DIY+PowerPoints

Avoiding Pointless PowerPoints
Microsoft PowerPoints...once viewed as the life-saving tools to creating good content-based presentations have fallen into the abyss of educational doodads. Students too often toss up content with little thought or innovation. How can we teach our students to create meaningful presentations.

Does this describe your experience after watching too many poorly created PowerPoints?

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 * Step 1 - As the teacher, decide if PowerPoint is the best tool for the task you want your students to accomplish. Consider other options like Moviemaker or Photostory.
 * Step 2 - Once you've decided to use PowerPoint, create a scoring rubric to guide your students creative process. Use a tool like Rubistar (found on [|www.4teachers.org]). Include:
 * content accuracy
 * length of presentation (# of slides)
 * slide layout (amount of text, graphics, titles, sounds, and animations)
 * background appropriate for audience and theme
 * software requirements (e.g., Quicktime, Java, Flash, Windows Media Player)
 * file size (compressing pics)
 * storage and delivery (CD, thumb drive, email)
 * color schemes
 * Step 3 - Provide adequate time for planning and organization before using PowerPoint...try a storyboard.