Teaching Through Technology Guide: Teaching With PowerPoint

• Introduction
• How TSS Can Help
• General GuidelinesMore Teaching Strategies Using PowerPoint
• Top Links
  

Introduction

TSS supports the use of PowerPoint as a teaching tool. PowerPoint is a computer-based presentation tool -- part of the Microsoft Office suite. It can help you create slide-based presentations containing text, as well as graphics, sound, and video that are displayed onto a screen using a computer and a data projector. It can also be used to create paper, transparency, 35 mm slide, and web-based presentations.

How TSS Can Help

• learn to use PowerPoint - sign up for a workshop
• PowerPoint question - call x. 53731 or email Richard Gorrie rgorrie@uoguelph.ca; or post message on the LT listserv
• scanning or developing a PowerPoint presentation - use our multimedia station
• need help with a lecture - call x. 53731 or email Richard Gorrie rgorrie@uoguelph.cafor consult;
• designing a poster - try our Poster Design Guide

General Guidelines

PowerPoint can help create organized and effective presentations. It is especially good at integrating and controlling the appearance of text, as well as graphics, sound, and multimedia. When using PowerPoint for teaching:

• include an introduction, body, and conclusion
• avoid information overload; limit presentation to a few key ideas
• focus attention by revealing only the points you're speaking to
• presentation should be an outline, not a transcript; use points as prompts
• two lines max per bullet; six bullets max per slide
• use visuals and other media to complement and reinforce text

More Teaching Strategies Using PowerPoint (going beyond the obvious)

Although PowerPoint is typically used to present sequential pages of information, PowerPoint is actually a very flexible tool and there are many ways to use it to enhance your teaching:

• integrate multimedia to enhance plain-text lectures (graphics, sound, video)
• make a lecture outlines available online and/or in print format
• use hyperlinks to create non-linear presentations
• improve upon 35 mm slides by presenting photographs with text
• use to moderate discussion, Q & A, or Socratic dialogue
• use for case or problem-based learning
• use to organize group work and discussion
• use to present assignments and instructions
• have students use PowerPoint for their presentations
• use PowerPoint to develop tutorials or guides students use independently

Top Links

1. TSS Presentation Guidelines Sheet [PDF]
2. TSS Guide Converting PowerPoint to HTML and PDF
3. TSS Classroom Technical Support (equipment)
4. Catalyst Action Plans: Create PowerPoint Presentations
5. UWO PowerPoint Primer

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