Using PowerPoint in the Classroom

      PowerPoint has always been one of my favorite tools to use when planning lessons. I like using this tool because a PowerPoint can be interactive, creative, and a different way to teach material. When creating a PowerPoint you can add text, pictures, links, and so much more. This allows teachers, as well as students, to create awesome projects and activities. Especially now with smart boards, PowerPoints can become hands on lessons for students in the classroom.
      PowerPoints allow teachers to present material to students in a visual form, rather than just a lecture. Teachers can include pictures that relate to the topic and highlight or underline key words and phrases that need to be remembered. Links can also be included in a PowerPoint. This allows teachers to connect to another web page or even create a web quest. Another reason PowerPoint is such a great tool is because it is a learning tool that students can use even when they are not in school. Students can go home and review old PowerPoints or create one their own.
     It is important to remember that when creating PowerPoints you should make them easy to read, understand, and make them appealing. This means using proper fonts, colors, and text size. I have experienced times when I could not read the PowerPoint that was being presented to me because of the size of the text and the color of the text. Also, when students are supposed to be taking notes off of the PowerPoint it is important to remember not to put too many words on the slide. This can make the slide overwhelming. Lastly, when teachers or students are presenting slides, you should remember not to read directly from the slide. This makes the presentation more enjoyable and interesting.
    Overall, PowerPoint is a great teaching resource that should be used by all teachers and students. Whether it be for a lecture, project, or lesson, PowerPoint can help to enhance students learning and allow them to engage in the lesson.