Presentations are a visual learning tool commonly used by teachers in the classroom. What learning enhancement do they provide?
It was found in my previous blog post that most students learn better
with visual aids. Presentations have the ability to be multimodal and include
text, images, and videos. Multimodal learning tools, if used effectively,
promotes engagement, transfer of information and retention.
How is a presentation created?
There are various programs that can be used to create presentations – Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, Canva and Adobe Express are just a few. Whilst I have some experience in using PowerPoint, it had been many, many years since. I was pleasantly surprised when I started to explore the program and the range of features and templates that have been added. As with most Microsoft programs, it is very user-friendly and simple to use. I did find however it does lack some simple features, such as positioning guidelines that other design programs have.
When starting, you have the option to design a presentation from scratch or by using one of their many design templates. As seen below, there is a search function so you can type in the theme of your presentation, and it will match you with the best-suited design templates.
Image: Microsoft PowerPoint design templates.
One of the first things
I think of with PowerPoint presentations is the slide transition and animation
features. I remember from my own schooling, creating presentations with as many
different animations as possible, images flying in from all directions with the
associated sound effects. Whilst these were fun to create, they probably caused
more distraction than engagement. You must ensure that all images are relevant and text is precise otherwise the presentation will be ineffective.
Animations can be set to
either be activated with a mouse click or programmed at timed intervals.
Image: Microsoft PowerPoint animation options.
Adding audio and screen
recording is a feature I had never used when creating presentations. I practised
adding audio and also used the screen recording on a slide and both features
were very easy to use.
I decided to turn one of
my previously completed assessments into a presentation so I could try some
of the features I had not yet used. This assessment was for EDVT11021 – Food Technology and I was required to create a food fusion item that suited a target market
within my local area.
I choose a coffee theme
template and within this presentation, I included text and images as well as
various animations and video and audio recordings. I then used the function to
turn it into a video file. See below the finished result.
Legal, safe, and
ethical protocols:
Although Microsoft PowerPoint
is not an online platform the legal, safe and ethical protocols still need to
be considered.
It is the responsibility
of the creator to ensure that included text and images are referenced correctly
and follow the appropriate copyright laws.
As PowerPoint is not an
online platform, with only a single user, the risk of ethical breaches is
low. It is however important that teachers monitor the appropriateness of the
content, particularly when presenting to the class.
Implementing presentations
within my classroom:
Presentations can be used in many ways within home economics; food
studies and textiles, classrooms. Using the SAMR model, here are some examples
of how I intend to incorporate presentations within my own classrooms.
Substitution – I will ask my students to take study notes using PowerPoint.
Each slide will be a separate idea or topic.
Augmentation – I can create presentations, and embed them with videos
and images to enhance the subject content.
Modification – Students use PowerPoint presentations as digital flashcards; these can be used to help with revision. One slide will have a question, and the next will have the answer.
Redefinition – Students can create a PowerPoint presentation for
their assessment. They can include voiceover and audio to record oral presentations which they can then play for the class. This is especially helpful
for students who may suffer from anxiety and may be uncomfortable presenting to
the class. This method still allows for peer feedback and class interaction.
