by Janice Florent
Nowadays more classrooms (virtual and face-to-face) have the ability to project and share a variety of computer-based materials. One of the most common methods of sharing information with students is to use PowerPoint presentations. Although PowerPoint can be a powerful teaching tool, it has been soundly criticized for producing boring presentations, full of endless content that fails to show context and relationships between ideas. This tendency of PowerPoint obviously works against what professors should strive for: stimulating students to connect ideas and engage in critical thinking.
I came across these tips in an Atomic Learning blog post that may help to resuscitate PowerPoint presentations:
- Mix up your media – don’t rely solely on text or clipart, consider other media types (e.g. photos, video clips, music)
- Use eye-catching graphics/software - an impactful visual experience can be created when you use eye-catching software and graphics
- Send content ahead of time - consider "flipping" your presentation
- Intersperse content with discussion, group exercises, and reflection time
If these tips have piqued your interest, you can read more in the article, 6 Ways to Avoid Death by PowerPoint.