Powerpoint
Powerpoint is the new standard. It can be used with imbedded video, music, recorded speech, ect. As long as the classroom suports this technology, it should be used. But many classrooms don't.
Hi Jason:
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
Hi John:
PPT isn't necessary to provide a well-balanced presentation. We can use white boards, poster board presentations, and even work out of textbooks.
The best idea is to use as many teaching styles as possible to create a robust environment.
Regards, Barry
I use the powerpoints almost every day. Unfortunately, they aren't always helpful. We are not supposed to change the material on the presentation, but we do have the ability to add to it if authorized. I can see benefits and disadvantages to both. I find that in the mornings, the powerpoints can almost lull the students to sleep. In the afternoons, the powerpoints seem to be more applicable as the students are more awake.
My school doesn't have the equipment yet but soon I hape.
I would like to use it but we don't have the equipment in our class room for it.
Hi Homer:
I think it's "possible" to teach just about any topic using PPT; and I've been to all day professional seminars where I felt wasted by the end of the day - PPT Overload!
PPT is a powerful tool and used at appropriate times in a class can create a dynamic lesson. I also think PPT works best when blended with other media - whiteboard, discussion, text reference, etc.
Now, some PPT lesson are great when created properly, and perhaps some lessons that take an hour or two presented primarily by PPT are appropriate. I have to say I think a coinstant diet of anything is soon going to lose it's effectiveness. More stimulation, more variety with media, more variation with class activity, these steps add more interest for the student and probably help the student retain information better.
Understand, I'm a big fan of PPT, have almost all of my basic curriculum on PPT, and not saying don't use it. But too much will lose students (even with good handouts).
Regards, Barry
