Post #7 or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Powerpoint

A paragraph on what you feel are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of using presentation software in the K-12 classroom.

A paragraph on how you might use PowerPoint to support student learning at each knowledge dimension in a particular lesson. Be explicit in your example! Use Chapter 5 and online resources.

A paragraph on an issue related to educational technology that now interests you. You may provide information, ask questions, include links, etc.
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I'll start with the disadvantages. Though there are ways around this if you get creative, generally, powerpoint presentations aren't entirely engaging so, even if a teacher uses one, but their speaking skills aren't very strong, they won't be able to hold the class' interest. On the other hand, if the goal is to give students a visual that flows along with their strong oral presentation, the visual aid support provided by presentatio software can be great. Powerpoint is also good for student note-taking. The outline for the lecture is posted right there on the screen for students to copy and keep track.

As far as the dimensions of learning, if you create a game out of the Powerpoint presentation, such as Jeopardy-style or the like, you can allow the students to have fun while still maintaining the focus on learning. While observing the students answers and noticing their trouble categories, you can attempt to reteach and take note of weak spots within their learning process or your teaching process to better develop a curriculum.

For me, the actual advancement of the science of watching people's brainwaves to see how different parts of the brain are stimulated and engaged is very interesting and helpful. Granted, it's too expensive and painstaking to directly examine every single student, but the possiblites for the future are exciting!