Speed of PowerPoint
After having experimented with PowerPoint for classroom presentations a bunch of years ago, I've relegated their use to only very specific circumstances. I want my students to take good notes AND listen to what I say; with a PowerPoint they tend to try to copy everything on the slide INSTEAD of listening. Also, there is an issue with the having to wait on (or worse yet - regress to a previous slide) occasionally for the slower writing students. By writing my notes, schematics and diagrams on the board myself, I am forced to pace my presentation to note-taking speed. Students also have some time to process concepts before moving on as well. I teach in a technical program (Electronics), so this may be a bit more important. Furthermore, I enjoy having the flexibility to go a different direction to address a specific question or area of interest - something not well facilitated by PPT. I enjoy working with PPT, but find I personally stay "in the flow" much better going "old school", and as a result, I feel I'm more effective in the classroom. Just my 2 cents.
Suggestion 1
Handouts. PP can make various type of handouts. One slide per page, two slides per page, etc. Your students can then take only little "finishing notes" as needed. And they will not leave anything out of schematics. (Handouts are usual well received by ESL students too)
Suggestion 2
I you do not want to do printed handouts you could try to break complex slides into several less complex slides. Slowly build the circuit over a series of slides rather the put it on one slide. "Now that we have seen the amplifier section let's add the frequency control section"
Suggestion 3
Instead of making a one hour long presentation use PP only when it enhances the class. Short presentations on specific subjects to be used or not as needed.
PP can "lock you in" if you let it. I, like you, like flexibility.
Regards,
Terry
I have to agree with the your viewpoint on PPT presentations. They are effective when needed (i.e. creating an exercise to emphasize what I just taught), however, I still like the white board first. I will vary the instructions with other materials and activities, but PPT will only be a small part in the way I teach.
power points are good, you can use them to your advantage. if you are showing your power point on the board you can add your notes to that slide and take it a different direction depending on your class.
I have them follow along in their books, highlighting what is needed for them to recall the facts. In providing them with a "greener" footprint, I will copy my entire lectures, all ppt., on their flash drives. I have video clips embedded in the presentations, so they need to update their shockwave players.
