PowerPoint as an innovative tool
for teaching and learning in modern classes
Educational Technologies have become essential in supporting
teaching and learning process in modern classes. One of them is PowerPoint
presentation. Holzl, (1997) holds the view that PowerPoint is a user- friendly
package that can be used for creating visually clear and dynamic and attention
capturing presentation for students. If
used thoughtfully, PowerPoint can play a good role in enhancing teaching and
learning. It provides a roadmap,
reinforces what teachers say and allow the use of graphics and other multimedia
to clarify understanding and support different styles of learning. ©20011 published by Elsevier Ltd Selection and/or peer-review
under responsibility of Prof Hüseyin Zunboylu.
The
use of PowerPoint during lectures is supported by Evans (1998) who contends
that PowerPoint lectures help in increasing attendance rate at lectures.
Furthermore, better preparation of lectures by PowerPoint can be a source of
motivation for lecture attendance. Past studies on the use of PowerPoint, have
confirmed that better organization and structuring methods can be of benefit to
students learning (Holzl, 1997; Lowry 1999).
However,
PowerPoint like most technologies has some disadvantages too. Using it as a
teaching and learning tool, teachers need to be aware of the following:
Firstly,
any component of the system can fail. To deal with this, alternatives
activities could be prepared so that in the event of any failure there will be
an alternative to turn to.
Secondly,
file corruption is another thing that can occur hindering a presentation. As a
solution, there should be alternative media files available for any
presentation.
Lastly,
lack of proper training in both the programme and technology can cause the
presentation to flop.
For
tips to create a better PowerPoint presentation go to www.microsoft.com/atwork/skills/prsentations.aspx#fbid=7mNMCtoZ4HI
REFERENCES
Evance,
L.(1998). Preliminary Study: Lectures versus PowerPoint. 4.0 http://www.kcmetro.cc.mo:us/longview/lect-pp.HTM
Holzl,
J. (1997) Twelve tips for effective PowerPoint presentations for the
technologically challenges Medical Teacher 19.175-179.
Lowry,
R.B (1999). Electronic presentation of lectures- effect upon student
performance: University chemistry Education 3.(1).18-21
Indeed Powerpoint has been popular not only in educational environment but also in other contexts such as conference, workshop, meeting etc. Besides significant benefits Powerpoint has brought to users as you mentioned, it is necessary to recognize practically that frequent use of Powerpoint in educational settings may lead to boredom among students. In addition, the overloaded amount of information transferred from a Powerpoint lesson somehow blocks audiences’ attention.
ReplyDelete