Death by Powerpoint

posted by Paul

This installment from FETC 2011, called Death by Powerpoint, is presented by Michael Lanouette. The program guide says of this presentation:

Powerpoint can bring structure, excitement, and on-the-fly-assessment with relative ease, when used correctly. However, like all great tools, when used incorrectly, it can bring a class to a screaching halt. This session will explore some of the common mistakes and misuses of Powerpoint in daily lessons. It will identify seven common errors teachers make when designing and implementing Powerpoint and how to correct them to keep Powerpoint "powerful" in the classroom.

Audio File of Presentation (mp3, 12.2 Mb - right-click to download; click to play)

My Notes:

Mike.lanouette@remingtonadmin.edu

Chief Academic Officer

Remington Colleges

Powerpoint Evil 101:

• keep the lights on, not off
• make slides readable
• don't stand in the front of the classroom only – move around with a remote
• If you have letters or words on your screen, it's a bad screen

Have passion for what you're teaching; you don't even need PPT

Belief

• Powerpoint can't be used for pacing – someone or something will get you off-track
• Powerpoint isn't good at moving kids up the scale on Bloom's Taxonomy
• Powerpoint doesn't work well for things beyond Yes-No questions
• Some things can't be taught with PPT
• Powerpoint isn't good at NONSENSE: critical for long-term memory, retention, etc.

Instructional design

Huron

Ontario

Michigan

Erie

St. Clair

Best piece of technology is the instructor