Powerpoint in the Classroom

Last week in class we took a look at Powerpoint in the classroom. During my internship I had my students create an alphabet book using Powerpoint. Each student took a letter and created one slide around that letter. Then I put them all together to create the Powerpoint alphabet book. The students really enjoyed learning how to use Powerpoint but they were developing their language arts skills at the same time. I felt this was a useful way to incorporate Powerpoint in my classroom.

In class I also learned that Powerpoints do not always have to be linear. The ability to move throughout a presentation in a non-linear fashion could be very useful. I know I have seen unit plans organized on Powerpoint. It is easy to pick a lesson to read by clicking on the table of contents. Then you can simply press a button and return to the main page to read another one. This is a very useful way to navigate through a Powerpoint.

However, I know that simply using Powerpoint does not necessarily improve a lesson or make it more interactive. Seeing notes on a Powerpoint and copying them is not really any more interactive than taking notes off the chalkboard. It seems that sometimes people feel that simply using Powerpoint is enough to make their presentation or lesson special. I personally feel that Powerpoint should be used in ways that make presentations or lessons more interactive and engaging. Technology should be used to enhance lessons rather than just used for the sake of using it.