Power point and hands on tools
Thinking back at how my instructors taught, I really enjoyed hands on activities. I found these most interesting, and because of the repetition, I was able to develop the skill being taught. Today, Power Point gives the instructor the ability to make lectures more interesting through the use of slides and I feel is helpful in keeping the students of today more engaged.
Bradley,
PPT slides can add a lot to a discussion or demonstration provided the slides are appropriately formatted and provide a forum for discussion (rather than the slides, with a lot of bells and whistles, becomes the focus).
Barry Westling
As an instructor I enjoy giving the students hands on tools while working on units with powerpoints as a back up.
Hi Sheila,
Great! "Minimal Extravagance" does better when formatting PPT slides. Sure, PPT can do a lot of things, but that doesn't mean we should use all of the features. PPT is a tool, and a one tool should not be misused or overused.
Barry Westling
Hi Robb,
With hands on, students see how something operates or how a procedure should flow. It's an application of the theory behind the practical. Also, it involves many senses all at once, and that's going to help with retention of needed information.
Barry Westling
I agree that hands on activities are the way to go. I try to allow as much hands on time for my students as possible so they all have a chance to understand the "why and how" of it all quickly. This following week I am teaching a class that really needs some hands on time, but it will be in a room where I will not be able to allow for this. In these situations I find it very helpful to have a projector so I can show either video or diagrams/pictures/manuals to my students to help them see and understand rather than just take it as my word.
I find that with powerpoint, you are able to use just an occassional color, to highlight the important points.
Hi Cynthia:
PPT slides can be interesting but also great care has to be taken to avoid the improper use of slide formatting and information. Too many teachers will read informationb on the slide (no-no). I think better slides have basic ideas that allow the instuctor to build on. What the instructor has to impart is where the instruction occurs, not information on the slide.
So, PPT is if fine as long as it supplements the information given by the instructor. It's only a tool.
Regards, Barry
