Power Point and the "Sleep" Factor...
One of the most successful "tools" I've used to keep students focused on PowerPoint presentations is rather abstract. I'll randomly insert images not relating to the subject material. The effect is similar to having the wrong slide in place. For example, I might have a dry history lecture interrupted by a photo of a llama. When the slide airs, I might yell, "LLAMA!" Although it get's a bit off subject for the moment, I've found students stay awake and pay attention. Students look forward to the little comedic breaks and tend to hyper-anticipate when they might arrive. In the end, students are more alert and stay focused on the presentation.
That"s a very good idea I used a blank slide to create questions on the subject at that point in the powerslide.I will use that idea in future slides.
I've found the light break of a "llama" image lightens the mood. If the material is dense, then the random image helps give students a mental break between sections of material. It definitely adds a bit of levity to the process of otherwise pure information.
That is a great idea. I have found students fall asleep when really they need to be paying attention and this may be a way of doing so. Thanks for the idea!! :)
Interesting idea! Imagine what life would be like without PowerPoint!!... I'll give that a shot for one class I'm doing; randomness is good.
How have you found that to be helpful with dense material? How does that affect how the content is presented?
I love it! I really enjoy the story-telling factor. I find that I try to do the same - the more animated I am the more I am able to keep the student's attention. Also, I have found that by giving out the powerpoints the students actually listen - rather than frantically trying to jot down notes.
I LOVE it. I would definitely be alert in a presentation like that. You definitely need a break when there is an excess of information being presented. I think humor always goes over well. Thanks for sharing.
I like it. That is the kind of creative thinking I want. Now how to put such a thing into the pre made power point presentations.
I've been teaching for ten years, and I've picked-up a few tricks. The animated presentation of "moving your face" along with dramatic use of voice really works in my classroom. As I speak to a class, I interact, I ask questions, and I deliver compact bursts of information when I know I have students attention. I usually relate a story, a historical fact, or some odd aspect of knowledge which can be tied to the subject material. In many ways this method could be described as acting much like an animated storyteller. I find story elements act as a mnemonic device. I helps lock the raw information in a fixed position in students minds. The associated information is retrieved if they remember the story. The animated facial expressions and timbre of voice help keep their attention to both story and information. If I look around the room and see "sleeping" students, I grab their attention with a question, a look, or a gesture, or a start yelling out information randomly. The "llama" gag works in the same regard. My students look forward to the random elements, and even a photo of a llama might tie itself back into the presentation as a story or relatable element. Stunts of this nature really help keep dry information entertaining. Within a Powerpoint presentation, the "breaks" a llama slide can provide can be used to separate subject material. Thus it can act as a mnemonic device in recall as well.
Wow... this is truly an awesome idea! Will be incorporating this into my future classes! Thanks!
