Dillon Hinshaw
EDCO390-51
February 12, 2016
The PowerPoint and other similar programs
have been in use for many years. They allow for quite a bit of variation in
presentation. This post will follow the 21.3-5.TL.1 in regard to use of
PowerPoint and similar programs in and out of the classroom. Along with this,
it will cover the effectiveness of PowerPoint, as in if it helps or hinders
student learning. I don’t think there is a right answer, but both views will be
looked at a little more closely.
New
ways to keep instruction interesting are quite important for educators the
world over. This can come in various forms, but a program that is highly used
to help instruction is PowerPoint. PowerPoint is a versatile program that puts
many new possibilities on the table. The PowerPoint program can allow use of
videos, slides, and audio, among other things to spice up instruction or
presentations. This can help students keep focus, but can possibly cause
attention issues as well (Effective Use of PowerPoint, 2016).
PowerPoint
can be used to supplement instruction, but should not be used as a crutch. It
can be used to give a more visual approach to lessons, so as to cover more than
one learning style, as many students learn more effectively when more than one
learning style is present. Again, these are meant to be used as aids to instruction,
and should not be abused. Now, students are also able to utilize PowerPoint
(Effective Use of PowerPoint, 2016). Students can use PowerPoint for
presentations in class and for collaboration. The PowerPoint can allow students
to create some extremely interesting projects that allow for both enthralling
homework assignments and compelling presentations. Having students use PowerPoint
over standing in front of the class reading a paper is advised, as it creates a
far more exciting environment for both the presenter and the audience. Often,
students will be nervous simply in front of the class giving a speech, so this
can help alleviate some of that anxiety (Using PowerPoint in the Classroom,
2016).
Now,
knowing the advantages to using PowerPoint in the class as a teacher and/or
student, there are many disadvantages as well. Using PowerPoint and similar
programs can hinder a class just as much as it can help one. PowerPoints can
often be either overcomplicated or too simple. This can lead students in the
wrong direction and cause learning issues. The overall display can be
distracting to students, and may take away from what the teacher is discussing
(Weimer, 2012). Another downside to the PowerPoint is that students may become
dependent on the information within. No longer will students adapt what the
teacher is discussing, but will solely take what is on the screen for notes.
Along with this, students creating PowerPoints for class may use them as a way
to do little work, or as crutch for less than great projects (Smith, 2015).
PowerPoint
is an exceptional program. It will continue to be used the world over, and will
probably have an increase in use in the years to come. Using PowerPoint as a
teacher can be both a blessing and a curse. It is up to the given teacher to utilize
the program appropriately, so as to make it worthwhile. Teachers will need to
give assignments that will let students make interesting and varied
PowerPoints, as the creative possibilities are endless. The PowerPoint program
is really as strong as the one who is using it (Weimer, 2012).
References:
Effective Use of PowerPoint. (2016).
Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://fctl.ucf.edu/TeachingAndLearningResources/Technology/PowerPoint/index.php
Smith, A. (2015, September 23). How
PowerPoint is killing critical thought | Andrew Smith. Retrieved February 08,
2016, from http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/23/powerpoint-thought-students-bullet-points-information
Using PowerPoint in the Classroom. (2016).
Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://www.investintech.com/content/powerpoint/
Weimer, M. (2012, August 01). Does PowerPoint
Help or Hinder Student Learning? Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/does-powerpoint-help-or-hinder-learning/
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