PowerPoint presentation a bout the usefulness of PowerPoint for teaching and learning.

1. Presentation Software: Usefulness of PowerPoint in Teaching and Learning Nakiella Strickland

2. What is powerpoint? http://www.tigerdirectnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/microsoft-powerpoint-2007.jpg PowerPoint is a presentation software tool that enables users to create on-screen descriptions, demonstrations, and summaries of information (Roblyer and Doering, 2010).

3. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

4. Usefulness and benefits of PowerPoint PowerPoint enables teachers to employ graphics and audio not just text to present information. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

5. Usefulness and benefits of PowerPoint It is used as support for lectures and presentations; it can serve as a brief tutorial, or as a book report. PowerPoint, with its many functions can reach those students who do not learn just by listening or viewing. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

6. Usefulness and benefits of PowerPoint Students can use PowerPoint individually or collaboratively to enhance previously learned skills, which still require additional practice. “Many students are motivated by computer-assisted instruction and, for some students who have decreased motor, cognitive, or learning abilities, PowerPoint opens up opportunities for independent skill practice that would otherwise require adult assistance” (Coleman, 2009). If the presenter desires to be a speaker, give a lecture, or do some presentation, the use of PowerPoint helps to reduce the anxiety.

7. Usefulness and benefits of PowerPoint PowerPoint presentations with diagrams, animations pictures and other images are also beneficial to students by offering these alternate means of expressions. By sharing the PowerPoint with the class, students can verbalize their thoughts and learning processes which helps to solidify learning.

8. Usefulness and benefits of PowerPoint If students are assigned homework in the form PowerPoint, teachers will never get this excuse… http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

9. Many educators have found that it can be adapted to many aspects of the curriculum. For example, a history teacher can illustrate Christopher Columbus’ many journeys to the ‘new world’ by using a series of slides with text, audio and pictures detailing the stages along the journey from start to finish. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

10. PowerPoint may have created less anxiety about speaking in public. The use of a prop can give comfort. It gives the presenter something to do while s/he stands before an audience or the class. S/he can point to the slides and move around freely knowing that the pertinent information to jog his/her memory is right there. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

11. Tips for Effective PowerPoint Presentations Roblyer and Doering (2010) Use large type Contrast the text and background colors Minimize the amount of text on each frame Keep frames simple Avoid too many “fancy” fonts Avoid using gratuitous graphics and clip art Avoid using gratuitous graphics sounds Use graphics, not just text Present in a dark room Avoid reading text aloud

12. Limitations of PowerPoint “If too much text is presented on Power Point slides, students tend to simply copy down the outline and stop listening further. Conversely, too many visual distractions can diminish the value of what is being said” (DenBeste, 2003). Overcrowded slides are distracting and create a block in maintaining audience interest. Overuse of animations and slide transitions can also be a major drawback for a PowerPoint presentation and hence a balance is to be kept in order to not exhaust the audience.

13. Limitations of PowerPoint Either the pictures or the audio can distract from the original purpose of the presentation. If one method of instruction is used repeatedly, it tends to get stale for both the presenter and the audience. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

14. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp Reading the slide contents is a big mistake; the audience can read what is on the slide - what they want from the speaker is for him/her to know the material and only refer to the slide for quick reference.

15. When deciding to use a PowerPoint it is important to consider the size and composition of the audience before creating the presentation. If the information if for a small group it might be wise to reconsider using PowerPoint or use a limited number of slide. http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

16. “Determining the appropriateness for incorporating a PowerPoint presentation is based on size of audience, occasion, and topic” (Stein, 2006). http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/powerpoint.asp

17. Conclusion It is imperative for the presenter to keep in mind that the audience is made up of people who learn differently. A presentation with only graphics but no sound or that requires no hands-on activities and vice versa can captivate some people but bore others. For this reason it is best if the presenter gauges the audiences’ reaction and adjust the presentation to fit their needs. Students, depending on their age have short attention spans and might quickly lose interest if they are not engaged in the presentation. PowerPoint can be a great tool for teaching and learning if used appropriately.

18. References Coleman, M. (2009). PowerPoint Is Not Just for Business Presentations and College Lectures: Using PowerPoint to Enhance Instruction for Students with Disabilities. Teaching Exceptional Children Plus, 6(1), 1-13. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database August 2, 2010. DenBeste, M. (2003). Power Point, Technology and the Web: More Than Just an Overhead Projector for the New Century?. History Teacher, 36(4), 491-504. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching(5th edition). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Stein, K. (2006). Business of dietetics. The dos and don'ts of PowerPoint presentations. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 106(11), 1745-1748. Retrieved from CINAHL database.