Article # 14: What techniques can help us maximize the use of the overhead projector and the chalkboard?

Among the outstanding attributes of overhead projection are the many techniques that can be used to present information and control the sequence of a presentation. One of them is the "progressive disclosure", it can be achieved by placing a sheet of paper over the transparency and moving it down to expose succeeding lines of type, attaching strips of opaque paper to the sides of the mask in order to cover portions of the transparency image or placing over the transparency an opaque sheet containing a cutout slit which exposes lines or copy area in sequential order as it moved down or across the copy. Except in extremely deprived classrooms, every classroom has a chalkboard. In fact, a school may have no computer, radio, tv, etc. but it always have a chalkboard. Among all instructional equipment, the chalkboard is most available. The overhead projector is another versatile equipment that is quite common today. By learning how to use them properly and in an expensive way we are able to realize our instructional objectives. There are techniques of using the chalkboard and overhead projector proven to be effective by practitioners. Adopting them in our teaching spells visual and lasting learning for our students.