Kimberly,
I agree that good, well formatted PPT slides can be very helpful. I also think variety used in conjunction with PPT can add much.
Barry Westling
I think powerpoints are very effective tools if utilized properly. They give the instructor the opportunity to share significant points of interest and then the student has the option of adding to them.
Laura,
You bet! PPT in and of itself is not a bad thing, just when it is overused, relied on too much, or formatted poorly. As instructors, our goal is student learning, and making that experience interesting can take a lot of forms, which of course includes PPT. One thing I've done is preplan to have student present selected slides and in doing so, actually teach some of the class. This takes a little more time, but for the students (both presenters and recipients), it's a fun activity.
Barry Westling
I agree with over kill regarding the use of PowerPoint for the sake of utilizing current technology. i however, need to utilize the use of PowerPoint presentations just to shake up the delivery of some dry subject matter that I teach and to reach out to students that process information visually.
I found the section on PowerPoints very informative and will utilize the quidelines taught to ensure that I am preparing the appropriate presentation with the appropriate bells and whistles while avoiding the "over kill" potential.
I am also going to explore the website mentioned in the tutorial for additioanal instruction on using this media for classroom instruction.
I also agree with the use of white boards during the lecture process as it engages students in interactive exchange rather than just passive listening, which gegins to loose thier interest very quickly. Fortunately, I tend to be a very animated person by nature and incorporate humor and persoanl experinces to break up tedious lecture time. I just feel that this is not enough and that I am not reaching my potential or fairly imparting knowledge to the students in a eventually boring manner.
Again, my goal is to utilize PP presentations more often going forward, but also be cognizant of how I utilize them as it regards the information being delivered.
Thank you for the suggestions provided for the use of this media in the classroom.
Sundeep,
Good technique. Discussion surrounding a main point or two on a PPT slide is much better than trying to put all the information on slides, then reading most of it. Not very dynamic that way.
Barry Westling
You need to mix it put i do start with a powerpoint but i have slides that will stop anad start in class assignments and group games. So its not over kill
Eric,
Going dark and discussing is a great attention/focus saver. This puts the focus on you, the instructor, and allows you to venture where the slides may not.
Barry Westling
We have the same issues here. Our power point slides are written by the school and cannot be changed. Some of them cover about 5 seconds worth of material and some cover a half an hour of material. I have had students get frustrated when the same slide is left up for a long time so I have gotten into the habbit of turning off the projector while talking about the longer slides.
Teresa,
One suggestion is to advance to a slide that has pertinent information, then, apart from the slide, ampflify the points and use other resources such as white board or group discussion activities. In this way, you, the instructor are able to serve your students as the subject matter expert, without reliance on just one resource.
Barry Westling
we have power point slides that are already done and ready for us to use. I like it but there are a lot of sides with a lot of information. some students say the information repeats its self. any suggestions.
Jessica,
Yes, as is aptly pointed out in another forum listing, "death by powerpoint".
Barry Westling
I agree. Powerpoints should be basic in its wording, the instructor should present it in a motivating way where students stay interested in both Powerpoint and the instructor.
Lucina, power points are a good way to remember information that I want to discuss in my lecture. I use bullet points on my slides and add the lecture in the speaker notes.
Bonnie,
PPT is a tool. There are correct and appropriate uses, and incorrect, innappropriate, or even misuses of any particular tool, and PPT can certainly fit into this category. Simply, the medium should not be the focus, but the content it is trying to convey. Beyond that, it is calling attention to itself (which is often distracting).
Barry Westling
PPT can be a useful tool, however it can be very boring to some. Especially when there is too much 'glitter' per se. I enjoy teaching my student PPT but also emphasize the importance of not going over-board. This is not easy because once they learn it they want to run with it.
Dr. Rogers
I agree Miriam, when I see a power point with things flying in from all directions, I can't help being distracted from, not only whats on the specific slide but from the subject being taught.
Katherine,
Right! PPT slides are a tool, and like any tool, it should not be used for every job. Even the most interesting slides can become dull if too much time is spend solely with PPT.
Barry Westling
I agree,PP are a great resource when discusing a topic for lecture but I think you should use pp as an aid to enhance your lecture.Do not overkill your lectures with pp
Sylvia,
I agree. But I also belive that too much written information on a slide is better handled with just a handout. For me, bullet points that allow me to elaboarte, expand on, or amplify a point is much better than just having students read it. Discussion along with bullet point helps, used along with the white board, tend to keep students engaged and focused.
Barry Westling
if your pp is strickly based on the informtion that needs to be studied for that chapter it tends to be more informative for the student
