Power Points and Windows Movie Maker
This week we have investigated the use of interactive power points and Windows Movie Maker
I can imagine a number of ways to put PowerPoint to use in my classroom.
My first reaction was power points - are you kidding - they are OLD news...and OVERDONE, and BORING.......
BUUUUT...ther's a whole world of power points that I didn't know about - we saw movies made, interactive power points, animations, audio files, voice files and linking all incorporated into the humble power point - lots of food for thought...
The visual and interactive aspect of this is ideal for all learners, but particularly for visual learners. The first thing that pops to mind is for individual or group summative tasks. There are so many ways that power points can be constructed that it gives an option that will suit most learners. Some will choose highly visual, some may record audio files, rather than include a lot of text and for those extension learners - it offers a world of freedom to express and extend their learning to their own level. This supports what we know about managing diversity in the classroom - and allows each learner to work within the same context at their own level. I found this ezine on the microsft page - which has a load of free power point add ons, downloads, skins and great ideas for use in a classroom.
Power points could also be used for learners who are ill or unable to attend school - pre-prepared tutorials will give them access and allow them to continue with their learning.
Again the time, place and context for the use of this tool is the critical factor in whether or not it is successful - I am sure that I am not the only one who has suffered Power Point Paralysis!!! But I saw some different uses today that made me reconsider it's place in the classroom.