PowerPoint

I think PowerPoint is a very effective tool for instruction. These presentations make it easy for students to see the main points of a lecture or lesson. You can add words, pictures, charts, and graphs to get the points across. Most effective powerpoints use no more than six lines per slide and no more than seven words per line. Too many words on one slide can become confusing. Effects such as slide transistion, sound, and self timing, can also help to make a powerpoint slideshow very informative.

As a student, I find it very helpful when I am in a lecture where the teacher uses a powerpoint slideshow. Not only does is keep me alert and paying attention, but it helps me focus on the important things in the lecture. If it is important enough for a teacher to underline or use bold or italic font, then I know it is extra important and will most likely be on a quiz or test. When a teacher just stands in front of a class and speaks for an hour, students become very bored and stop paying attention. I think as a teacher, I'll be using powerpoints to keep that from happening in my classroom!