Nine times out of ten, when you sit down for a presentation, it's going to be on PowerPoint. For over twenty years PowerPoint has been the go to tool for constructing and giving presentations of all kind, from the classroom to the boardroom. Unfortunately in recent years, the program has begun to get a bad rap. Overused themes, poorly designed slides, and inexperienced presenters have led many people to believe that PowerPoint is out of date and irrelevant. However, when used properly this presentation tool can still engage, excite, and motivate students in the classroom environment.
Some of the most important advantages PowerPoint offers are:
Despite these benefits, there are downsides to PowerPoint that teachers must be aware of. For example, the content can sometimes be overshadowed by all the animations and visuals (Teachnology) Additionally, computers have been known (occasionally) to crash, break down, stop working, and in general prove frustrating beyond belief. Finally, a substantial hardware investment is needed to have PowerPoint in the classroom. Not only is the computer necessary, but the software, projector, and screen as well. This can add up quickly if you're supplying hardware for entire school or district.
Also, it is important to consider the construction of PowerPoint presentations. Many times presentations are created without regard to what is visually appealing or stimulating. Graphics, texts, and animations are thrown together in a hodge-podge of information and distraction. To avoid this, here are two guides to consider when designing a presentation:
Finally, in addition to PowerPoint there are a wealth of new presentations tools that teachers and students should also consider utilizing in the classroom. Two popular examples are:
In conclusion, PowerPoint and other presentation tools can be absolutely invaluable in the classroom when used properly. They can engage and motivate students as well as inspire creativity when students design their own. However, care must always be taken to ensure that students and teachers are well-trained on how to design the most effective presentations possible.
And if you would like to view my presentation on creating effective presentations, it can be seen here.
Resources:
Teachnology, (n.d.) "PowerPoint in the Classroom." Retrieved online from: http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/
Leiboh, Lewis, (2005) "Powerful PowerPoint." Teacher Tech Toolkit. Retrieved online from: http://www.teachertechtoolkit.com/index.php?page=Powerful_PowerPoint
Some of the most important advantages PowerPoint offers are:
- Simplicity of use. The fundamentals of PowerPoint can quickly and easily be taught to almost anyone from ages 5 to 100.
- Organization of topics. Creating a PowerPoint helps a presenter to organizer his or her information into a more coherent story.
- Integration of media. Music, videos, websites, quizzes, games, and more can all be easily integrated into a PowerPoint slide show.
- Student engagement. Students are more engaged in well-made PowerPoint presentations as opposed to traditional lecturing.
- Present anywhere. The portability of PowerPoint lets creators give their presentations anywhere in the world so long as the hardware is available.
- Editable and Reusable. Digital presentations can be updated, modified, and reused time and time again without difficulty (Leiboh 2005).
Despite these benefits, there are downsides to PowerPoint that teachers must be aware of. For example, the content can sometimes be overshadowed by all the animations and visuals (Teachnology) Additionally, computers have been known (occasionally) to crash, break down, stop working, and in general prove frustrating beyond belief. Finally, a substantial hardware investment is needed to have PowerPoint in the classroom. Not only is the computer necessary, but the software, projector, and screen as well. This can add up quickly if you're supplying hardware for entire school or district.
Also, it is important to consider the construction of PowerPoint presentations. Many times presentations are created without regard to what is visually appealing or stimulating. Graphics, texts, and animations are thrown together in a hodge-podge of information and distraction. To avoid this, here are two guides to consider when designing a presentation:
- Garr Reynods: Top Ten Slide Tips for designing effective PowerPoint presentations
- ActDen: Guide to using PowerPoint in the classroom
Finally, in addition to PowerPoint there are a wealth of new presentations tools that teachers and students should also consider utilizing in the classroom. Two popular examples are:
- Prezi.com - Creates spinning, zooming, twirling, and highly enjoyable presentations in an easy to use interface. Graphics and videos can be integrated and the creator has a great deal of freedom as to how their presentation will look.
- Voicethread.com - Allows you to record narration for your presentation. Students can talk through a PowerPoint , making notes on the slides for viewers to hear and see.
In conclusion, PowerPoint and other presentation tools can be absolutely invaluable in the classroom when used properly. They can engage and motivate students as well as inspire creativity when students design their own. However, care must always be taken to ensure that students and teachers are well-trained on how to design the most effective presentations possible.
And if you would like to view my presentation on creating effective presentations, it can be seen here.
Resources:
Teachnology, (n.d.) "PowerPoint in the Classroom." Retrieved online from: http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/
Leiboh, Lewis, (2005) "Powerful PowerPoint." Teacher Tech Toolkit. Retrieved online from: http://www.teachertechtoolkit.com/index.php?page=Powerful_PowerPoint