Powerpoint can be a wonderful resource to use in the classroom. However, most people, including myself prior to starting my Masters, do not know how to use it to its fullest potential. Powerpoint has many features that can make it interactive and exciting to work with for students. You can add hyperlinks into the slides that are directly linked to websites. Adding hyperlinks allows the Powerpoint to be more interactive because students have direct access to more information and activities found on the Web. You can also add hyperlinks between slides within the Powerpoint. These hyperlinks create a Powerpoint that is essentially a Webquest. Making these Powerpoints with hyperlinks is great for teachers who do not have the ability to create a website or internet access within their classroom. The only downside to creating these interactive Powerpoints is that it takes time and design skills.
When creating a Powerpoint with the intention of making it fun and interactive for students it is important that the layout is also exciting. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when designing an interactive Powerpoint:
1. Use age appropriate graphics that are related to the content
2. Have a unifying theme to the Powerpoint
3. Have a unified design/layout
4. Do not overcrowd the page with words
5. Use font that is 24pt. or larger
6. Use a font style that is easy to read
Using these simple tips will help any Powerpoint more user friendly. A few last fun touches to add include adding transitions to your Powerpoint which make the overall design more appealing. If you want to use a Powerpoint for one of your center activities in your classroom, you can even have the slides on a timer to change when you program them too. Lastly, if you choose to not use the Powerpoint for an in-class activity, it is an easily transmittable file that you could send to your students to complete for homework. These are just a couple ideas for using Powerpoint in instruction, but there are many other ways to use them as well. Do you have any suggestions?
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