I Don't Like PowerPoint
I have found PowerPoint to be too limiting. I avoid using PowerPoint. Rather, I have found that I can project images onto a whiteboard and use the markers to highlight important points. This allows, for example, students to see how a criminal statute can be "redrafted" into a criminal charge, or a sentence from a student's writing project can be improved. I agree with other points in this discussion that PowerPoint is only a tool and not an end in itself. When prepping a class session, it is easier for me to set up web pages in many tabs or student projects in several word processor pages and to switch between them as needed on the fly depending on the course of the discussion. This also allows the students and me to be less rigid with a lesson plan and to expand our areas of instruction and learning based on student questions. Could I use PowerPoint for the same purposes? Probably. But why? Browsers and other applications on a powerful computer are just as effective, perhaps more effective.
Hi Gabrielle:
One thought to keep in mind about using PPT - they can be presented in such a way as the student doesn't have to make TONS of notes. Instead, they can be asked to fill in a few choice words here and there which helps the instructor utilize time more effectively.
Regards, Barry
Hi Teasha:
The effective thing about the method you're describing is that if addresses multiple types of learning styles, which is considered by most education enthusiasts to be the most effective method of giving instruction, especially to adult learners.
Regards, Barry
I also print out the powerpoints so students can take notes while discussing the content. Students seem to appreciate this so they can focus more on what's being said than on trying to frantically write down what's on the powerpoints.
I like to print out the powerpoints so that the students can take notes. This really helps the kinestetic lerners,very rarely do I ever project them onto the board.
Hi LaurieAnn:
This technique is good, but has some minor limitations. There's a glare if read from the center of the room (based on where the projector is located). Also, unlessthe teacher circulates around the room, they will get blinded by the illumination from the projector, or partially block the image on the whiteboard. The old overhead did'nt have these limitations quite as much.
Regards, Barry
I agree,but I do like being able to write on the projection onto the whitboard. It helps to stress key information.
Hi Linda:
I think PPT has advantages, but it should not dominate the class. For instance, to introduce a class, or serve as a summary for discussion. It seems to work especially well for photo's, illustrations, diagrams, charts, images, simplified concepts.
But too much of anything is usually not interesting for long. So, blending PPT with whiteboard, discussion, group activity, demonstration, flipchart, text reading or exercises - these together will make for a fine bouguet of learning media.
Regards, Barry
I don't care for power point, either.
When I'm attending a course/lecture using ppt, I tend to let my mind wander, especially if there is a handout to go with the lecture.
I've seen my students reading the handout/outline ahead of my lecture and I can tell they are bored and want to move on--same goes for videos, unless they know there will be a quiz or discussion over points in the presentation.
Hi Sandra:
PPT works great for illustrations, photo's, diagrams, algorithms, drawing - visual images like that. I think as an outline for discussion, PPT can also be very helpful because the teacher or students are contributing to discussion reagrding the bulleted points. That's great when you can get students involved.
Reading prepared lectures is probably the worst use of PPT. Students can read on ther own. PPT works best to provide basic information that can elaborated on, and used along with other media, such as flip chart, whiteboard, handouts, discussion forums, etc.
Regards, Barry
I instruct billing/coding health care information management. Introducing coding by Power Point is an excellent tool for a preview in advance of the big code books. However, Power Point may not be the best option for every subject and topic. I also use the overhead projector. All textbooks have an accompanying CD ROM application. First I demonstrate per the overhead projector use of the CD ROM exercise. Following students are assigned to repeat what they have seen, on their own in the computer lab. I am not always thrilled with using Power Point, however often it provides the best simple outline of course content, in this case for coding.
Hi Lisa:
Wonderful! I think having students prepare a lecture, PPT, lead a discussion, etc. are all examples of engagement and participation that assist long term memory and information retention far beyond lesser means of presenting the information.
Regards, Barry
Hi Christopher:
Great! Blending media not only involves more engagement and participation, but helps keep the class interesting, assists with student's attention, and ultimately, students retain information better.
Regards, Barry
I have started to have my students help me in creating the PP slides for an upcoming class that way they cannot say they don't understand.
I like using several training aids to include power point. I find that power point is a useful tool when I am presenting knowledge level information. I also like to use power point in conjunction with flip charts for practical exercises. During the practical exercises, I have the students use the flip charts to write down their ideas and I use a power point slide to provide guidance for the exercise. This allows the class to progress smoothly from a power point lesson to a practical exercise.
Hi Lisa:
PPT is a powerful tool and can do a lot. I agree with you, too many teachers with little training (both in PPT and public speaking) rely way too much on this media choice. Throughout these discussions I've expressed my views that PPT is a tool, and like any tool, has a purpose. It's not designed to be a panacea for all teaching or even lecturing needs.
It's good if there are graphs, charts, photographs, illustrations, drawaing, reprints, all the kind of visual things that show up nicely when iluminated on the screen and facilitate discussion.
Bulleted points that are accompanied by summaries, lectures, stories, case studies, that kind of thing are okay. We just have to remember PPT is a tool. Like a carpenter would use only a hammer for every job, so should the teacher use (overuse) PPT in every class.
Regards, Barry
I have found that, like everything else, PowerPoint is the Buzz word. Everybody does it. People that utilize PowerPoint have not had public speaking exposure and use PP as a crutch. This is BORING for students. I incorporate public speaking into every class so students will not fear their job interview.
Hi Heidi:
PPT has it's strong points as an instructional tool. But it's only a tool. It would be virtually worthless in a lab demonstration class. But it might be invaluable in a discussion about genetics.
The strength is that the ability to merge visuals - graphs, charts, table, images, photos, along with text makes it a great way to facilitate a discussion. But it should dominate (i.e., the media should not be the focus of attention).
Also, there can be technical glitches associated with presnting the material. Not the case with groyup discussion, whiteboard, or textbook exercises, for instance.
Regards, Barry
Hi Joseph:
Good points, and I think you are providing a better variety of subject content by using access to Word documents, web pages and related links, along with your PPT.
Projecting on the whiteboard can be a distraction for some because of the glare, but not to the degree that I wouldn't use it. And, sometimes, a topic is best taught with a specific PPT that enables the teacher to focus on specific points.
With planning, some of these can be embedded within the PPT. But then, it's fixed unless you change it. As topics change, your PPT can become a little obsolete. Better to just tab back and forth for "on-the-spot" current material.
But variety rules in the electronic classroom, and it sounds like you've got a good handle on it. Good Job!
Regards, Barry
I'm not a fan either. Although I found that it can be effective in a class of students that are further along in their program. Also I use it in classes where I have other things for them to do to learn.
