Using Powerpoint presentations instead of writing papers.
Which is best? Having students write research papers or presentating a Powerpoint presentation?
Hi Tina,
An idea but not paperless, our MA students do a huge project on chart documentation based on a scenario with a patient with a certain disease/ailment. Some students even retype all of the forms, and they do make it into a PowerPoint.
Patricia
Great idea. Any good ideas on projects for MA students they could do a powerpoint presentation on? I am trying to think outside the box. Do you have them present it to the class?
Hi Minerva,
PowerPoint is certainly the way of the classroom. Students understand the program, and they love utilizing technology. Whether it is writing papers or creating PowerPoint presentations students need guidelines to follow.
Patricia
My classes moan when they have to write papers, but they smile when I let them know they can opt out of writing a paper and do a Power Point presentation instead. I do,however, require the same amount of research and require a certain number of slides in their presentations. The PPs serve as a teaching tool for all the members of the class and we all learn together from their efforts.
Hi Kelvin,
It is hard to imagine teaching without PowerPoint. PowerPoint is an effective tool for instructors and students alike.
Patricia
I like having students use PowerPoint presentations instead of writing papers. This process allows the student to let his/her creative juices flow. With PowerPoint there is much more flexibility is what the student displays. Also, when correctly used, the student becomes the "content" of the presentation while the PowerPoint slides act as the outline for the viewer to follow. This method can also set to rest some of the anxiety of the class because the rest of the class (those yet to present) can act as a support group for the presenter knowing they will be in that position and need the same support.
I like the idea of my students making and presenting power points. It is visually stimulating for the visual learners and also has auditory for the auditory learners too. It helps the students really learn and know the material they are presenting instead of just writing a paper and handing it in. The students get used to talking in front of a group and it let's the other students learn from their presentations.
Are you suggesting that the students create their own power point presentation rather than write a paper as an assignment? If that is what you are suggesting, I am so excited that I read this forum. I have being assigning final projects in the form of papers that have been ineffective and lacked luster. I think I will change it up to a power point presentation. What a great idea!!!
Hi Amy,
Great response! The PowerPoint Software is a powerful package, and it is easy to learn. It has served to be an effective method of teaching.
Patricia
I agree with Patricia. Power Point presentations allow the students to share their knowledge with the class and become competent in the material. It also demonstrates that the student actually learned the material, instead of creating a document that may or may not reflect their understanding. It also allows an avenue for knowledge sharing with their class mates, which is mutually beneficial.
Hi Lynnette,
I actually like the idea of PowerPoint presentations, thus the students can use their writing, research, and presentation skills. Visual is such a great way to learn.
Patricia
