The saying, "Less is more" is definitely true when it comes to powerpoint, in
my opinion. I have used P-point for several years now, and each semester I
evaluate and revise what I showed the semester before. I find myself "pruning"
extensively. Maybe the same number of slides, but the amount of information on
each slide is greatly reduced from my initial efforts. I have also tried to
acknowledging its visual strengths by using visuals, graphs, diagrams and avoiding
the tendency to project every last word on the screen.
I got an interesting reminder about the tendency of new Powerpoint users to
put too much on too many slides in this Spring's class presentations. I
unfortunately overlooked warning them of this pattern, and subsequently, many
students had entire paragraphs of text on their slides. The best student
presentations were tight and trim - one (maybe two) ideas per slide.
I don't pass out handouts, but I have not had much call to do so. I think
having small amounts of material helps here. I do offer the possibility of print
outs as students who want them can get them off our server.
Eric Johnson
Presbyterian College
Kirsten Rewey wrote:
> Rick, Miguel and Interested Others:
>
> I am new to PowerPoint and used it a great deal in the past semester including
> as a lecture tool (showing slides during class) and handouts (giving students
> copies of my slides). The consistent comment I received was that the slides
> and handouts were "too much information."
>
> Has anyone else received the same comment?
>
> Kirsten
>
> Kirsten L. Rewey
> Department of Psychology
> St. Mary's University of Minnesota
> 700 Terrace Heights, Box 1464
> Winona, Minnesota 55987
>
> (507) 457-6991
