PowerPoint Presentations can
be dull, boring, monotonous or too busy, and a worthless tool in teaching. Critics claim that students perceive use of
PowerPoint-based lectures among the most boring they experience (Roblyer and
Doering, 2013). On the other hand, they
can also be vibrant, interactive, and engaging. They can “promote critical
thinking, active learning, deep understanding, and engaging discussion” (p.
130).
For every job there is a tool,
and the same can be said for teaching.
PowerPoint is a tool, and when used correctly, a very powerful teaching
tool. Presentations can be linear, to
demonstrate a process. Linear
presentations go from one slide to the next in order. Or, they can be non-linear,
with many links allowing the presenter or viewer to jump around as needed. Non-linear presentations allow for
customizing the lesson to the learner(s). Other relative advantages are all of the
elements that can be included. Images, charts and graphs, audio, video, and
hyperlinks to other resources can help engage and solidify ideas for students. Lastly,
presentations may be shared online. Students can then access and review
presentations at their own pace.
Perhaps the largest relative
advantage for using presentation software, is in having students use it.
Students can work alone, or collaborate in small groups in researching, creating,
and giving presentations using PowerPoint or other presentation software. When
students create a presentation to display results of research or to persuade,
they are practicing many 21st century skills. All of the following (ISTE)
standards for students are practiced:
- · Creativity and Innovation
- · Communication (& Collaboration if done with small groups)
- · Research and Information Literacy
- · Critical Thinking
- · Digital Citizenship
- · Technology Operations & Concepts
Resources
Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2013). Integration Educational Technology into Teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education.
ISTE Standards. (2015,
January 1). Retrieved February 17, 2015, from
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_iste_standards-s_pdf.pdf
I agree. PowerPoint presentations can be worthless if not used correctly. They are, though, amazing tools that encourage independence and enrich the learning experience when used correctly.
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked the point you made about linear and non-linear presentations. Most consider slide presentations such as PowerPoint to be solely linear. I think it is important to remember the versatility it offers, and that you are not limited to linear presentations.
I was pleased to see you mention the 21st century skills that students can gain when developing a presentation. Students' ability to practice critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and, above all, communication are, to me, extremely important skills that students need to be successful moving forward. Creating effective (often multimedia) presentations give them a golden opportunity to get that needed practice. I enjoyed reading your post - thanks!
ReplyDelete