Video Reflection: Power Point

In this video, my negative feelings towards poor power point presentations were well represented. I struggle when a teacher throws on the power point and stands or sometimes sits with no enthusiasm and a long-winded approach to talking us through each bullet pointed concept. Some 'to avoids' that the speaker indicated in his presentation were to avoid the following: too many bullet points, bad color schemes, confusing data charts with excess information, and too much animation cancels out effectiveness. Through his presentation, I also came up with some things to remember when presenting an effective power point. The enthusiasm displayed by this speaker was very entertaining and 'effective.' Without mentioning the importance of passion and enthusiasm, the presenter displayed the kind of emotion necessary when using a power point and really in doing any kind of teaching. A hands-on activity won't require such intense enthusiasm and ranging voice tones as much as a lecture type lesson will. So, if I'm not in the mood one day to be enthusiastic and energetic, I can be assured in knowing that a hands-on activity will allow the students to be interactive, and it will keep their attention and provide the students with the opportunity to learn and remember the material being taught. I'm not an avid supporter of power point presentations because the majority that I've been involved in have created a sour feeling about the topic being learned. I have, although, seen one or two power points work out and benefit the learners immensely. The downfall of power points is that the teacher really does have to prepare so much and spend a lot of time in creating power points- even the ones that end up being 'boring' to the class. So, my theory is: why not spend that same amount of time, hard work, and preparation on something that is guaranteed to work. If a power point can work for that particular subject better than any other technique, then it's important to know how to make it aesthetically pleasing and effective.