In HS 101 I finally gave up trying trying to move the electronics around so I could use the mouse and keyboard for my normal lecture style presentations of PowerPoint.  Using the wireless, joystick mouse, I moved to the area farthest away from the screen.  And talked as I circulated among the student groups. I noticed students became (or pretended to become)  more involved in the proceedings.  As visuals are a major component of the class, Camtasia recordings of my voice over the slides has allowed students to “rewind” the class at home to the the point where they started to “lose it.”  This in itself has improved student success.

The next day, one student commented I need to move around all the time, as she felt the different atmosphere increased her attention.  This student was one of the better students in the class, and I value her comments.  I was surprised by the number of her classmates that echoed her comment.  As I would hate to hear my explanations multiple times, I am hoping this stimulus, caused by my proximity to groups, increases involvement and will reduce their need for repetition of recordings.  This would allow more time for productive study.  

No doubt many of you move around your classrooms, but I have been a “chained elephant” for a very long time.  This student feedback just happened, but I intend to continue the active movement between tables to see if there is any statistical improvement in assessment activities as the semester progresses.  Wish me luck, and I will let you know.