Modern day slide presentations software and online tools have evolved to incorporate multimedia elements. It is relatively easy to include images, links, audio, and video to a slide presentation. The slideshow can be dynamic, interesting, and fun. Yes, I said it. FUN! It all depends on the slide show designer.
Gone are the days of pull down maps and charts, even atlases. Teachers can introduce books by linking to an author’s YouTube book talk or book trailer. Teachers can also create short videos using such tools as Screencast-O-Matic to introduce a concept and embed within a slideshow. The point is that a slideshow can have a flow that engages students, and not have them sit passively.
There is little instruction and modeling on how to create an impactful PowerPoint for teachers and students alike. There is value in taking the time to learn about all of the multimedia features a PowerPoint or slideshow can offer. Once teachers and students learn about the features, then they can study design techniques. My number one rule is the same as Gary Reynolds’ “Top Ten Slide Tips”. Keep it simple! Create slides that give chunks of information, not wordy paragraphs. It is the teacher that should elaborate and not the slide. Teachers still play a powerful role in engaging students. I am not willing to cede all instruction over to technology just yet.
Not only can a wonderfully designed slideshow engage students and help the students internalize the information, students can also benefit from creating their own slideshows. Slideshows require students to learn how to paraphrase, summarize, and use bullet points. Slideshows also require students to learn how to ethically use sources from the image or video source abiding by copyright and creative commons rules. Designing a slideshow also requires a bit of artistic development to make the slides appealing to the eye. In the end, students must plan the order of the slides prior to publishing the slideshow. If used correctly, a well designed PowerPoint can challenge and develop the critical thinking skills of students.