6. Interactive use of PowerPoint

The main feature of a set of PowerPoint slides for use in an educational settings is interactivety. How can we ensure the learners are actively interacting with the slides used? Use web search to find techniques you may use to make a session with PowerPoint as a resource interactive. Here some possibilities:

 At the start / introduction of the session

  • Picture / photo “What is this” – to make learners focus on topic of session
  • Reaction to question, story, quote that is thought provoking and leads into the topic
  • Brainstorm of topic aspect – write down responses i.e. create slide from responses of learners

In the development stage of the session

  • Slide with task for small group work (next blank screen, while on task)
  • Chart asking learners to interpret the chart
  • Blank screen to get attention
  • Creating slide with outcomes of discussions, group work

During the closure stage of the session

  • Create slide (type-on live) from learner responses on summary “What we learned” •

For assessment

  • Slides with multiple choice questions, learners indicate their choice; recorded on the slide (use pen)
  • Question and answer session

What other activities did you come across to make a learning session using PowerPoint slides interactive? Do you agree with the suggestions? Can you use them with YOUR learners in YOUR learning environment? Discuss on the week 3.2 forum What makes a good interactive PowerPoint slide set for use in facilitation?

Further reading

View this PowerPoint as a slide show and in Note page view, notes are very instructive!