

Trowler, P. (1996) Investigating Mass Media. London: Harper Collins.

Indicative Reading

Hedgecoe, J. (1995) Basic Photography. Godalming: Colour Library Books.

Langford, M. (1993) Starting Photography. Oxford: Butterworth.

McClellan, J. (1998) The Guardian Guide to the Internet. London: Fourth Estate.

Messaaris, P. (1997) Visual Presentation: The Role of Images in Advertising. London: Sage

Portnoy, K. (1998) Screen Adaptation: A Screenwriter’s Handbook. Oxford: Focal Press.

Ralph, S.M., Lees, T. and Langham Brown, J. (eds) (2000) Is Regulation Still an Option in a Digital Universe? Luton: University of Luton Press.

Scott, A. (1984) The Great Slide Show. London: A & C Black.

Stafford, R. (1993) Hands On: A Teacher’s Guide to Media Technology. London: British Film Institute.

Van Nostram, W.J. (1996) The Scriptwriter’s Handbook: Corporate and Educational Media Writing. Oxford: Focal press.

Restrictions and Availability

This module is open to all registered students, although numbers and limited. Please consult the course tutor.

Use of Equipment

Students registered on any of the modules in the degree of MEd in Communications, Education and Technology are encouraged to use the audio-visual equipment at any time, subject to availability; use is not restricted to official class times.