Barry Westling

Hi Linda:
Power-points can be a fun way of presenting informaiton. As long as that information has a good balance of material and presentation, there should be no worry about distracting the student.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Marilyn:
Power-points can be a great teaching aide when used effectively.

There are many resources out there that can help an instructor prepare the best, most efficient presentations, that incorporate the best guidelines to use. For example, not having too much information on one slide, using the best sized font, etc.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Marcia:
Indded they can be very effective. There are many excellent resources that exist that describe what makes for an effective power-point presentation.

For example, being sure of not cramming too much information onto one slide.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Shane,

If the student is learning the content, than probably ANY presentation style is appropriate.

Regards,

Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Shane,

In the age we live in, there are certainly other methods besides power-points to deliver information and facilitate learning.

The main point is the learning, so in a way, it probably doesn't matter how the information is presented, just as long as the student gets it.

Your point is valid - what's the most effective way to present information? The best answer is most likely answered by asking, "what kind of learners do you have"?

Regards,

Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Marlene,

It's definitely a boon to use effective power-point strategies when designing presentations. There are a number of great resources online on how to do this very thing.

One of the main suggestions to keep in mind is to use space well by not cramming so much information onto one slide.

Regards,

Barry

Jerry Taylor

If they are losing their luster, too bad they are still a very effective tool they can try to be more creative with it.

linda moreno

Me too. I always find new and exciting ways, pictures and diagrams to teach the same old topics. I can add and/or remove things that havent worked in the past and the students always appreciate the visual stimulation

Marilyn Moppin

I have found my students actually learn faster with the aid of powerpoints. They see the facts as well as hear when I lecture with the powerpoints.

Barry Westling

Hi Rhonda:
Highlighted PPT's vs those with tedious amounts of information (that be better accessed throgh other means) seemk to be more used by students. They want essential information. If they pay attention in class, the PPT review can be quite helpful.

Regards, Barry

Rhonda Stevens

No, one of the things I have found is that students go back to my powerpoints and view them again, especially when they are not sure about something. I try to make sure they are bright, not too much info on one slide and hit the highlights.

Barry Westling

Hi Stacey:
Here are a couple of ideas:
* Keep you PPT to just bullet points; discuss that slide and let student take note what they feel is important.

* Use hyperlinks for student to study or research; then, have them return to class and "teach" the information as you moderate.

* Have the student create the PPT of the lessons; they'll remember and gain more knowledge when they participate.

* Add vairiety, use the overhead, the whiteboard, flipcharts and posters, etc.

* Use your PPT to inititae discussions; students generally like to talk about what they (think) they know. You can still add commentary and correction if needed.

Regards, Barry

Stacey Culpepper

I love using power points in my class room. I have my own notes on each and every slide of things that I don't want to forget to interject as well as siting many page numbers so that my students can see a specific example of what I am talking about. My students really take lots and lots of notes on their copies of the power points. However, this is going to get more challenging for me and my students this next term as they are no longer going to allow us to copy the power points for our students as they are cutting the budget and feel it is just an expense we don't need. If any one has any suggestions on something for my students to do, I would really appreciate it.

Marcia Lewis

No - if presented properly they are effective learning tools and reference guides.

Shane Bradfield

I rely a great deal on them to deliver my course work.

Marlene Stanley

Not if you make them interesting,and colorful.