Powerpoint

I am a sequential learner. Subsequently I prefer presentations to be in a linear format rather than jumping from one place to another (as global learners like to do). I guess that is why I am drawn to PowerPoint as a way of presenting ideas and engaging students in the classroom.

I always thought I was pretty well established when it came to my knowledge on PowerPoint but today I learnt that I in fact knew very little about its capabilities. I was not aware that you can hyperlink from one slide to another; I was not aware that you can use a ‘home’ button to link back to an earlier slide; I was not aware that you could embed digital videos in PowerPoint; I was aware you could create digital videos with the help of PowerPoint; and I was not even sure how to insert sound clips into my PowerPoint presentations… Clearly I was no where near an expert on PowerPoint!

Now, I am not proclaiming that I am now a whiz at the program, but I have certainly learnt a lot today and I can definitely see the benefits of using what I have learnt in the classroom to enhance my own presentations and to teach the students how to enhance their own presentations.

You will find evidence of my PowerPoint presentations on my wiki page and in one of my previous blog entries. Firstly you can find a very basic presentation on the Property Division page on my wiki site. Secondly, you will see a more complex presentation which utilises hyperlinking, sounds, images, the ‘home button’ and more on the Parenting Matters page on the same site. Thirdly, I have also created a digital video using jpg images made from PowerPoint.

So, why is PowerPoint so great? Let me tell you…

How PowerPoint can aid learners

PowerPoint is another great form of multimedia learning, allowing students to embed digital videos, text, digital images and sounds into the document. Furthermore, the text can be hyperlinked to relevant websites referred to within the presentation, allowing students to connect to the World Wide Web.

Multimedia learning is one of the best forms of learning because it engages all learners- visual learners, auditory learners visual, auditory and tactile/ kinaesthetic (Tarawneh, Tarawneh, Alzboun, 2011, p107). Therefore, PowerPoint has the ability to engage all students because it utilises tools which they can respond/ relate to.

Another great feature of PowerPoint is that it can incorporate a connectivism style of learning by linking the Presentation to the Internet. This allows students to learn more by connecting with the everlasting resources on the web.

PowerPoint can also incorporate constructivism learning through Microsoft Mouse Mischief. This tool is great because it allows students to participate as a whole class by creating interactive polls, quizzes, and drawing activities.

One last feature which is great for learners who are not confident public speakers is that PowerPoint can be accompanied with pre-recorded narration, allowing students to record their presentation and edit it until they are satisfied with the result.

How I will use PowerPoint in my classroom

I have no doubt PowerPoint will get a huge workout in my classroom. I am sure I will use the program myself as an interactive way to present lessons to the class (I hope I can get my hands on Mouse Mischief!) but I am very conscious of the fact that it would be even better if my students use PowerPoint themselves.

Teaching legal studies and English, I can PowerPoint being used:

·         To present assignments and class work;

·         For class quizzes;

·         To create class concept maps;

·         For digital videos; and

·         To create digital images.

PMI on PowerPoint

Plus

·         Incorporates multimedia which engages all learners;

·         Can be used to create multimedia such as digital videos and images;

·         Allows for connectivism learning by linking to the Internet;

·         Can incorporate constructivism learning through interactive activities such as class quizzes and Mouse Mischief;

·         Diverse functionality;

·         Can allow for pre-recorded presentations for students who lack confidence;

·         Allows students to develop confidence with ICT tools;

·         Set out in a linear process which is good for sequential learners.

Minus

·         Technology does not always work properly;

·         The linear process is not well suited to global learners;

·         Can result in teacher-centred learning if not used properly;

·         Cannot zoom in on finer details (like Prezi).

Interesting

·        Teachers should always gain students’ permission before sharing their work;

·        Students will usually learn more from making their own PowerPoint presentations than by observing/ listening to PowerPoint presentations- learn by doing.

Reference List

Tarawneh, H., Tarawneh, M., Alzboun, F. (2011) Enhancing the Quality of E-learning Systems via Multimedia Learning Tools. IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science Issues, 8(6) 107-111.