How to introduce powerpoint to those who should know it

http://www.actden.com/PP/index.htm

PowerPoint in the Classroom

Powerpoint in the Classroom (PPITC) is a great site to introduce MS Powerpoint to people who you know SHOULD know it, like classroom teachers. PPITC is cute - but not so cute that it gets in the way of its effective design.

This is a nice trick in a world full of kitsch and crud. A strong positive is the way the screenshots of the application are interspersed with the text and descriptions. The lowest point of the website is the fact that it is out of date. The last update was in 2006. For most teachers this is not a huge drawback - as we need to be versed in the many computers we will see in the classroom. I have had MS Windows ME, MS Windows NT, Mac OS 8 and Mac OS X all in the same classroom.

This does not make me unique, nor does it make education unique. It is a challenge and makes this sort of site – not necessarily driven by the latest glitzy things –even more appropriate for the modern educator.

Why power point? The classroom is one of the environments best suited for the use of powerpoint – to introduce material, to emphasize particular skills or information, perhaps to show a picture or diagram. Powerpoint is not meant to take the place of instruction – but just to be a quicker way to deliver the notes to the students.

Most teachers have at least a lesson or two that are perfect for Powerpoint, and once you start there will be no turning back, especially with Powerpoint in the classroom to keep you moving in the right direction.