Powerpoints
Hi,
When developing PowerPoints, I tell students to never use complete sentences on the final product unless if they are using a short quote or words on an image. Is this good practice?
Thanks,
Andy
Richard,
Great! It's terrific when an instructor can observe a need and be willing to make changes. That shows a conscientiousness to improve as an instructional delivery specialist.
Barry Westling
Thank you, thank you..I didn't know about the 10-20-30 rule either. I think I tend to put too much info on a slide. I will adjust this. I also need to use the white board more.
Cory,
I think of PPT as a tool, with a specific purpose. There are specific uses and preferred methods. Using any tool for an unintended purpose will not produce the desired results (at least, completely).
Barry Westling
Yes I agree to much information on a power point is a bad thing because you dont get a chance to explain what you want to. Somethings are better to give a little information on and it allows the students to in gauge in active thought processes.
Paul,
Another way to think about PPT layout is discussion points. These can be for the instructor, or designed for students to participate. I have a few topics where a series of slides has bulleted discussion points, alternating with blue text (instructor) and red text (student). Don't do this all the time but a break in routine keeps the class active.
Barry Westling
I was always taught that a PPT should be like an outline of your presentation. The slides should have bulletpoints so that you can do the instruction. Of course that may mean that some slides have the pictures and diagrams that help to do the instruction.
Powerpoints is a very effective tool.
Lacy,
Good use of PPT. It should facilitate discussion, either by the instructor, or in creative ways, such as you describe. PPT should be just a tool, never the focus of attention.
Barry Westling
I agree with what is being said. I love my PowerPoint but I use them as a gate way to open discussions. I only put bullets of the important things and then I ask a student to explain what that bullet might mean. After that student is done I then ask who agrees and who disagrees. I then pick one student from each side and have them debate it out. This not only gets the students involved but also shows me that they not only know the answer but the thinking behind it as well.
I agree with Barry. PPT should be used as a tool, but far too often instructors read from the slides and they become the focus of the lesson. With that said, I also know people who refuse to use PPT slides but what they are actually doing is limiting the visual learners. I say, use them wisely so as to not distract from the presenter.
Andrew,
I think of PPT as a tool. Tools have specific purposes, and can be used properly, or misused. Too much information on a slide is burdensome to read and not participant friendly. I think it's better to have a key word or sentence fragment with bullet points. This facilitates elaboration and discussion, which is more beneficial than just passive reading.
Barry Westling
