This last week, we watched a very interesting presentation on PowerPoint. First of all, I want to say that while I said that there was no use for PowerPoint, I may have been a little bit wrong and I probably shouldn't make blanket statements... I think sometimes I do that in class just to get myself reengaged (but I think that is a personal problem).
Anyway, I guess I think that a lot of people use PowerPoint as a crutch, so that they don't have to be that entertaining. Anyway, that presenter, however, would probably be boring no matter what... I guess I have just seen a lot of that or a PowerPoint being used for an hour lecture. That just gets tedious! Students are not sponges to just absorb information. It is not a constructivist approach at all in those situations (look at me using cool ed school terminology, hopefully in the correct way).
Anyway, after attacking users of PowerPoint in class (sorry about that again) and then reconciling with at least some of them, I have come to the conclusion, while I am often heading off on a snooze cruise during PowerPoint presentations, perhaps there is a time and a place for PowerPoint. Gren told me how she would label things about the math problem on the board, while the PowerPoint was demonstrating the math problem. Brenda often gives fantastic PowerPoint presentations by incorporating really cool pictures! Additionally, Dan used it to play a game that was really awesome. I think that the frequency of its use and interaction within the presentation is the key to a successful PowerPoint. When PowerPoint is used as an interactive tool to give the information and the presentation is enhanced and not hindered by PowerPoint, then I will use it! However, I hope to never use it as a crutch, because that is just boring! And please, never make me sit through 6 hours of PowerPoint presentations again... It just makes me cranky and it makes me cringe when I hear PowerPoint!
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2 comments:
speaking of death, there was a connection problem and the response I just finished writing disappeared....arrgh U-M network.
I just wanted to say that I NEVER KNEW you were so hostile towards powerpoint! I think you did a good job of keeping it under control during the seminar.
it was pretty thought-provoking, and if pressed, I don't know if I could confirm that powerpoint enhances my learning. Do you think students would be able to answer honestly whether powerpoint helps them or not?
It sounds like your colleagues have been giving you some new angles on the tool that are worth considering. That's a good thing. eh? As maligned as Powerpoint often is (and not without reason) it's important to recall your caution that the tool *can* be used thoughtfully for good pedagogical purposes. In recent years, MACers have spoken about Powerpoint presentations almost being regarded as treats by their students, even e=when it wasn't a spiffy Powerpoint kiosk game like the one Dan facilitated.
I'd be interested to see what you observe regarding the use of and the reception to Powerpoint, Autumn.
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