Ashley and I worked together to review an article about effectively using
powerpoint presentations in the classroom. In the old days, teachers would load information onto overhead screens for students to take notes, rarely thinking or making applications to the content at hand. The downside to
powerpoint is that it can be done to do the
same thing.
Powerpoint can limit teacher's flexibility and printing out the slides for students can give them the impression that they only information they need to know is what
is written in the
powerpoint. Some teachers can over-use the bells and whistles which may distract the students.
Powerpoint is not the only way to engage students; it is intended to be a small part of the whole package. Of special note, 43% of presenters are more effective with the use of visual aids.
Powerpoint has many features which make
powerpoint a potentially effective tool.
Flexibility makes it easy to change and adapt to various situations, grades, and ability levels.
Enhancibility is good because of the
clip art, transitions, animation and timing used to raise student's interest. Shows can also be set up to run independently.
Powerpoint can be interactive with action buttons and then make
jeopardy review games. (I use this a lot!) You can even add multimedia effects like music and hyperlinks, and even videos.
I use
powerpoint almost everyday but I always remember to put information in a logical sequence, explain information
ambiguously and completely, use examples and illustrations that can be understood by students, and model appropriate application, inquiry, and discovery practices.
