Slides as a guide
I use my PP slides as a guide, almost as lecture notes to myself. I ad-lib most of my lecture. Having the slides displayed behind/beside me allows the students an opportunity to see what I'm going to touch on next, as well as shift their eyes to focus on something else for a while.
I agree, PP slides should only be used as guides- bulleted points to keep students abreast of what's to come. Otherwise, you get the phenomenon of students trying to copy, word-for-word what is on the slide (surprisingly even if you provide it printed out for them). I think too many slide readers these days are confusing their talent for reading slides for educating students. Ad-lib, with insertions of real-life, relevant experiences, q & a, collaboration, etc., is what its all about. Anyone can just read a slide, it is the interpretation of it that counts.
I use PP for a majority of my classes. Students can see the information and it is easier for them to take notes while the instructor is talking. I also ask questions and keep the students involved with discussion and questions to make sure they are listening to the lecture and not just writing notes. It seems to be reinforcing the learning.
