Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Week 5...

A REFLECTION FROM WEEK 5

 
PowerPoint is merely a presentation aid.
 
Image Courtesy: www.forbes.com
 
It can't be used to facilitate learning in it's own right...can it?  
 
When I was in Grade 9, my English class was charged with the task of presenting a magazine deconstruction using PowerPoint .  Students were scanning images here there and everywhere, using WordArt, ClipArt, transitioning slides and embedding WHHHOOOSSSSHHH sounds. 
 
Then there was David. 
 
On presentation day, David didn't speak.  His presentation spoke...LITERALLY...and the teacher was lost for words.
 
That was 1999. 
 
To dismiss PowerPoint as an effective tool to promote student engagement, enhance learning outcomes and foster collaboration in an interactive environment is pure ignorance. 
 
I have captured the "essence" of this tool in the below SWOT analysis. 
 

 
Here are just a few practical uses of PowerPoint in a classroom context...
 
  • To provide all students with the same summary of key information from a lesson or lecture goes against the very idea that is being drilled into us as GDLT students; all learners are different and we must cater for this diversity, respecting all learning styles and theories. 
          
          Some students may prefer the information slide by slide 
 
          Some, a summary of the key points covered by the presenter (notes)
 
          Some, handouts so they can build upon an idea presented in their own words.
 
          PowerPoint caters for this diversity, even in its printing functionality!
 
 
  • Mouse Mischief is a PowerPoint add-in which allows students to anonymously interact with presentation material (individually or as teams), allowing multiple mice to be attached to a singe computer. Instant student responses provide feedback, maintain focus, encourage discussion and may highlight a lack of understanding.  This can be useful to ensure learning outcomes are met.  Here is a static representation of my interactive presentation, central to the idea of revenue and GST. 


  • The below presentation provides an example of how higher order thinking skills (e.g. comparison, evaluation and justification) can be incorporated into PowerPoint in a fun and engaging way.  

 
 
References
 
Mischief Mouse presentation slides - images courtesy:
Want a lolly presentation slides - images courtesy:


 
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