How to Teach With PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a computer program that helps display ideas in a business presentation or helps prepare outlines for students. PowerPoint can be used in any class or meeting and helps keep people's attention with pictures, colors, movement and sound.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide exactly what information you want to use in the presentation.

2. Open PowerPoint and start a new presentation.

3. Design the layout of the slide and type in the necessary information. Use colors, diagrams or pictures to help explain a subject. Charts and tables can be added if needed. Add sound to slides as well. For example, if you are studying Martin Luther King, Jr., add one of his speeches to the slide. To add objects or sounds, click "Insert" from the toolbar and then select the appropriate object to insert.

4. Create transitions by selecting "Transitions" From the "Insert" menu. If you are displaying steps or mathematical equations, animate each line to appear on the slide at a different time so you have time to explain each step in detail.

5. Preview the slide show by going to the "View" tab on the standard toolbar at the top of the page.

6. Save the lesson so the presentation is not lost.

7. Connect the computer to a projector in the classroom or office. Place the screen so others can see the presentation.

8. Save the lessons on a disk so students or clients can use them for review.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make multiple lessons in PowerPoint and save them for use at a later date.
• If using the presentation in a class, keep the slide show available in the classroom so students can review the lesson before tests.

Resources

• Microsoft has sample lesson plans listed in their education section.

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