PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a fantastic educational tool if used correctly. Word and PowerPoint are the only to applications that most teachers know how to use. As a result, they are over used. It is essential that before students use PowerPoint they are taught about good and bad design. I have a graphic designer come in every year and speak to my students about how to properly design posters, PowerPoints, etc. The main focus of the lesson is to show students that multiple fonts, colors, sounds, picture, and effects are not the answer. When dealing with my 6th graders I preach, "Less is More." Once students have a good idea about what good design looks like then I will assign a PowerPoint project. PowerPoint is a fantastic program, but I try to only assign one to two PowerPoint assignments a year. There are so many other great applications out there. It is imperative that students have the skills to run multiple programs if they are to be successful in the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3g4bScZSm8