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Tips on PowerPoint (Inaugural Column)

Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:32 — ejp10

As a pilot, I thought the instructional uses of some common tools could be explored throughout the semester. We will start with PowerPoint because it is actually still a controversial tool. Some people despise it, but others can't live without it. But the fact is that PowerPoint is probably here to stay, so maybe it's worth exploring its use in the classroom in more depth.

The first question is:

Does this course need PowerPoint?

As at least one TWT instructor found, PowerPointis not suited to every class. It's worth thinking about strengths and weaknesses of PowerPoint. Some lists include

Strengths Weaknesses
  • Easy to embed images
  • Easy to embed audio and vide
  • Easy to embed links
  • Includes color
  • Can project visuals to a relatively large audience
  • Students can become passive viewers only (may discourage discussion)
  • Not all details are visible (subtle data nuances)
  • Does not improve a poorly structured presentation
  • Can be difficult to improvise on the spot

You may be able to think of more.

So what do you think? When has PowerPoint worked for you, and when hasn't it gone so well? Remember - you can either add a comment or post a new thread in the TWT Forum (see link on upper right).

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