Single Canvas Teaching

Have you heard the phrase, “Death by PowerPoint?” Imagine being able to use a presentation tool based on the idea of a single “canvas” rather than a sequence of multiple slides. This concept allows you to link to and reference work of leading scholars in the field while sharing this presentation online, thus allowing students the ability to explore links that are embedded. As an example, we can place an image of a form or computer screen shot at the center of the working area and label the distinctions about it. Additionally, an instructor will be able to put explanations and web links further out on the canvas. This organizational approach allows the form or computer screen shot to serve as the central point of the presentation and helps clarify how additional information is related to it. This application enables presenters the ability to zoom in or out on each explanation as needed and to follow links to online demonstrations of how to fill out the form or interact with the screen shot. Additionally, the canvas can be divided into different regions and as part of a team teaching concept; each instructor can place their comments, images, videos, and links in their respective areas. This tool can allow a team to develop a smooth and efficient presentation and the nonsequential nature of the tool, results in a richer experience for students by allowing the discussion to guide the presentation in unplanned directions.