Teach Students Alternative Uses for PowerPoint
Using Presentation Software for Collaboration or Brainstorming
Mar 25, 2009
Using technology in a lesson is engaging, interactive and can be fun for students. Students and teachers are familiar with the use of presentation software such as PowerPoint for lectures. This software can also be used to add a creative side or technology component to common tasks such as collaboration in a group and brainstorming sessions.
Preparing the Original File
Both situations require advanced preparation of an initial slide show for the activity. Decide in advance what the essential questions will be and create a slide for each. Choose an appropriate background that is related to the topic but not so busy that it will distract the students.
In an environment where a server is used, save the initial file as "read only", so that students must do a "save-as" in order to save their own work but not copy over the original. If students use individual machines, then put a copy on each machine, but keep the original on a floppy or USB device so it is available later if needed.
PowerPoint as a Collaboration Tool
Presentations can be used as a collaboration tool within a group. The original file should contain the essential guiding questions or steps for the collaboration activity, one question or step per slide. Students put their names or group name on the title slide and make sure to save initially in the way directed by the teacher, so that any future saves or auto saves go to the correct version of the presentation file.
At this point, students would answer questions or record their research on the appropriate slides. If the computers are on a network, they also could use the Internet to do any research that might be necessary. Once finished, their work is ready to present to the class.
Use Presentation Software to Brainstorm
PowerPoint slides can also be used to initiate a brainstorming session. The initial file should contain any starting questions, one per slide, which the teacher wants the students to consider. Students then should be given a time limit and any other specific instructions and allowed either individually or within their group to quickly come up with their ideas.
When the students are finished, the teacher has a variety of options. The slides can be shown by each individual group. Students can mix up and see what others typed into their slides. The slides can become the catalyst for a project based on the brainstormed ideas. The teacher could also take all of the work and combine all slides to create one class document for students to consider.
Though PowerPoint is primarily known as a presentation software its uses are limited only by imagination. Using it creatively with collaboration or brainstorming activities allows students to practice with the software while participating in the classroom activity.
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