Presentations - Microsoft PowerPoint

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.

Image: Capturing your audience’s attention.

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.

Image: Audio and Video recording options.

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.