Powerpoints
I am giving powerpoints ready to use from the book use in class. I try to go over them using the relevant information for the class and adding more material I feel the student need to understand the topic.
Thomas,
Visual are helpful, and using the PPT slides to guide discussion is a much better way to discuss a topic, rather than trying to put all of the information on the slides. There are better ways to deliver volumes of information.
Barry Westling
I make my own as well. Powerpoints help me map out the order of my instructions for the day. They are a great reference tool for the students and I make them all available in digital and paper format. It's nice to add pictures that coincide with the topic of discussion. This is especially beneficial for visual learners.
Kurtis,
PPT is a powerful instructional tool, although it can be overused without careful planning. I use the "blackout" feature quite a bit. This allows me to block the projected image for as long as needed so that I can discuss a point, write something on the white board, or make reference to a related portion in the students textbook. Then, I undo the blackout, the image reappears and I move on to the next slide. I may repeat this process numerous times throuout the session.
Barry Westling
Powerpoints are great for saving class time, since the information is ready to be displayed but hidden from view until I am ready to introduce the material.
Ardiana,
I look at myself and my colleagues about what helps keep their attention, and a lot of information crammed into slides over extended periods is not very interesting or enjoyable. If we look at things from the perspective of the student, that can give us an idea about how we can make things more effective and informative.
Barry Westling
PowerPoint’s made teaching much easier , but I do agree that power points that are overfilled with information are not productive. Students attention is important and if the PowerPoint is long students attention will diminish.
Carla,
Yes, I agree. I've found I only use PPT's when that is the single best way to present information. And other than photographs or similar illustrations, I try to keep text brief and summarized so that I can elaborate on the information being presented.
Barry Westling
Sometimes if you don't keep it somewhat simple, the powerpoint can get too distracting. It stops being informative and becomes a nuisance that you want to avoid. Especially with different sounds.
Algevis,
Great use of resources. I prefer to make my own, although I'll borrow a chart, illustration, graph, photo, image, or figure if it's relative to my topic. I don't try to make things fancy, just informative.
Barry Westling
