Suzanne,
Yeah, there is a balance there. I would say "is the focus on the medium (PPT), or the message (course content)". If more emphasis is on unimportant information, we won't have achieved our intended goal. I'll agree that interesting animation or periodic images can positively add to an otherwise so-so presentation.
Barry Westling
I look to use some sort of picture animation on about every other slide. It can be someone very small to something that takes up half the slide. For example: I talk about tsunamis and one of the middle slides I have some points and under them I have waves moving like a small tsunami. It really catches my students eyes and keeps their attention going. So I beleive some animation really keeps them attentive. But your right, too much of something can be a very bad thing and makes it hard for each student to concentrate on the topic at hand.
Ghia,
For me, PPT works as one, among many teaching tools. It seems today, some instructors want everything to be PPT which is too much. A good variety of instructional media and learning resources makes for interesting and effective classes.
Barry Westling
True, too much is not good. It can get borring if its too much. But on the other hand powerpoints are very effective.
Mitchel,
Right! Who needs a video game in the middle of a PPT lesson? I think PPT is a tool that has a specific purpose. Like any tool, using it incorrectly, or misusing it will not result in optimal outcomes. I remember hearing, "to a hammer, everything is a nail". I think that adage fits here.
Barry Westling
When making a slide, I noticed the "wave" effect as an option - a great example of overdoing a visual effect.
Mariam,
Simple is better. Except rarely, there is no need to put all the information to be discussed on a slide. The exception might be some technical diagram or illustration. Bullet points that help keep the instructor on task for expanding on the topic work best for me.
Barry Westling
I agree. When I create the power points for my class I always compare it to the previous instructors to make sure that I have covered the topic well. I always get annoyed by the custom animations she used. I don’t want things flying in from different sides of the screen. It distracts me and the students. I keep my slides simple and try to include a picture or diagram as much as possible.
Luciana,
Too much of anything can be ineffective. I believe PPT is a tool, and every tool has its place. When designing PPT slides adding too many jazzy-flashy effects actually distracts more than adds interst to the lesson.
Barry Westling
