Power Point Presentations
I think these are valuable tools for the students and have learned important rules in regard to setting up power point presentations that will keep the students engaged.
Hi Thomas:
If using PPT, one general, all-purpose guideline to remember about using power-point is this – don’t read the slides to the students. Unless you’re deliberately trying to make a point, reading slides is the quickest way to have students tune out during the lesson.
Instead, it’s better to cover the main points on the slide, and have the students refer to the notes on their own.
Regards, Barry
I'm not sure who to credit it too, but I remember reading a nice little summary on creating effective PowerPoint presentations. Namely it's the 10/20/30 rule.
Try to keep each presentation under 10 slides
Keep each presentation under 20 minutes
No font should be under 30 points
Tom
Hi Roger:
PPT is a good tool, and used, as you point out, as an adjunct with other media, works great to convey ideas and reinforce the accompanying lecture or discussion.
Regards, Barry
PPT is a good tool. I use the slides as an outline. I have my notes and I use the slides to keep me on track. They also keep the student on track and if you as a student find yourself drifting off, a quick glance at the slide brings you back to topic.
Many students want the slides printed and they take notes on them. This is a good way to reinforce your lecture's main points.
I like to use the whiteboard as a supplement to the slides. I can focus the attention away from the slides by writing notes on the board.
Used in conjunction with another medium PPT is a wonderful asset.
V/r
Roger
Hi Alex:
Yeah, students can read on their own. Better PPT presentations provide a forum for discussion by the teacher, or a base to lecture from, or maybe group discussions among students.
Also, using PPT alongside other media makes for variety and therefore more interest. I mean using the white board, or flipchart, handoouts, overhead - these kind of media.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
That's great advice....I'm a new instructor and have caught myself reading the slides (since I did not create some of the Power Point presentations). I will definitely make an effort to NOT read the slides!
Thank you!
Hi Josh:
Good for you for learning new technology.
PPT can be a great assist to learning. Just remember that it's just a tool, and should should not be the focus of your message, lecture, or discussion - it should not dominate. And that happens when something new like PPT is being used.
The other two "no-no's" are:
1. Don't read the slides. Discuss the meassge but students can read on their own. Use it as a guide to your lecture, or a supplement.
2. Keep information brief. Too much information on one slide ends up being a distraction. My advice is to have bullet points, and not exceed 6-8 at a maximum per slide (5-7 would be better).
Good luck with your PPT experience!
Regards, Barry
Power Point Presentations are a relatively new tool for me. Before coming here I had never heard of Power Point technology, however, I think it is great. I have not used it extensively, but the students enjoy having access to it. Power Point technology makes teaching easier.
Josh
Hi Susan:
Great. Good PPT slides take a bit of time, planning, and thought, rather than just some words and pictures thrown together.
Publisher slides tend to be less dramatic, unless they contain pertinent drawings, graphs, charts, or diagrams.
To me, the best PPT's are more simple, and contain essential points. I, as the instructor, can fill in the important details. The PPT is just a prepared whitboard already filled out. Also, theres nothing wrong with using the white board along with PPT, even over the image, if that's applicable (of course, we don't draw on the screen).
Regards, Barry
