With this in mind, I do see the benefit of using powerpoint within the classroom as a way of conveying information instead of the blackboard and chalk approach. If used correctly, they can be fun and engaging with the use of images, video clips, hyperlinks, funky font and audio. I found this great website that steps you through creating a powerpoint from adding slides to images and sound. The website is http://www.actden.com/pp/.
I have recently discovered interactive powerpoints which are another form of powerpoint but in this case, the user is able to choose what they view by clicking on hyperlinks set up on the page. On a normal powerpoint, the viewer would be transported from one slide to the next until they reach the end with no discretion on what they see. Interactive powerpoints make finding information easier with the opportunity to navigate through the powerpoint at their own leisure, choosing what type of information they wish to read. For example, the image below is an example of the front page of a interactive powerpoint on Sugar Gliders. To find out about their habitat, instead of viewing the entire powerpoint which is what you would have to do in a traditional powerpoint presentation, the user simply has to click on 'Habitat' on the left hand side and will be directed straight to that page.
Whilst interactive powerpoints may have many benefits in the classroom, one drawback is that they are quite time consuming to make. I think that if used effectively, it would be worth the time spent to enable an engaging and interactive learning experience.
I think you have made a valid point about using powerpoints to communicate information through a range of different modes (images, text, audio). This would be an effective tool for learners who rely on a range of learning styles. I also think that powerpoints are useful because students are able to personalise their projects with different features (slide animations, images etc.).
ReplyDeleteI have used interactive powerpoints before to effectively organise the information in my presentations. This is quite simple to do and navigating through the powerpoint is easier as a result.
I also think that they are very useful with regards to different learning styles and catering for visual, auditory, kinaesthetic learners etc.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested to know Kyle how and what you have used interactive powerpoints for :)
I created an interactive powerpoint for an assignment. The assignment was divided into two different components so by using the hyperlink function my contents slide could be used by the marker to effectively navigate the presentation. As a result of this feature, the marker did not need to look through 10 slides before getting to the second part of the assignment.
ReplyDeleteAlthough interactive powerpoints are an excellent tool for a culminating multimodal presentation, I would not really use this tool for anything other than for a presentation.
This interractive powerpoint tool is fantastic! I imagine students would enjoy using it in the classroom. It is a wonderful tool for learning in both a student and teacher-directed situation. It allows Learning Managers to explain abstract concepts and offers a new dimension to learning with the opportunity of the use of visuals. On the other hand, if this resource is used inappropriately, I believe it could potentially confuse students. Each slide needs to be to the point and un-cluttered.
ReplyDeleteKyle, I understand that the general use of Powerpoint is for presentations but it can go so much further than that in the classroom. For example, the students could use it to create a game show for the class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Kyle when you say that it makes it easier for the viewer to navigate and find information on the powerpoint.
ReplyDeleteI think that an interactive powerpoint would be an excellent tool for students who miss a lesson or short period at school as they would be able to look at them and work through it when they can. Students could also use this as a resource to look back on in the future when required. I think it would also be beneficial for individual learning with students being able to use it at their own pace. In the powerpoint, there could be activities for the students to complete, videos to watch, links to websites or online learning tools.
Stacey you have made an excellent point. Interactive powerpoints can not only be used as a presentation tool but can also be used in many different ways within the classroom! As you said, it can either be a student or teacher centered activity used to communicate information in a interactive and hands on way. The learning manager can use it to explain and step through important concepts OR students can navigate through it individually at their own pace, thus catering for different learning abilities. One disadvantage of this tool is that it is quite time consuming to set up.
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