Being Seen in LLI Classrooms

Visual acuity declines with age. LLI instructors can take a few simple steps to mitigate the learning loss that sometimes occurs because participants cannot clearly see the instructor, the screen, or the materials at hand.

• Prior to the start of classes, contact Jerry Niles (jerryniles@comcast.net) to arrange for a classroom orientation. Don’t forget to test the lighting controls in the room while you are there. Make strategic use of overhead “spots” so that participants can read from texts and slides. Adjust window blinds or shades to minimize glare.

• If you use PowerPoint slides, compose each one in a simple, large font, and test to see if it is readable from the back of the room. A range of 18-36 pts. Is generally recommended. Build in ample white space at the margin and between lines. The “6X7” rule is a good goal: 6 words per line; 7 lines per slide.

• Especially if you are using slides, stand where both you and the slide can be easily seen. Don’t block the screen, and don’t turn your back on the audience to read the slides. 

• It’s tempting to save paper on handouts by single-spacing text and using small fonts, but older readers will find these documents difficult to read. A better solution might be to send the documents as attachments or links to online texts, so that students could enlarge the fonts on the screen as needed.

• Be especially conscious of the need to make frequent eye contact with participants at various places in the room. Doing so will help you engage them and also give you a good read on whether they are with you and following along.