Project 2 - Action Powerpoint

The creation of my chemistry action Powerpoint is intended for an interactive review session on electron configuration.  This activity corresponds to Indiana Standard SCI.C.2.5 2010; Writing the electron configuration of an element and relate this to its position on the periodic table.

The biggest challenge of this project was simply the organization/layout of all the slides prior to creating the action buttons.  I found myself having to re-program almost all of my action buttons half way through the completion of my project after realizing I had not created enough ‘incorrect answer’ slides for each question. 

The most rewarding aspect of this project is seeing my Powerpoint in action (aka slideshow view).  It is extrememly fascinating to go from linear slides to the multiple possibilities of directions the action slides can take.  Some of the most compelling reasons to use Powerpoint in the classroom are the endless possibilities one can do with this software. Powerpoint is often times a favorite media supplement in the classroom. From lecture outlines to interactive reviews and games, Powerpoint’s versatility can be extremely useful in the classroom.  It can be created, edited, monitored, and controlled by the instructor.  Additionally, it can easily be saved and stored for convenient access to be used year after year!

For teachers who want to implement the use of Powerpoint in their classroom for the first time, I caution them to use it in moderation.  Just because it is technology, does not make it effective instruction.  A Powerpoint should not replace lessons or curriculum content.  Instead, it should be used a supplement on other teaching methods.  I also recommend using the kiosk mode for interactive activities using Powerpoint.  This mode helps ensure that students are actively participating as well as completing the entire slideshow.

All in all, Powerpoint is a great tool in the classroom.  Aside from the interactive review on electron configuration, I will also utilize Powerpoint to reinforce lectures, show charts, graphs and images, and play Jeopardy!