Power Point Lectures: Technology in Learning 3 of 5

Many professors now use power point slides to help students follow along with the information presented in class.  (In fact, I know of at least one instance where the professor was so dependent on the power point slides that class was cancelled when there was a problem with the room’s computer system!)   As in everything, there are multiple ways this tool is used in the classroom.

If the power point slides are available on-line before class:

·       I think the best strategy is to print them out before class with the slides down the left side of the page and lines for notes on the right side.  (This  takes more paper than having two columns of slides, but the note-taking and learning is easier.)

·       Read them before class.

·       In class take your notes directly on those pages.

·       The down side of this is the printing costs.  Many students run out of money and printer ink toward the end of the semester.  Be sure to budget accordingly!

·       Another option is to download the slides to your computer, take your laptop to class and take notes on the power point document.  I do not think this is as effective because you cannot as easily take notes on the slides and your interaction is different with the material.

If the slides are available after class:

·       Take regular lecture notes during class.

·       Print out the slides after class as above and, as one of your study strategies, transfer your notes on to the slides as above.

If the slides are not available at all:

·       In some cases, the professor uses the slides as a way to help the students see the organization of the lecture and does not make them available.   If time, copy the slide down at the beginning of class.   Take notes as usual.  After class rewrite your notes using the professor’s basic outline as a guide.

Again, keep in mind that the use of technology in the classroom is constantly changing.  You, the learner, needs to understand how to learn so you can successfully adapt!

Next blog will deal with 100% on-line classes.

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