The golden rule is to keep students’ attention: don’t turn away from the students for too long.
Try to avoid reading directly from the slides.
Magic trick: set up your laptop on a low table in front of you. The moment you click to change slides, glance down at your laptop to remind yourself of what’s on it—this creates the illusion that you anticipate everything.
CHAIRS, TABLES, AND TECHNOLOGY
Allow time before class to make sure you’ve got the setup you want:
Make sure the classroom allows for engagement and participation with one of these layouts: (1) tables in a semi-circle, (2) tables in rows, (3) horseshoe setup (tables in a U-shape).
Avoid empty front rows. There should not be more chairs than students.
Avoid using a podium.
Check the projector brightness.
Verify good screen quality before class.
Check the room lighting controls, and verify that no lights shine directly on the screen.
You may need a microphone, depending on class size. Use a wireless lavalier or lapel mic so you can move around.
Have a wireless clicker with a built-in laser pointer.
