PowerPoint in the Classroom

Students can tire quickly of strictly oral presentations in the classroom.  So how can a teacher present a lesson or unit and keep the students’ attentions at the same time?  The answer:  technology, of course.  PowerPoints are an excellent method for giving any type of presentation, especially in the classroom.  Teachers can use so much creativity when developing a PowerPoint presentation, including the use of text, graphics, videos, and even web links, which can keep the students’ interests while also satisfying technology related standards.  Moreover, students can see the use of technology being modeled and can even use PowerPoint applications themselves for their own presentations in the classroom.

PowerPoints can be created for any subject and any content areas.  In fact, I created a PowerPoint to introduce a unit on Bridge to Terabithia which I presented to a fourth grader.  This student was intrigued by the presentation and eager to read the book afterwards.  According to this student, she was able to understand what she was expected to look for throughout her reading of the text and what she should know upon completion of the story.  These were the ultimate goals for the PowerPoint, to ensure that the audience would know the point of the unit and what they should learn from it.  I cannot say that I was particularly proud of any one aspect of the PowerPoint, but more so that I was proud of the entire assemblage, itself.    However, if I were to recreate it, I would most certainly include web links to interactive web sites and even the author’s own web site to reinforce some of the content within the presentation.

Of course, when producing a PowerPoint presentation, one must take certain details into consideration.  Otherwise, the intended purpose will not be accomplished.  These guidelines can be found at http://www.professionalspeakersguild.com/articles/techpres.html.  According to this article, “Using Computer Presentation Programs Effectively,” when creating a PowerPoint, one should:

1. Add, don’t detract.
2. Don’t distract.
3. Know your stuff.
4. Know your medium.
5. Stay home.

But, what does all this mean?  Well, one should certainly add to their PowerPoint presentation by further explaining its content, but should not, however, say anything that could distract from the intended message.  Also, know your information; don’t depend on the PowerPoint itself.  Make sure you are familiar with the actual PowerPoint application, too, since technical problems are always possible.  Finally, use your PowerPoint as an outline rather than to include every word of your presentation.  Otherwise, the audience could just read it for themselves.

PowerPoint can definitely be a useful tool in the classroom.  Teachers, as well as students, can have a lot of fun with this computer application while also guaranteeing that attentions and interests are maintained if this tool is used appropriately and successfully.  Educators also make certain that standards relating to technology are met through the use of PowerPoint.  With this knowledge, why wouldn’t teachers want to use PowerPoint in the classroom?

Mull, G. (2005).  Using computer presentation programs effectively.  Professional Speakers Guild.  Retrieved from http://www.professionalspeakersguild.com/articles/techpres.html
Image from http://instructify.com/category/powerpoint/