Merlot Evaluation: Active Learning with PowerPoint

Merlot Evaluation: Active Learning with Powerpoint

Link to Merlot site: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=80688

Tutorial Link: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/tutorials/powerpoint/lecturing/index.html 
There is also a mini workshop and video found on the left hand side of this tutorial page, which I found helpful as well.

An important question that I have been asking myself and colleagues of mine is the following: Does the use of Powerpoint presentations in education increase engagement and understanding?  This particular lesson I found on Merlot is especially helpful in answering this question, as well as teaching educators how to create a Powerpoint that is effective in presenting students with valid information and keeping them engaged.  This tutorial refers to college courses and using PowerPoints, however, I have been using them to launch units, etc. in my fifth grade class and am finding that kids seem to be more interested in this type of instructional delivery.

Quality of Content:
1. Does the software present valid (correct) concepts, models, and skills?
Yes; The concept of using PowerPoints for students is definitely valid and it uses a great model to give an example of how to use a PowerPoint effectively as an educator. 

2. Does the software present educationally significant concepts, models, and skills for the discipline?
Yes; As today's world becomes more technologically advanced, PowerPoint presentations are an excellent tool for teachers or students to use in the classroom in order to teach, engage, and help others understand the concepts being taught.  For example, I just used a PowerPoint presentation to launch a new nonfiction unit in Language Arts. 

Potential Effective as a Teaching-Learning Tool:
1. What stage in the learning process/cycle could the materials be used?
1. Explanation: You can use the PowerPoint to explain what is being taught and the video tutorial does a great job of going over this
2. Demonstration: Being able to show examples throughout the PowerPoint and being able to explore the topic being presented
3. Practice: When using active learning through use of the PowerPoint presentation, the kids can practice what is being taught
4. Applying the curriculum: The end of the PowerPoint should "summarize" and the article gives a great idea of just how to do this and what language to use.
*All stages in the learning process are used in this tutorial

2. What is the learning objective?
Students will be able to effectively apply what they have learned throughout the PowerPoint in their own work after being engaged throughout the presentation. It is with hope that the use of PowerPoint presentations will help learners better understand the concept/curricular area being taught and stimulate prior knowledge through questioning.

3. What are the characteristics of the target learner(s)?
- Fully engaged, participating in questioning and discussions, showing teamwork with partners when students "turn and talk", applying what they have learned when assessed informally and formally.

4. Does the interactive media-rich presentation of material improve faculty and students' abilities to teach and learn the materials?
The video tutorial is effective and most definitely improves the ability for teachers to teach and students to learn the materials.

5. Can the use of the software be readily integrated into current curriculum and pedagogy within the discipline?

Absolutely, they have a wonderful example of a PowerPoint and also include what questions to ask in order to encourage higher order thinking.

6. Can the software be used in a variety of ways to achieve teaching and learning goals?

An educator or professional can use a PowerPoint presentation in order to teach a variety of concepts, therefore it can be used in a variety of ways.

7. Are the teaching-learning goals easy to identify?

It is not a specific subject area being taught, but instead using technology in order to enhance the curriculum and student understanding.

8. Can good learning assignments for using the software application be written easily?

Absolutely- the PowerPoint presentation that is provided on the site lays out an effective template for an effect presentation.

Ease of Use
1. Are the labels, buttons, menus, texts, and general layout of the computer interface consistent and visually distinct? Yes
2. Does the user get trapped in the material? No
3. Can the user get lost easily in the material? No
4. Does the module provide feedback about the system status and the user's responses? NA
5. Does the module provide appropriate flexibility in its use? Yes
6. Does the learning material require a lot of documentation, technical support and/or instruction for most students to successfully use the software? No
7. Does the material present information in ways that are familiar for students? Yes
8. Does the material present information in ways that would be attractive to students? Yes