Software that Projects Well on a Screen for a Large Group Lesson (and tips on teaching with software projected large)
An article by Neil MacQueen, Sunday Software, www.sundaysoftware.com
I'm frequently asked which of our software programs "projects well to a large group." This involves plugging a computer into a "data projector" and viewing the software on a large projection screen, rather than a computer monitor.
It doesn't make sense to project some software. For example, it would be pointless to project a scripture memory game such as Cal & Marty's Scripture Memory Game, or a writing and drawing program such as Kid Pix, a super interactive Bible story like Jesus in Space CD, or a flying Bible game such as Galilee Flyer. They are designed for lots of student navigation, play and input, and thus work best when you have two or three kids MAX.
But... some programs are designed in such a way that you COULD use them in front of a larger group if you have a big screen and data projector. The teacher can navigate to key content, or invite a student to do so.
My Point: It Depends on the Program. Not all software is the same. Some programs feel more like discussion starters, --they have content which you navigate to, view, then pause to ponder. Often, these programs have built-in questions after a short multimedia presentation. While the BETTER learning experience is to let the kids get their hands on the controls and work in smaller groups, the second option of projecting these programs to larger groups is not a bad one!
Recommended Software for Projection to a Large Group:
(These programs were designed for use with on, two or three persons at an individual computer but could easily be projected to a larger audience)
- Pathways Through Jerusalem --especially good for adults.
- HolyLand 3D Bible Atlas... an awesome program to kick off your Bible study. Fly-in to the location of the story!
- Actual Reality --for teens... particularly oriented toward short presentations that evoke discussion.
- Ten Commandments --the large photobubbles shot on location on Mt. Sinai are dramatic. Lots of discussion starting presentations and large graphics/text.
- Life of Christ -- 40 short slideshow-like narrated presentations.
- Abraham & Sarah -- several "music videos" to be discussed, plus many discussion starting items.
- Walking in Their Sandals Bible Atlas -- lots of maps, photos, and videos.
- Fall of Jericho Quiz Program --a quiz making and team play quiz program. One of the most popular to project for a unit/year-end gameshow.
- Let's Talk CD.... make a computer character talk out-loud to your audience. Ideally the kids make the presentations, but sometimes the teacher makes them to make a point.
- Elijah & Jonah CD ...large graphics and pop up questions can be read by the entire group. (that said, E&J is really interactive, so ideally the kids get their hands on it)
- Fluffy & God's Amazing Christmas Adventure CD ...primarily designed for navigation by students, there are a number of good presentations you could project for a large group, and indeed, some pastors use the program for a special Christmas program in front of a large group.
If you're reading this offline, all these programs are described at www.sundaysoftware.com
What makes a program good for projection:
- Large graphics. Not all programs have large graphics that are as nice from an audience perspective. (A key idea if they kids aren't going to be engaged by the interactivity).
- Large text. Many programs have text that is unreadable when projected, or unreadable from a distance.
- Programs that have "discussion starter" material, as opposed to "interactive" material which needs manipulated by the learner.
- Programs that have short presentations. Kids tend to lose interest more quickly when seated in large groups.
What makes a program not well-suited for projection:
Programs that are really designed for student exploration, manipulation, and input. Typically these are programs that use the keyboard a lot, call for individual reflection, or require the student to "fly" or navigate through a game-like setting to learn.
Allowing students to use the software on a computer is better than projecting software to a large group:
It's about getting that "focal state." When students have direct contact with the computer and program -their are a better learner. Their brain is engaged at a higher different level than when simply sitting back and watching. Interacting with a computer-based program helps the learner more feel engaged, more attentive, and more in control of their learning experience. Years of scientific research and classroom experience have demonstrated that the learner's BRAIN loves this kind of learning. Content is better remembered and students experience a higher satisfaction in learning. Computer-based learning is more individualized. Students who do not do well in a large group setting have a better experience when learning at a computer with 1 or 2 other students. Teachers are better able to engage and help individual learners. In a large group teachers are distracted by managing the group and by having to control the software and computer. When the teacher projects the software, the teacher tends to move into a lecture mode. With computer-based learning, students can move at THEIR pace, not the group's or teacher's pace.
There is a time and place for every type of learning. But projecting software should not be seen as a substitute for more interactive learning with software. For some it seems like a "cost-saving" method. And it is, IF you only count money, and not the learning potential.
Tips on teaching with projected software:
