PowerPoint Presentations
What do you think of PowerPoint presentations? I found that they have been over used.
I don’t agree that PowerPoint lectures are over used. When I preset a PowerPoint lecture, I always give the students a copy of the lecture that has fill in the blanks spots so that the students keep their attention. It all falls back on the old teaching styles. See, hear touch and do.
Hi Kimberly,
Good points about using PP. We have had a number of different technologies come along that were the latest and greatest, blackboard, whiteboard, overhead projector and now PP. Each one of these was and is valuable if used in a interesting way. The key is to do what you are doing and embedding visual/auditory and colorful ways to attract and hold the attention of students.
Gary
Some methods I have use with success to keep my students engaged in a PowerPoint include:
Embedding video clips that relate to content, even if only as a metaphor (ie. including a clip from the film The Shining to talk about writer's block).
Embedding links to relevant websites, particularly those that include audio/visual (ie. link to a Grammar Girl podcast).
Including plenty of visuals like cartoons, graphic organizers, etc.
Over-use of text-only slides is the death of students engagement. PowerPoint has come a long way since its inception, and much can be done with it to "jazz it up."
Hi Gregory,
Power point, I also like it. But using it for the entire course sometimes makes the students lose the concentration.I feel we have to change the method of delivery in between.
I like power point. The way I use it, I use it as a guide line of the topic I am lecturing on. I glance at the slide that is up and then lecture from that point. I do not read the slide. The slide up on the screen is good to help the students stay focused and follow along with notes.
Hi Paul,
You make a very good point about PP. When it first became available it was viewed by many as the replacement for instruction. Show it was all that was necessary for the students to "get" the material. Fortunately, as teachers became aware of the uses of PP and the pitfalls the use has gotten much better. The teacher is integral to the learning process and that point can never be forgotten. You have a very clear picture of how PP can be used in your teaching setting. I wish you much success in your instruction.
Gary
I teach various technical subjects, so PowerPoint is a necessary evil, if one wishes to call it that. It is so easy to just stand and read what's on the slide but that isn't teaching. I find that as I become more familiar with the presentation and course flow, I use the PowerPoint less. My lectures now feel more extemporaneous and fluid. The PowerPoint is used only as a means to reinforce what has already been presented. Much of the PowerPoint presentations are now used for review rather than primary instruction.
Hi Mirwais,
You use a very good blend of media to present your materials. With this blending method you are enabling all of your students to have their learning preferences touched upon at one time or another throughout a course.
Gary
As I am using the Power Point Presentation I am continuously referring them to the page in their texbook. This helps to keep their attention and interest because they are highlighting and making additional notes.
I believe many have abused PowerPoint presentations -- using it as an alternative to lecturing. When used correctly, PowerPoint can enhance the learning experience. PowerPoint is a good learning tool to provide students with a visual presentation of the lecture material.
I provide my students a copy of the PowerPoint presentation prior to lecture so they may review the material to be covered and have an idea of what is to be lectured.
Textbooks tend to give students extensive amounts of information, which is great when you are trying to understand a complex concept. I find that providing students with a PowerPoint handout allows them to focus on the information at hand in a more practical manner.
My students read the PowerPoint presentation prior to lecture in addition to their textbook readings. When they are in lecture, I refer to the PowerPoint for reference so my students are not frantically writing every word I say.
In addition to the PowerPoint, I still use the whiteboard to address specific student questions. I refer to textbook figures in my PowerPoint presentation, but then will still take time to draw diagrams on the board for my students.
Power Point presentations can be a fantastic tool if used properly. I started teaching using overhead projectors with transparencies and I don't miss those days.
I try and keep the slides simple without too many features so the presentation is easy on the eyes. I also use it for key points only.
I find myself turning the presentation off a lot during the lecture and using a white board to convey some difficult concepts.
I agree the key is mixing things up. Death by power point is no fun for anyone.
Hi Anne,
I find that after I have discussed each key point of the presentation, I will discuss experinces and/or elaborate on the information. This keeps the students focused and not just reading along. I find PowerPoint helpful to keep me on track and focused on the information need to be learned as well.
Hi Schawn,
Well said. PP presentations should use the 30-20-10 rule. 30 point type, no more than 20 minutes in length without an activity, and no more than 10 slides per thought or concept.
Gary
PowerPoint is a great tool but can be overused and/or done poorly. Many PowerPoint presentations are over the top and are too busy so the content is lost.
Keep it simple is the best way to go - not too many transitions, colors, etc.
Thanks,
Schawn Pedersen
PowerPoint is a great tool but can be overused and/or done poorly. Many PowerPoint presentations are over the top and are too busy so the content is lost.
Keep it simple is the best way to go - not too many transitions, colors, etc.
Thanks,
Schawn Pedersen
Hi Abdul,
I support your comments about the CD ROMs and the quality of PPs. I am very disappointed in their quality and find I have to make up my own to make the same points that the commerical ones are making. I find I can do a better job of breaking down the information and sharing it with my students.
Gary
I agree with you Dr. Gary,
Power point presentations are like any other form of delivery, they have to be well done and not over used. I would like to add that I really appreciate what power point can do to our lecture quality and significantly increase our flexibility.
I also hope the author of these CD ROMs do more to enhance their PP quality in the future so we can use them more often.
Hi Christine,
This has been my experience as well. Using textbook supplied PPs has never really fit into my classes. They are not presented in my teaching style for the most part. I take the points and customize how I want them presented within my own PP. I say a big YES, to the occasional humorous slide. The students like them and they break the flow of content in a way that lets the student catch their breaths and then come back to the content at hand.
Gary
I agree that any form of presentation has to be used in a manner that is supportive. I find I need to develop my own power point in order to coincide effectively with the course material being taught. Ready made PP seems like a dry outline most of the time. An occasional humorous slide can help.
