Blog #3

I believe that PowerPoint is a valuable tool that can actually be more conducive to learning. However, I do not believe that it should be used to the extent in which it has been by our armed services. I believe that Elisabeth Bumiller has a point in that they are actually hurting their presentations rather than making them more productive. Some of those discussions made by our armed forces need to be in great detail and not simplified for efficiency and time. They need to explain every item in detail so that in leaves no room for doubt. By introducing every item in a bulleted list on PowerPoint they are doing just that, cutting corners on details to expansive to cut back on. This may not be the case with all the material they present.

When you introduce information to individuals, you have to examine which method of presentation would elicit the most attention to the material. In some cases, simple ideas may only need to be presented with lists; others, a verbal, more in depth speech; and others may use a combination of the two.

In school I have had teachers that have solely given information through lecturing and others with the use of PowerPoint slides. I tend to favor the use of PowerPoint slides as long as the teacher does not read from the slides. They are used as a guide, not strictly the teaching tool. This is why we have textbooks.

Careful planning must be taken before each presentation is given. You must examine the material present, your audience, materials available to present material, time, their understanding of the topic, and your knowledge of the material. Double checking your presentation or running it by another individual is another way to make sure you are getting the correct feedback on your material.