Well, what can I say? I didn't really agree with anything Ian Parker said in his article about PowerPoint. I feel like he goes on and on with some insignificant drivel about how much he thinks PowerPoint is taking over the world, or something. There is a lot of facts and historical information (which is a little boring for my taste, but still provides good information); however, I feel like he includes all of it just to establish some ethos so that we might believe his argument. He goes from historical information to saying that PowerPoint is imposing to more historical information to calling it immature...It's like an ethos/absurdity sandwich, and that, in my opinion, would taste really bad.
What is he beef with PowerPoint? Seriously? I think that PowerPoint is one of the most innovative tools that is available for businesses, teachers, and students alike. It's clear, easy, and handsome when presented. I, being the visual learner that I am, prefer it to almost anything else. There are times when a presenter or teacher will do nothing but read straight from a slide show, and I find that to be most irritating, but it would be the same as if they were reading from note cards or a paper. When a teacher uses a PowerPoint as a tool for lecturing and note taking, I love it. It's an easy way for me, the visualizer, to see what I'm learning as I'm listening to what I'm learning.
I'll give him this: he's an excellent writer. I especially enjoyed this tidbit about the AutoContent Wizard function: "But Microsoft took the idea and kept the name- a rare example of a product named in outright mockery of its target customers" (Parker 5). I laughed a bit at that. But, while I'm on the subject, I have never even heard of, let alone used, this AutoContent Wizard that he seemed to hate especially. Has anybody ever used it? Maybe I'll go investigate...
Overall, it is well-written and factual, but ended up really annoying me.
I think PowerPoint is incredible software for its time. I think it really does help the person who may not know exactly what to include in a presentation.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do feel that people can become too dependent on it. Like you said, teachers/people reading directly from the slide is VERY annoying. But one could argue that they are doing this, because of the automated outline given to the maker from the software? Who knows honestly.
And no, I personally have never used nor heard of this AutoContent Wizard but maybe a little investigating is in order.
I'll answer your question first. No I didn't ever realize that the Auto Content Wizard was there. I have to agree with you about PowerPoint being an innovative tool for anyone. It is an easy way to organize what needs to be said vs. what wants to be said and make it sound professional. I have used PowerPoint a half a dozen times a month. Though I do see where he gets the idea of it taking over the world. Many company's use it, as well as many students, teacher, and others who want to inform about something. But, there are other ways to get the information across and those are still well and alive.
ReplyDeleteI think that I can kind of see where Parker was coming from, I am not a huge fan of PowerPoint either. While it may be an 'innovative tool' I think that it does get abused by many people. I think back on some of my least favorite professors and my biggest problem with them is the fact that they put EVERTHING on PowerPoint. I was taught that each PowerPoint slide should have less than 20-30 words on it and it should serve as a guide for a lecture or presentation. I always try to use a different form of technology when doing a presentation because when I present with a Powerpoint I read straight from the screen. Another problem I have with PowerPoint is the fact that I read and write down every word of the presentation and forget to listen to what the Professor is saying. I feel as though I have to write down every word and I forget to listen and pay attention beyond what is typed on the PowerPoint.
ReplyDeleteMelody,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that sometimes teachers (and I can only assume business presenters as well, but I don't know first hand, haha) don't effectively use PowerPoints during lessons. It's really aggravating when a teacher or professor just reads from the PowerPoint and seem to loose any promise of originality during a class. However, I see no problem whatsoever if a they need to use it a starting idea from which to elaborate. One the best teachers I've ever had (Professor Bartlett here at KSU. He teaches world history. TAKE HIM!!) had a PowerPoint with, maybe, three very short points per slide or just one map per slide. He would use the slides as a reference and then lecture from there. That way, he never lost his place! And I was never distracted by the slides. If anything, they helped me spell some words that he said and what not.
But yea, sometimes teachers just "abuse" PowerPoints, haha. We've ALL been there, I'm afraid :)
When the professors teach from slides they don't always make sense, but if they can get their points across and use power point correctly than more power to them. Especially if they use the power points as reference and then teach from their own notes.
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