power point
using the power point is very important mehod for teaching
it help the student to visulize the materials
and to see it and understand it
I agree power points are excellent if they are utilized properly. I usually keep my powerpoints to 10 slides per day and I minimize the content I place on them. I don't like death by powerpoint. which happens when all the slides have paragraph after paragraph on them and the instructor reads every one of them.
Hi Katherine,
I hear you about construction of PPs. They do take a lot of time to put together really good ones. As for being distracting we have to be careful not to add too many "bells and whistles" to the slides. It is so easy to do and they look so snappy. The problem is that they don't contribute to the learning process. When you develop a new PP get feedback from your students on how they receive and perceive the PP. This will help you refine the presentation and make it more pointed and applicable to your target group.
Gary
Agreed. PowerPoint definitely helps to maintain student interest - but I've recently run into trouble when PP can be distracting. Too many pictures or too colorful of presentations can take away from the actual content of the slides.
Overall, though, I think it's a really useful tool as it does help with sparking memory when giving a lecture, and it allows students to have a visual component to lectures if they are more visually oriented learners.
I just wish they didn't take so long to construct...
I agree PowerPoint is an effective teaching method.
Hi Alexander,
The instructor plays the critical role of bringing all of the content together. So using the media as a resource is sufficient but the instructor is the subject matter expert that needs to share his or her expertise.
Gary
I have seen instructors simply read the text out loud and flip to the next slide. Boring.
The power point may be a guide to some of the course content and even remind the presenter of course content order of presentation. The more interesting part is when it is turned off and related material is personally revealed by the presenter.
The power point may also contain useless stuff but force you to explain it just because it's there.
Hi Caridad,
Great last sentence in the forum response. That is why most of us get into teaching in the first place. The human interaction and growth we get to see students make.
Gary
PowerPoint is very useful. Lets not let it take over or substitute us as instructors. I have seen it happen many times as a student and Im sure it is still happening. I love technology but I love personal interaction more.
Hi Karen,
Each instructor is different when it comes to memory triggers and that person has to find what works for them.
What have you found to be the most effective methods of preparing your lecture to make sure you cover all of the points and examples you want to cover?
Gary
I feel Power Point is useful for some topics and not others. To me, a list of things to talk about or prompt my memory is not necessary if I am well prepared for my lecture. However, if there are diagrams, charts, or pictures that help the students understand the topic, then its a good tool.
Hi Mili,
Correct about how to use the PowerPoint. It is only a media tool available for your use not a substitute for good teaching.
Gary
Hi Inna,
Your opinion is a good one. There has to be balance and variety to your instructional delivery so you can reach the different needs of your students. By being aware of this I know you are going to be effective in your efforts.
Gary
The power point is a way to supplement learning without replacing the connection between instrucors and students. A dtailed personal explanation of each point should be made
In my opinion, Power Point presentation should be supplemented by other types of instructional delivery, in an effort to meet different learning styles of different students
I agree, too much info will overwelm students. Teaching through media and innovative technology will keep a fresh new perspective and the students stay interested.
Hi Cindy,
Good point on how to craft and use PP. The key is to not have too many points on the slide or too much text and offer variety in the slides. From your forum response sounds like that you have this media form mastered. Good job!
Gary
Hi Elizabeth,
Do you develop your own PP presentations or do use those supplied by textbook companies? What format of PP have you found to be the most effective with your students?
Gary
Many lecturers have grown to rely on power point and its many tools. Using it shows a certain degree of preparation, technical ability, and polish. When using this kind of presentation, I try to not have long ideas or sentences on the slide, mainly relying on them for bullet points, organization, or showing a relevant diagram. I also like the idea of including funny or entertaining pictures which illustrate the point you are making. When possible, this is useful in refocusing your students when their attention is waning.
Power point is the best thing that ever happen to lecture presentations. The students feel like they are watching a movie, becomes attentive because of the colorful diagrams that it contain. Instructors donot need to write on the board and the lecture is spontaneous and continuous. Instructors donot need to use posters and other materials, they just need a flashdrive and they are well equipped.
