Visual options

I'll preface this post by saying that Chapter 8 of The Ultimate Training Workshop Handbook that focuses on visuals seems a little dated to me. Looking over the examples Klatt gives of possible visual aids, I am amazed that the book even includes an option for a VCR!

Those reservations aside, I do think that many of the visuals he explains can be helpful. Most of the visuals I use in my classroom however are all incorporated into the computer system. I like to use both PowerPoint and video clips in my classes to vary the visuals and give good examples that students can relate to - this falls under Klatt's categories of TV and computers. Also, as Klatt points out, with computers it's important to plan prep time to make sure you can work the system and your information is compatible. One thing I learned in my Comm 101 class yesterday morning was that it's always important to have a back up plan when you are using technology. The power went out in my classroom and students that were going to use the computer to go along with speeches were unable to do so. That experience reminded me that I need to be aware of my lesson plans that involve technology and allow for every eventuality!

In our workshop training, Jim and I plan to utilize the computer system to present a PowerPoint to back up our presentation; since many of the participants struggle with English, we thought it would be helpful to reiterate main points in text behind us as we speak. Hopefully we will be able to arrive early for the presentation or check the room before hand to make sure any compatibility issues will be solved ahead of time.

Other types of visuals, such as a flip chart or whiteboard, may be helpful when brainstorming ideas with a class or writing points out for clarification. For our workshop either of these may be helpful to reiterate points as we talk or to aid in answering questions.