what is the purpose of powerpoint presentation for students

Microsoft PowerPoint: How to Use It to Teach

Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful teaching tool and this is how it can help your classroom

Recent updates

This article was updated in October 2023

Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful slide-based presentation tool that can be used by teachers and students as a way of communicating digitally. This comes as part of the Microsoft Office 365 package so, if your institution uses that, you may already have access to this power tool.

This lets you create presentations from scratch or -- helpfully -- using templates that allow you to input the data you need to end up with a professional finish, fast. Since the software is cloud-based, it can allow you to jump between devices while working on a single project that's also easy to access and share.

Of course there is some very direct competition from Google, which is free. So can Microsoft justify the price that goes with its PowerPoint tool?

Read on to find out everything you need to know about Microsoft PowerPoint for education.

• Best Digital Tools for Teachers
• What is Google Classroom?

What is Microsoft PowerPoint?

Microsoft PowerPoint is a slideshow presentation tool; in fact, it was one of the first and is still one of the most famous and widely used. Mainly aimed at business use, PowerPoint is crammed full of powerful features.

For schools already using the Microsoft ecosystem of software, this is a very easy tool to integrate and allows for simple sharing of presentations with students, other teachers, and parents. Go beyond the Microsoft world though and that can become more difficult unless you're using the online specific version of PowerPoint, as opposed to the more feature-rich full software – but more on that in the cost section below.

Microsoft PowerPoint can be used from scratch but also offers a broad library of templates that allow for quick and easy construction of presentations with a high-quality finish. That means the end result can be more engaging and can take far less time and effort to create, both for teachers and students.

Tech & Learning Newsletter

Tools and ideas to transform education. Sign up below.

Collaboration, in real-time, is also an option in the case of the online version of PowerPoint, making this useful as a place for students to work together even when physically distanced.

What's new in Microsoft PowerPoint?

In recent months Microsoft has announced a slew of updates. This is nothing new, but for education specifically, these are the points that are of interest. 

Microsoft had added an enhanced Teleprompter view in Recording Studio. This includes an auto scroll feature that allows teachers to easily refer to a script while keeping eye contact in the video recording.

Tasks are a new addition to PowerPoint, which allow teachers to annotate points on student work, so as to assign an action for them to carry out in their work.

Reactions are a useful new feature that let you react to something without having to type words -- letting students know you've seen it, without opening up more dialogue or costing you time.

How does Microsoft PowerPoint work?

Microsoft PowerPoint follows the layout you may have experienced before in Word or Excel. You start with a selection of template options, or a blank start, which brings you into the editing mode. This has the slides down the left of the screen with a larger central part showing the current slide. Above that are the options in word and icon formats.

Editing is very easy, as when you select a section of the slide, that element will then be available to customize with prompts popping up to help. Drag-and-drop is also an option for moving items about or adding images into your slides, for example.

So the basic use of Microsoft PowerPoint is simple enough, however, there are lot of options. This could be daunting except Microsoft offers plenty of support so you can dive into those options to explore more. The Microsoft 365 support center has how-to articles, step-by-step video tutorials, an active community forum, and even a 24/7 live chat support team.

Once you're happy with your presentation, you can share it using a simple link, or you can present it to the class in the room or digitally by simply hitting the play icon. This also lets you see one screen, behind the scenes if you like, while the students just see the slides as each comes up – ideal if you want to keep notes and answers hidden.

What are the best Microsoft PowerPoint features?

Microsoft PowerPoint ease of use makes it a great tool for education. The ability to drag and drop images, music, video, files, and more into the slide and have the software do the work of converting and fitting it is an often underrated feature.

Collaboration is a great feature that allows students to work together on projects. Since students can see one another's changes, live, they don't need to be in the same room or in communication to work effectively together. Of course, having a bit of a plan of who does what also helps avoid any overlap.

Thanks to the wide use of Microsoft tools, there is a broad array of devices on which PowerPoint will work, from desktop computers and laptops to tablets and smartphones. It also plays nice with lots of projectors and smartboards, making presentations in varying locations an easy option, all using digital content stored in the cloud.

Microsoft PowerPoint offers great 3D support, making it a useful tool for sharing images, renders, and more. From physical objects in design or science class to virtual interactive maps, there's lots you can integrate into a Microsoft PowerPoint slide.

How much does Microsoft PowerPoint cost?

Microsoft charges for PowerPoint in varying ways, including a free option.

The Office 365 A1 plan gets you a host of online (slightly limited) versions of the apps, including PowerPoint, for free . This also comes with Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote, Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and more.

Step up to the Office 365 A3 plan , at $3.25 per user per month for staff or $2.50 per student , and you get all the above. You also get access to the full desktop apps as well as additional management and security tools.

Go for the top Office 365 A5 plan and it's $8 per user per month for staff and $6 per student . This gets you all the above plus "best-in-class intelligent security management", advanced compliance and analytics systems. 

Microsoft PowerPoint Best Tips and Tricks

Work together Create a project on the big screen, as a class, to work out how to use the software and work through any issues as a class.

Collaborate Set up groups for projects and have them work collaboratively to see how this tool can function across the cloud to enhance teamwork and the end results.

Try templates Encourage students to work with the templates to find ways to expressing what they need in the most time efficient way possible.

Luke Edwards is a freelance writer and editor with more than two decades of experience covering tech, science, and health. He writes for many publications covering health tech, software and apps, digital teaching tools, VPNs, TV, audio, smart home, antivirus, broadband, smartphones, cars and much more.

Kaibot: How to Use It to Teach

Miro: How to Use It to Teach

Should Digital Literacy Be Its Own Classroom Subject?

Most Popular

• 2 4 Tips for Designing AI-Resistant Assessments
• 3 High School Math Students Used A GPT-4 AI Tutor. They did Worse.
• 4 The Top 4 State Edtech Trends According To SETDA
• 5 Miro: How to Use It to Teach

Online Educators

You are reading, importance of power point presentation in teaching, reading time.

• Tools and Gear
• May 24, 2022

2. Development of In-Depth Knowledge

Many benefits come from using PowerPoint presentations. Still, one of the most significant benefits is that they can help you develop your knowledge in an area by providing you with more information than you would have otherwise obtained. When you go through a PowerPoint presentation , you’re going to be exposed to more information than if you just read something written down or listened to someone speak about it verbally without visual aids such as graphs and charts.

Powerpoint presentation is a type of media used to convey information and ideas. Most people use PowerPoint presentations to communicate their ideas more professionally.

3. Easy to Convert and Share

Powerpoint presentations are a great way to get your ideas across clearly, and concisely. They can be used in various situations, from work presentations to classroom lectures. Powerpoint Presentations are easy to convert and share.

Powerpoint presentations are effortless to convert and share. You can convert a Powerpoint presentation to a PDF with the click of a button on your computer. You can also save it as an MP4 video file or send it as an email attachment. If you want the people you are sending the presentation to be able to edit the display, then you need to use PowerPoint’s built-in feature called “Save As” instead of saving it as a PDF, MP4, or attaching it as an email attachment.

4. Efficient Lesson Planning A PowerPoint 

Presentation is a great way to make your lesson more efficient and more engaging . It can also be a great way to keep yourself on track and make sure you’re not going off track. You can use PowerPoint to make an outline or even create an entire lesson plan in PowerPoint.

By using PowerPoint slides, teachers can show their students any type of information they want without writing out a handout or explaining everything verbally. This saves time and helps make lessons more efficient by allowing teachers to focus on other important teaching areas like engagement and interaction with students.

5. Excellent Revision Tool

PowerPoint presentation is a great way to revise for an exam. It helps you plan your revision and focus on what is essential. You can create it using the software on your computer or the internet to create one.

There are many ways a PowerPoint presentation can help you revise for an exam. You can use it to organize your notes to make sense and are easy to read. You can also use it as a checklist, ensuring that you have covered everything you need to cover in your exams.

6. Facilitates Effective E-learning And Distance Education

A PowerPoint presentation facilitates effective e-learning and distance education because it allows instructors to communicate with students through visual aids such as images and slideshows. Power points can also be used to distribute course materials such as homework assignments and reading material.

Powerpoint presentations provide an opportunity for instructors to engage with their students on a personal level by allowing them to provide feedback on student work or ask questions about course material through comments in the margins of each slide. These features help build rapport between instructors and students so that both parties feel comfortable sharing ideas about what needs improvement within the coursework itself.

7. Keep Track of Course

The program also allows teachers to save their presentations as a file that they can access later if they want or need to. Another reason why teachers should use PowerPoint is that it helps them keep track of what has been taught during each class period ; some schools require teachers to keep track of what topics were covered so that parents can see what their child learned over time by reading through these reports at home after school. This allows students to see how their work relates to the overall lesson, rather than just completing an assignment with no context.

8. Customized Templates For Comfortable Learning

PowerPoint has an ample template library which aids in comfortable learning. There are various templates available for creating presentations so that one does not need to spend time designing a presentation from scratch. There are also many templates available for different types of presentations such as business, marketing, education, and many others. These templates are available for free download from the internet, which makes them accessible to all types of users at no cost whatsoever.

Many people often find difficulties while creating their own slideshows because they do not know about PowerPoint or do not have enough time to go through all these things before making their presentations. In such cases, it becomes very important for them to use these templates because they contain everything that is required for making a good quality slide show within no time at all without putting much effort into it!

Final Thoughts

These days, PowerPoint presentations have become indispensable. Powerpoint has now become an important part of the educational system. There is hardly any classroom where one cannot find a PowerPoint presentation running in the background. The various advantages of PowerPoint have made its presence felt in almost every school and university worldwide.

More from Ladybug

How to Choose the Right Camera

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be part of the list !

Lorem ipsum dolor sit adipiscing ut malesuada.

Join our newsletter and get the latest news and articles sent straight to your inbox weekly.

Subscribe to our newsletter.

By clicking subscribe you'll receive occasional emails from LadyBug.

• Data Analytics
• Data-Visualisation
• Certified Information Security (CISM) / CISSP / CISA
• Cisco-(CCNP)
• Google Cloud
• Microsoft Azure
• Product Management
• Web Development
• Java Script
• Strategic Thinking
• Time Management
• Working from Home
• Entrepreneurship
• Interpersonal Communication
• Personal Branding
• Graphic Design
• UX/UI Design
• Motion Graphics
• Film & Video
• Copy Writing
• Life Coaching
• Team Building
• All Articles
• Data Science
• IT/Cloud Certifications
• Online Teaching
• Programming
• Soft Skills

Stay in touch!

Never miss out on the latest articles and get sneak peeks of our favorite classes.

May 22, 2023

The Value of PowerPoint in Education: How to Create Engaging Presentations for Student Success

In the realm of education, students embark on a journey of discovery as they weave together words, visuals, and passion to create captivating presentations. It’s not just about delivering information. It’s an art form that:

• hones communication skills
• sparks curiosity
• unleashes the potential within each student.

Amid the hustle and bustle of academic life, students often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of assignments and deadlines. As they navigate the labyrinth of essays, research papers, and exams, time becomes a precious commodity. Creating a presentation can seem like an insurmountable task when the weight of numerous essays bears down on their shoulders. However, with the click of a button, students can get assistance with their essays online.

There are tons of websites where students can find free examples of essays and learn from them. This can alleviate the burden and reclaim their precious time. Embracing the power of virtual support, they can find expert guidance and well-crafted papers. Students can check, let’s say, modern fast fashion argumentative essay topics to produce more writing ideas. No matter what subject you are studying, you can always find help with your and focus on the presentation.

Learn Business Skills Online

Effective Business Presentation Course

Business Course Personal Assessment & Placement

Intro to Business Ethics – Private

A well-crafted PowerPoint can elevate your presentation, capture attention, and enhance understanding.

The importance of presentations

Students are often required to create presentations at school. And no wonder why! There are several reasons for that. Read about them below.

Communication Skills

First of all, it helps students develop and enhance their communication skills. Presentations require them to:

• organize their thoughts
• structure information effectively
• present it in a clear and concise manner.

These skills are essential in various aspects of life, including future careers.

Research and Information Gathering

Presentations usually involve conducting research and gathering relevant information on a particular topic. This process helps students:

• develop their critical thinking skills
• learn how to find reliable sources
• analyze and synthesize information.

Presentation Skills

This form of assignment also develops their public speaking skills. Standing in front of a group and delivering a presentation is a great way to:

• build confidence
• overcome stage fright
• improve their ability to engage and connect with an audience.

Collaboration and Teamwork

In some cases, students may be required to work on presentations as a team. Of course, this encourages:

• collaboration
• cooperation
• the development of teamwork skills.

Students learn how to divide tasks, delegate responsibilities, and work together to create a cohesive and well-rounded presentation.

Subject Mastery

Creating a presentation on a specific topic requires students to comprehend the subject matter. To present information effectively, students need to have a deep understanding of the topic. In turn, this helps them consolidate their knowledge and develop expertise in that area.

Technology Skills

Presentations often involve the use of technology tools. They can be special software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) or multimedia elements (e.g., images, videos). So this way, students become familiar with various technological tools. In fact, they learn how to use them effectively. In the long run, it improves their digital literacy and technological skills.

Assessment and Evaluation

Presentations serve as a form of assessment for teachers. They allow teachers to:

• assess students’ ability to research
• present information.

This form of work also provides an opportunity for students to identify areas for improvement and refine their skills.

Creating an effective PowerPoint presentation

A well-crafted PowerPoint can elevate your presentation, capture attention, and enhance understanding. To help you create it, here’s a step-by-step guide.

Make a plan

Start by outlining the key points and structure of your presentation. Determine the main message you want to convey and identify supporting ideas. Plan the flow of your slides to ensure a logical and coherent sequence.

Keep It Simple

Simplicity is crucial when designing PowerPoint slides. Avoid cluttered layouts and excessive text. Use concise bullet points or visuals to convey your message effectively. Remember, your slides should complement your presentation, not overpower it.

Visual Appeal

Choose visually appealing templates and color schemes that align with your topic and maintain consistency throughout the presentation. Use high-quality images, charts, and graphs to enhance engagement. Limit animations and transitions to maintain a professional and focused atmosphere.

Use Legible Fonts

Select clear and legible fonts that are easy to read. Avoid using decorative or overly stylized fonts that may hinder readability. UInstead, use font sizes that can be comfortably read from a distance, ensuring that all audience members can follow along.

Utilize Visual Hierarchy

Turn to hierarchy techniques to emphasize key points. Use font size, bolding, or color to highlight important information. This helps guide the audience’s attention and ensures that the most critical elements stand out.

Concise Slide Content

Limit the amount of text on each slide to essential points or brief summaries. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or excessive details. Use bullet points or short phrases to convey information concisely. Remember, the audience should listen to you, not read lengthy paragraphs on the screen.

Engage with Multimedia

Incorporate multimedia elements strategically. Embed relevant videos, audio clips, or interactive elements that add value to your content. Use them sparingly and ensure they contribute to the overall message.

Effective Use of Graphics

Don’t forget to include relevant and meaningful graphics to support your message. Charts, graphs, diagrams, and infographics can help visualize:

• comparisons

Ensure that visuals are:

• labeled appropriately
• easily understood by the audience.

Practice and Timing

Practice your presentation with the PowerPoint slides. You must be familiar with the order and content of each slide. You can also practice pacing yourself to align your spoken words with the visual elements effectively.

Rehearse and Seek Feedback

Rehearse your presentation multiple times, focusing on your delivery and timing. Practice your gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact. You can also ask for feedback from peers or teachers to refine your presentation and make necessary improvements.

Final thoughts

Giving a presentation is a great way to impress your teachers with your knowledge. Mastering the art of excellent presentations may improve your academic experience. And it doesn’t matter whether you are presenting a project, sharing research findings, or giving a speech. Hopefully, our detailed breakdown of how to design a presentation will make you stand out from the crowd.

Trending Articles

Don't forget to share this article!

Related Articles

Healthy Eye Habits for Online Learning Students

How to Write an Essay for a Scholarship

The Art of Instructional Design: Creating Engaging Learning Experiences

Solving Love Puzzle: The Ways Psychic Readings Can Propel Relationships

Chess in Esports: How Grandmasters are Dominating Online Competitive Scenes

Critical Reflections on the Transformative Power of Virtual Education

Global SharePoint Diary Site Logo

Global SharePoint

The king of SharePoint and Microsoft Power Platform.

Quick 5 benefits of PowerPoint presentation in Education

Benefits of PowerPoint Presentation in Education: When it comes to teaching, every educator has their own methods. Some may thrive in a lecture setting, while others prefer an interactive environment where students can participate and ask questions. With many schools switching from traditional lectures to PowerPoint presentations, you might wonder which is best for your class. Which style of teaching is more beneficial for your students?

That answer will differ depending on your teaching style, the subject matter of your course, and how much interaction you want from your students. Both methods have pros and cons, but it largely depends on the class you’re teaching. If you’re still unsure which one is better for you and your students, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of PowerPoint presentations in education over traditional lecturing.

Table of Contents

Why use PowerPoint presentations?

PowerPoint presentations have become a staple of business meetings, but they can also be helpful in the classroom. For example, if your students are taking an English literature course and are reading a novel or poetry collection, using a PowerPoint presentation can make it easier to get through the material.

Students can focus on the author’s words while you move the PowerPoint slides to help them understand them. Unlike a traditional lecture, where one person speaks and everyone else listens, PowerPoint presentations allow for more interactive learning.

Students have the chance to respond to the material and learn from their peers, making the class more of a collaborative experience. PowerPoint presentations are also a great way to get students involved and engaged in the material. They can ask questions about the content and interact with one another during the presentation.

Even though you’re at the front of the classroom, PowerPoint can help you get the class involved. If you want to incorporate more visual aids into your course, PowerPoint presentations are a great way to do so. Some studies have shown that humans remember what they’ve seen more than what they’ve heard. Therefore, using PowerPoint presentations in the classroom could improve students’ retention and memory.

The benefits of using PowerPoint presentations in class

Using PowerPoint presentations in class has many benefits for educators and students. Primarily, it can help you save time. Instead of spending a large chunk of your class time lecturing, you can condense your information into a PowerPoint presentation, allowing you to move on to other concepts quickly.

It is also easy to share your PowerPoint presentations with your students outside of class, especially using cloud-based apps. You can also use your presentations to organize your thoughts and keep track of your course outline at a glance. PowerPoint presentations are a great way to incorporate visuals into your lessons, making concepts easier to grasp for students who learn better visually. Students can also use their laptops or computers to view your PowerPoint presentation, making it easy for them to follow along without having to be directly at your computer.

Please don’t give up if you’re struggling to stay focused in class because you find technology distractive. You can engage CustomWritings to help you learn the ropes. As a custom presentation writing service, it has specialized in helping struggling students catch up with the rest by providing high-quality projects, PPTs, speeches, and essays are written from scratch. They can handle PowerPoint presentations of all kinds and levels. Visit their website for inquiries and orders, and you won’t be disappointed.  

Benefits of PowerPoint Presentation in Education for Learners, Educators, and Schools

These days, when a student walks into a classroom, their expectations are high. They want to be engaged and feel like their time is well spent. They want to learn and get their money’s worth. The best way to do this is by using a PowerPoint presentation to engage them in the learning process.

A PowerPoint presentation is going to allow you to bring in visuals. This, in turn, will help you deliver a more interactive, hands-on lesson that will engage and excite your students. The best way to do this is by collaborating with your students and getting them to bring their creativity into the lesson. PowerPoints have also helped institutions lower operational costs. While the initial cost of acquiring the system, i.e., laptops, projectors, etc., can be high, schools save in the end through less printing, chalkboard paintings, etc. These are just a few advantages of PowerPoint presentations in education.

The importance of PowerPoint presentations for students in college

When students have an opportunity to contribute to the classroom in a meaningful way, they are more likely to feel empowered, invested, and engaged in the material. To make this happen, you will have to open the floor and allow your students to collaborate.

This is where a PowerPoint presentation can shine. It can help your students get hands-on with the material, allowing them to explore different ideas, take risks, and become critical thinkers. The best way to do this is by creating a collaborative workspace that will allow your students to partner up, explore their ideas, and contribute to the lesson in a meaningful way. Additionally, since most learners are addicted to technology, it is easier to grab their attention with PowerPoint presentations.

The Drawbacks of Using PowerPoint Presentations in Class

Although you can use PowerPoint presentations to save time and get your students more engaged in the material, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. If you don’t create a clear path for your students to follow, they may get lost. Make sure each slide has a clear, concise message. This can prevent students from getting distracted. Your students also need to know when they should be paying attention to you and when they should be viewing the PowerPoint presentation. This can be hard to manage and may cause students to miss important information.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Lectures for Students

Educators who prefer traditional teaching methods may wonder, “How does PowerPoint help students learn?” If you opt for the traditional lecture setting over a PowerPoint presentation, remember that this is not the most interactive teaching method.

If your students feel like they are sitting in darkness, they may feel disengaged and uninterested in the content, leaving them behind on tests and exams. Another drawback to traditional lectures is that you can’t quickly go back and review the information if a student misses it or needs a refresher. If you make notes on a projector or whiteboard, they are difficult to review after the fact.

Conclusion: Benefits of PowerPoint presentation in Education

Choosing the right style of teaching for your students can be difficult. Luckily, there are pros and cons to both the traditional lecture setting and PowerPoint presentations. When deciding which one is best for your classroom, consider your teaching style, the subject matter of your class, and the amount of interaction you want students to have.

See Also: Top 7 business challenges in SharePoint Online

You may also like this article, SharePoint Challenges: Top 7 business challenges in SharePoint Online

NEWOR MEDIA: Maximize Your Website’s Earnings With AI

About Post Author

As a SharePoint and Power Platform Maven, my greatest joy comes from sharing my expertise with colleagues, friends, and the tech community, helping them navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and guiding them through the dynamic landscape of modern technology.

See author's posts

Share this:

Do you have a better solution or question on this topic please leave a comment cancel reply.

Prove your humanity

Remember Me

Register | Lost your password?

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Log in | Lost your password?

Username or E-mail:

Log in | Register

Discover more from Global SharePoint

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Onsite training

3,000,000+ delegates

15,000+ clients

1,000+ locations

• KnowledgePass
• Log a ticket

01344203999 Available 24/7

What is PowerPoint and what it is used for

PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft, which allows users to create, edit, and deliver visually engaging slideshows, whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious, explore the power of Microsoft PowerPoint and learn how you can create impactful presentations effortlessly.

Exclusive 40% OFF

Training Outcomes Within Your Budget!

We ensure quality, budget-alignment, and timely delivery by our expert instructors.

Share this Resource

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) MB920
• Microsoft Access Training
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) MB910
• Microsoft Word Course
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing MB220

According to Glassdoor , a PowerPoint designer's average salary in the UK is about £37,811 annually. Who knew there was big money in presentations alone? In this blog, you will learn What PowerPoint is, its key features, its benefits, and how to use it, as well as learn some tips for creating effective presentations. 

Table of contents      

1) What is PowerPoint?   

2) Understanding the PowerPoint interface   

3) Key features of PowerPoint  

4) How to use PowerPoint to create a presentation?  

5) Benefits of PowerPoint   

6) Tips for creating effective PowerPoint Presentations  

7) Alternatives to PowerPoint    

What is PowerPoint?  

PowerPoint is an essential multifunctional tool for making presentations which had been created by MS. As a part of the Microsoft Office Suite, it offers a toolbox to organise the presentation by using different tools and features to make it visually pleasant and attractive. MS PowerPoint gives the opportunity for the text, graphics, multimedia objects, and animation elements to be combined in one place to allow the users to present information in a more effective way.  

Evolution of PowerPoint  

In the course of time, PowerPoint has become a very functional tool to produce high-quality presentations Moreover, a secure system would be established to manage risks of data leakage or theft. First released in 1987 for Apple computers, it defies to the competition with its easy Graphical User Interface (GUIGUI)) and its large range of functions. With every new release, MS PowerPoint offered new functionality and boasted significant improvements, staying the wonder of the world of presentations.

Understanding the PowerPoint interface  

 The PowerPoint Program provides the presenter with an easy-to-use interface for designing and updating the presentation. It is important to master its main functions in order to conduct operations using this software with a level of proficiency.Here's a breakdown of the MS PowerPoint interface:   

1) Ribbon: The Ribbon is located at the top of the MS PowerPoint window and has several tabs which include Home, Insert, Design, Transitions, etc.

2) Slides pane: Slide pane which is positioned to the far left of the window, is the PowerPoint window. You will see there a collection of your slides examples (thumbnails) which enables you to adjust and customize them with greater ease. The floating pane of the editor lets you not only add, delete, duplicate, but also hide slides from there.

3)   Notes pane : The Notes pane is located below the Slides pane. It provides space for adding speaker notes or additional information related to each slide.    

4)  Slide area : The Slide area occupies the central part of the PowerPoint window. It displays the selected slide, where you can add and arrange content such as text, images, charts, and multimedia elements .    

5)  Task panes : Task panes are additional panels on the PowerPoint window's right side. They offer various functionalities such as formatting options, slide layouts, animations, etc. Task panes can be opened or closed based on your specific needs.   

Understanding the MS PowerPoint interface will help you navigate the software effectively and make the most of its features. Whether you are creating slides, adding content, or applying formatting, having a good grasp of the interface ensures a smooth and productive experience .  

Create impactful project timelines! Click to learn How to Make a Gantt chart in PowerPoint and impress with your project planning skills!

Key Features of PowerPoint  

When it comes to creating captivating and professional presentations, MS PowerPoint stands out as versatile and feature-rich software. Its array of tools and functionalities enables users to bring their imagination and ideas to life. Moreover, it also helps engage their audience effectively .    

From slide templates to multimedia integration, there are various Features of PowerPoint ; let's discuss some of them below.

1) Slide Templates : PowerPoint provides a collection of pre-designed templates that make it easy to create visually appealing slides.   

2)  Slide Master : The Slide Master feature allows users to define the overall layout, font styles, and colour scheme for the entire presentation .   

3)  Animations and transitions : PowerPoint offers various animation effects and slide transitions to add visual interest and captivate the audience .   

4)  Multimedia integration : Users can embed images, videos, and audio files directly into their presentations, enhancing the overall impact .   

5)   Collaboration tools : MS PowerPoint allows multiple users to work on a presentation simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote collaboration .   

6) Presenter View : The Presenter View feature gives presenters access to speaker notes, a timer, and a preview of upcoming slides, enabling a seamless presentation experience .   

These features collectively contribute to PowerPoint's versatility and make it a powerful tool for developing engaging and impactful presentations.  

Take your Microsoft Office skills to the next level – sign up for our Power Apps and Power Automate Training ! 

How to use PowerPoint to create a presentation?   

Creating a presentation in PowerPoint is a straightforward process. Whether it's simple animations or explainer videos learning H ow to use PowerPoint is an extremely valuable skill. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a presentation:   

1)  Launch PowerPoint and choose a template or start with a blank slide. 

2)  Add slides by clicking "New Slide" or using the shortcut key (Ctrl + M). 

3) Customise slide content by entering text and inserting visuals.  

4)  Rearrange slides for a logical flow by dragging them in the slide navigation pane.  

5)  Apply slide transitions for visual effects in the "Transitions" tab.  

6)  Add animations to objects in the "Animations" tab.  

7)  Preview your presentation by clicking "Slide Show".   

8)  Save your presentation and choose a format (.pptx or .pdf).  

9)  Share your presentation via email, cloud storage, or collaboration tools.   

By following these steps, you can create a well-structured and visually appealing presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint. Remember to keep your content concise, use engaging visuals, and practice your presentation skills to deliver an impactful presentation .   

Unlock your full potential and optimise your productivity with our comprehensive Microsoft Office 365 Masterclass . Sign up now!  

Benefits of PowerPoint   

PowerPoint is a very popular presentation software and for a good reason. It offers numerous benefits for users, from easy collaboration to ease of use. These are some of the key benefits of PowerPoint.

1) Visual appeal : Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create visually appealing presentations with its wide range of design tools and features. You can use templates, themes, and customisable layouts to make your slides visually engaging and professional .   

2)  Easy to use : PowerPoint has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive tools and straightforward navigation make it easy to create, edit, and deliver presentations efficiently .   

3)   Flexibility : PowerPoint provides flexibility in terms of content creation. You can include various types of content, such as text, images, charts, graphs, videos, and audio files, to enhance your message and engage your audience effectively.   

4)   Organisation and structure : PowerPoint offers features to help you organise and structure your content. You can create multiple slides, use slide masters for consistent formatting, and arrange the sequence of slides to create a logical flow .   

5)  Presenter tools : PowerPoint includes built-in presenter tools that aid in delivering presentations smoothly. You can use presenter view to see your notes and upcoming slides while your audience sees only the presentation. Additionally, features like slide transitions and animations add visual interest and help you control the flow of information .   

Land the job with ease! Learn how to ace your PowerPoint interview with tips to create slides that leave a lasting impression!

6)  Collaboration and sharing : PowerPoint allows for easy collaboration and sharing of presentations. Several users can simultaneously work on the same presentation, making it convenient for team projects. You can also share your presentations via email, cloud storage, or online platforms, ensuring easy access for viewers .   

7)   Integration with other tools : PowerPoint can seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel. You can import data and charts from Excel or copy and paste content between different Office applications, saving time and effort .  

8)   Presenter-audience interaction : PowerPoint provides features that facilitate interaction between the presenter and the audience. You can include interactive elements like hyperlinks, buttons, and quizzes to engage your audience and make your presentations more dynamic.   

9)   Portable and accessible : PowerPoint presentations can be saved in various formats, such as .pptx or .pdf, making them easily accessible on different devices. This portability allows you to deliver presentations on laptops, tablets, or even projectors without compatibility issues .   

10)  Time and effort savings : PowerPoint simplifies the process of creating presentations, saving you time and effort. The pre-designed templates, slide layouts, and formatting options enable you to create professional-looking presentations efficiently .   

Keynote vs. PowerPoint : Discover which tool is best for your presentations! Click to compare features and make the right choice!

Tips for Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations   

PowerPoint presentations can be powerful tools for communicating information and engaging an audience. Consider the following PowerPoint Tips to create effective presentations .

1) Simplicity is key : Keep your slides clean and uncluttered. Use concise bullet points and simple visuals to convey your message effectively .   

2)  Visuals matter : Incorporate relevant, high-quality visuals such as images, charts, and diagrams to enhance understanding and engagement .   

3)  Limit text : Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text on slides. Use brief phrases or keywords to communicate key points .   

4)  Choose legible fonts : Opt for clear and readable fonts that are easy to read, even from a distance. Maintain consistency in font styles throughout your presentation .   

5)  Consistent design : Maintain a consistent design theme, including colours, fonts, and layout, to create a visually appealing and professional presentation.   

6)  Emphasise important points : Use visual hierarchy techniques, such as font size, colour, and formatting, to draw attention to essential information .   

7)  Use transitions and animations sparingly : Incorporate slide transitions and animations thoughtfully, focusing on enhancing content and transitions without distracting the audience .   

8)  S lide notes for guidance : Utilise the slide notes feature to include additional details, explanations, or reminders for a well-prepared and confident presentation.   

9)  Practice and time yourself : Rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth delivery and stay within the allocated time. Practice helps you refine your content and delivery.   

10)  Engage the audience : Encourage audience participation through interactive elements, questions, or discussions to foster engagement and make your presentation more memorable.   

By implementing these tips, you can create effective MS PowerPoint presentations that capture attention, communicate information clearly, and engage your audience effectively.  

Google Slides vs. PowerPoint : Which is best for you? Click to compare features and choose the right tool for your next presentation!

Alternatives to PowerPoint  

Most of you are used to using PowerPoint for your presentation needs since it was the first option available to us through our academics. However, if you wish to check out alternative options to Powerpoint know if they work better for you, here are ten options that is worth a short: 

5) Slidebean

6) Zoho Show 

7) Google Slide 

9) Beautiful.ai

10) Microsoft Sway

Conclusion     

This blog walked you through What is PowerPoint and how it can aid you in curating compelling visual representations of the message you wish to get across. We discussed it features and the process of how you can create presentations on PowerPoint. Now take what you know and run with it explore your options with your templates and building new ones, let your creativity take its course. 

Learn how to create customised slide shows in MS PowerPoint with our Microsoft PowerPoint MO300 Training .  

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, making a presentation can be tricky business. Here are some of the common mistakes people make:

1) Adding too much text! The presentation needs to have brief and simple points you elaborate on in person. 

2) Bad colour schemes for template and font colour. Sometimes the clash of colour may make the text illegible. 

3) Too many elements! Crowding of elements may lose your audience’s attention.   

Yes, you most definitely can! You can use PowerPoint online with a Microsoft Office 360 plug in that allows you to use all Microsoft applications on your browser. 

The Knowledge Academy takes global learning to new heights, offering over 30,000 online courses across 490+ locations in 220 countries. This expansive reach ensures accessibility and convenience for learners worldwide.  

Alongside our diverse Online Course Catalogue, encompassing 17 major categories, we go the extra mile by providing a plethora of free educational Online Resources like News updates, Blogs , videos, webinars, and interview questions. Tailoring learning experiences further, professionals can maximise value with customisable Course Bundles of TKA .   

The Knowledge Academy’s Knowledge Pass , a prepaid voucher, adds another layer of flexibility, allowing course bookings over a 12-month period. Join us on a journey where education knows no bounds. 

The Knowledge Academy offers various Microsoft Excel Training & Certification Course , including Microsoft Excel Masterclass Course, Six Sigma Black belt Microsoft Excel VBA and Macro Training and Excel for Accountants Masterclass Course. These courses cater to different skill levels, providing comprehensive insights into Excel Cheat Sheet: A Beginner's Guide . 

Our Office Applications Blogs covers a range of topics offering valuable resources, best practices, and industry insights. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your skills, The Knowledge Academy's diverse courses and informative blogs have you covered.  

Upcoming Office Applications Resources Batches & Dates

Thu 10th Oct 2024

Thu 7th Nov 2024

Thu 5th Dec 2024

Fri 21st Feb 2025

Fri 25th Apr 2025

Fri 20th Jun 2025

Fri 22nd Aug 2025

Fri 17th Oct 2025

Fri 19th Dec 2025

Get A Quote

WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

My employer

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry

• Business Analysis
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

Share this course

Our biggest summer sale.

We cannot process your enquiry without contacting you, please tick to confirm your consent to us for contacting you about your enquiry.

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry.

We may not have the course you’re looking for. If you enquire or give us a call on 01344203999 and speak to our training experts, we may still be able to help with your training requirements.

Or select from our popular topics

• ITIL® Certification
• Scrum Certification
• ISO 9001 Certification
• Change Management Certification
• Microsoft Azure Certification
• Microsoft Excel Courses
• Explore more courses

Press esc to close

Fill out your  contact details  below and our training experts will be in touch.

Fill out your   contact details   below

Thank you for your enquiry!

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go over your training requirements.

Back to Course Information

Fill out your contact details below so we can get in touch with you regarding your training requirements.

* WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

Preferred Contact Method

No preference

Back to course information

Fill out your  training details  below

Fill out your training details below so we have a better idea of what your training requirements are.

HOW MANY DELEGATES NEED TRAINING?

HOW DO YOU WANT THE COURSE DELIVERED?

Online Instructor-led

Online Self-paced

WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

Next 2 - 4 months

WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR ENQUIRING?

Looking for some information

Looking for a discount

I want to book but have questions

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go overy your training requirements.

Your privacy & cookies!

Like many websites we use cookies. We care about your data and experience, so to give you the best possible experience using our site, we store a very limited amount of your data. Continuing to use this site or clicking “Accept & close” means that you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy and cookie policy cookie policy .

We use cookies that are essential for our site to work. Please visit our cookie policy for more information. To accept all cookies click 'Accept & close'.

Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to create an educational presentation

How to create an educational presentation

Using presentations can be an effective way to teach lessons and ensure that your audience can retain new facts. With visual aids, video and animated clips, and even interactive quizzes, you can use presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint to dazzle your students.

The advantages of PowerPoint presentations in education

Students have different learning styles : some are visual learners, who retain images and videos more effectively than speech. Some take to audio and sound more easily. Others prefer to interact with their lessons—which usually refers to holding physical objects but can also be directly related to guessing answers and responding to questions.

Fortunately, PowerPoint’s versatility means that it can appeal to all of these diverse learning styles. You can embed multimedia elements such as videos, audio clips, and interactive graphics, creating a multi-sensory experience. PowerPoint can also be helpful when considering any visual impairments that your audience members may have so that you can present with different forms of media to cater to all learning styles.

Tell your story with captivating presentations

Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices

Before diving into PowerPoint, consider the following factors to help your audience retain as much information as possible:

• Define lesson objectives: Set a goal for what kind of lesson you want to impart to your audience. What do you want students to learn? You can answer this question by outlining your lesson objectives and clearly defining your goals, which will also guide the structure and content of your presentation.
• Organize your content: Divide your lesson into key points and organize them into a logical sequence that builds in complexity. Start with basic points or even a review of previous concepts before diving into more intricate or complicated aspects of your lesson. Each point should be presented on a separate slide to maintain clarity and focus.
• Use visuals effectively: Enhance your presentation with relevant visuals such as images, videos, audio clips, or interactive simulations to cater to different learning preferences and keep the presentation engaging. These can convey complex information more efficiently than text alone. At the same time, it can be easy to be carried away by inundating your audience with too many visual elements, so ensuring smooth flow and transitions is key.
• Encourage interaction: Foster active participation by including interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or discussion prompts to prompt student engagement. After you introduce a new concept in your lesson, these interactive elements can reinforce them and make them stick.
• Practice delivery: Public speaking isn’t always easy. One of the most effective ways to sound confident is to practice delivering your presentation before the day of your lesson. Familiarize yourself with the content and also the way that it’s presented: pacing, transitions, and interactive elements. This preparation will boost your confidence, ensure a smooth flow, and help you address any potential challenges during the actual presentation.

Staid lessons can be livened up thanks to the power of presentation! No matter what you’re teaching—the ABCs to a kindergarten class, or nuclear physics to a graduate department—you can check out more tips for effective presenting such as how to create compelling presentation designs , using the 10-20-30 rule for presenting, or discovering the history of PowerPoint .

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

More articles like this one.

How to introduce yourself in a presentation

Gain your audience’s attention at the onset of a presentation. Craft an impressionable introduction to establish tone, presentation topic, and more.

How to add citations to your presentation

Conduct research and appropriately credit work for your presentation. Understand the importance of citing sources and how to add them to your presentation.

How to work on a group presentation

Group presentations can go smoothly with these essential tips on how to deliver a compelling one.

How to create a sales presentation

Engage your audience and get them interested in your product with this guide to creating a sales presentation.

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

Explore Other Categories

• Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning
• Instructional Guide

Teaching with PowerPoint

When effectively planned and used, PowerPoint (or similar tools, like Google Slides) can enhance instruction. People are divided on the effectiveness of this ubiquitous presentation program—some say that PowerPoint is wonderful while others bemoan its pervasiveness. No matter which side you take, PowerPoint does offer effective ways to enhance instruction when used and designed appropriately.

PowerPoint can be an effective tool to present material in the classroom and encourage student learning. You can use PowerPoint to project visuals that would otherwise be difficult to bring to class. For example, in an anthropology class, a single PowerPoint presentation could project images of an anthropological dig from a remote area, questions asking students about the topic, a chart of related statistics, and a mini quiz about what was just discussed that provides students with information that is visual, challenging, and engaging.

PowerPoint can be an effective tool to present material in the classroom and encourage student learning.

This section is organized in three major segments: Part I will help faculty identify and use basic but important design elements, Part II will cover ways to enhance teaching and learning with PowerPoint, and Part III will list ways to engage students with PowerPoint.

PART I: Designing the PowerPoint Presentation

Accessibility.

• Student accessibility—students with visual or hearing impairments may not be able to fully access a PowerPoint presentation, especially those with graphics, images, and sound.
• Use an accessible layout. Built-in slide template layouts were designed to be accessible: “the reading order is the same for people with vision and for people who use assistive technology such as screen readers” (University of Washington, n.d.). If you want to alter the layout of a theme, use the Slide Master; this will ensure your slides will retain accessibility.
• Use unique and specific slide titles so students can access the material they need.
• Consider how you display hyperlinks. Since screen readers read what is on the page, you may want to consider creating a hyperlink using a descriptive title instead of displaying the URL.
• All visuals and tables should include alt text. Alt text should describe the visual or table in detail so that students with visual impairments can “read” the images with their screen readers. Avoid using too many decorative visuals.
• All video and audio content should be captioned for students with hearing impairments. Transcripts can also be useful as an additional resource, but captioning ensures students can follow along with what is on the screen in real-time.
• Simplify your tables. If you use tables on your slides, ensure they are not overly complex and do not include blank cells. Screen readers may have difficulty providing information about the table if there are too many columns and rows, and they may “think” the table is complete if they come to a blank cell.
• Set a reading order for text on your slides. The order that text appears on the slide may not be the reading order of the text. Check that your reading order is correct by using the Selection Pane (organized bottom-up).
• Use Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker to identify potential accessibility issues in your completed PowerPoint. Use the feedback to improve your PowerPoint’s accessibility. You could also send your file to the Disability Resource Center to have them assess its accessibility (send it far in advance of when you will need to use it).
• Save your PowerPoint presentation as a PDF file to distribute to students with visual impairments.

Preparing for the presentation

• Consider time and effort in preparing a PowerPoint presentation; give yourself plenty of lead time for design and development.
• PowerPoint is especially useful when providing course material online. Consider student technology compatibility with PowerPoint material put on the web; ensure images and graphics have been compressed for access by computers using dial-up connection.

PowerPoint is especially useful when providing course material online.

• Be aware of copyright law when displaying course materials, and properly cite source material. This is especially important when using visuals obtained from the internet or other sources. This also models proper citation for your students.
• Think about message interpretation for PowerPoint use online: will students be able to understand material in a PowerPoint presentation outside of the classroom? Will you need to provide notes and/or other material to help students understand complex information, data, or graphics?
• If you will be using your own laptop, make sure the classroom is equipped with the proper cables, drivers, and other means to display your presentation the way you have intended.

Slide content

• Avoid text-dense slides. It’s better to have more slides than trying to place too much text on one slide. Use brief points instead of long sentences or paragraphs and outline key points rather than transcribing your lecture. Use PowerPoint to cue and guide the presentation.
• Use the Notes feature to add content to your presentation that the audience will not see. You can access the Notes section for each slide by sliding the bottom of the slide window up to reveal the notes section or by clicking “View” and choosing “Notes Page” from the Presentation Views options.
• Relate PowerPoint material to course objectives to reinforce their purpose for students.

Number of slides

• As a rule of thumb, plan to show one slide per minute to account for discussion and time and for students to absorb the material.
• Reduce redundant or text-heavy sentences or bullets to ensure a more professional appearance.
• Incorporate active learning throughout the presentation to hold students’ interest and reinforce learning.

Emphasizing content

• Use italics, bold, and color for emphasizing content.
• Use of a light background (white, beige, yellow) with dark typeface or a dark background (blue, purple, brown) with a light typeface is easy to read in a large room.
• Avoid using too many colors or shifting colors too many times within the presentation, which can be distracting to students.
• Avoid using underlines for emphasis; underlining typically signifies hypertext in digital media.

Use of a light background with dark typeface or a dark background with a light typeface is easy to read in a large room.

• Limit the number of typeface styles to no more than two per slide. Try to keep typeface consistent throughout your presentation so it does not become a distraction.
• Avoid overly ornate or specialty fonts that may be harder for students to read. Stick to basic fonts so as not to distract students from the content.
• Ensure the typeface is large enough to read from anywhere in the room: titles and headings should be no less than 36-40-point font. The subtext should be no less than 32-point font.

Clip art and graphics

• Use clip art and graphics sparingly. Research shows that it’s best to use graphics only when they support the content. Irrelevant graphics and images have been proven to hinder student learning.
• Photographs can be used to add realism. Again, only use photographs that are relevant to the content and serve a pedagogical purpose. Images for decorative purposes are distracting.
• Size and place graphics appropriately on the slide—consider wrapping text around a graphic.
• Use two-dimensional pie and bar graphs rather than 3D styles which can interfere with the intended message.

Use clip art and graphics sparingly. Research shows that it’s best to use graphics only when they support the content.

Animation and sound

• Add motion, sound, or music only when necessary. When in doubt, do without.
• Avoid distracting animations and transitions. Excessive movement within or between slides can interfere with the message and students find them distracting. Avoid them or use only simple screen transitions.

Final check

• Check for spelling, correct word usage, flow of material, and overall appearance of the presentation.
• Colleagues can be helpful to check your presentation for accuracy and appeal. Note: Errors are more obvious when they are projected.
• Schedule at least one practice session to check for timing and flow.
• PowerPoint’s Slide Sorter View is especially helpful to check slides for proper sequencing as well as information gaps and redundancy. You can also use the preview pane on the left of the screen when you are editing the PowerPoint in “Normal” view.
• Prepare for plan “B” in case you have trouble with the technology in the classroom: how will you provide material located on your flash drive or computer? Have an alternate method of instruction ready (printing a copy of your PowerPoint with notes is one idea).

PowerPoint’s Slide Sorter View is especially helpful to check slides for proper sequencing and information gaps and redundancy.

PowerPoint Handouts

PowerPoint provides multiple options for print-based handouts that can be distributed at various points in the class.

Before class: students might like having materials available to help them prepare and formulate questions before the class period.

During class: you could distribute a handout with three slides and lines for notes to encourage students to take notes on the details of your lecture so they have notes alongside the slide material (and aren’t just taking notes on the slide content).

After class: some instructors wait to make the presentation available after the class period so that students concentrate on the presentation rather than reading ahead on the handout.

Never: Some instructors do not distribute the PowerPoint to students so that students don’t rely on access to the presentation and neglect to pay attention in class as a result.

• PowerPoint slides can be printed in the form of handouts—with one, two, three, four, six, or nine slides on a page—that can be given to students for reference during and after the presentation. The three-slides-per-page handout includes lined space to assist in note-taking.
• Notes Pages. Detailed notes can be printed and used during the presentation, or if they are notes intended for students, they can be distributed before the presentation.
• Outline View. PowerPoint presentations can be printed as an outline, which provides all the text from each slide. Outlines offer a welcome alternative to slide handouts and can be modified from the original presentation to provide more or less information than the projected presentation.

The Presentation

Alley, Schreiber, Ramsdell, and Muffo (2006) suggest that PowerPoint slide headline design “affects audience retention,” and they conclude that “succinct sentence headlines are more effective” in information recall than headlines of short phrases or single words (p. 233). In other words, create slide titles with as much information as is used for newspapers and journals to help students better understand the content of the slide.

• PowerPoint should provide key words, concepts, and images to enhance your presentation (but PowerPoint should not replace you as the presenter).
• Avoid reading from the slide—reading the material can be perceived as though you don’t know the material. If you must read the material, provide it in a handout instead of a projected PowerPoint slide.
• Avoid moving a laser pointer across the slide rapidly. If using a laser pointer, use one with a dot large enough to be seen from all areas of the room and move it slowly and intentionally.

Avoid reading from the slide—reading the material can be perceived as though you don’t know the material.

• Use a blank screen to allow students to reflect on what has just been discussed or to gain their attention (Press B for a black screen or W for a white screen while delivering your slide show; press these keys again to return to the live presentation). This pause can also be used for a break period or when transitioning to new content.
• Stand to one side of the screen and face the audience while presenting. Using Presenter View will display your slide notes to you on the computer monitor while projecting only the slides to students on the projector screen.
• Leave classroom lights on and turn off lights directly over the projection screen if possible. A completely dark or dim classroom will impede notetaking (and may encourage nap-taking).
• Learn to use PowerPoint efficiently and have a back-up plan in case of technical failure.
• Give yourself enough time to finish the presentation. Trying to rush through slides can give the impression of an unorganized presentation and may be difficult for students to follow or learn.

PART II: Enhancing Teaching and Learning with PowerPoint

Class preparation.

PowerPoint can be used to prepare lectures and presentations by helping instructors refine their material to salient points and content. Class lectures can be typed in outline format, which can then be refined as slides. Lecture notes can be printed as notes pages  (notes pages: Printed pages that display author notes beneath the slide that the notes accompany.) and could also be given as handouts to accompany the presentation.

Multimodal Learning

Using PowerPoint can help you present information in multiple ways (a multimodal approach) through the projection of color, images, and video for the visual mode; sound and music for the auditory mode; text and writing prompts for the reading/writing mode; and interactive slides that ask students to do something, e.g. a group or class activity in which students practice concepts, for the kinesthetic mode (see Part III: Engaging Students with PowerPoint for more details). Providing information in multiple modalities helps improve comprehension and recall for all students.

Providing information in multiple modalities helps improve comprehension and recall for all students.

Type-on Live Slides

PowerPoint allows users to type directly during the slide show, which provides another form of interaction. These write-on slides can be used to project students’ comments and ideas for the entire class to see. When the presentation is over, the new material can be saved to the original file and posted electronically. This feature requires advanced preparation in the PowerPoint file while creating your presentation. For instructions on how to set up your type-on slide text box, visit this tutorial from AddictiveTips .  

Write or Highlight on Slides

PowerPoint also allows users to use tools to highlight or write directly onto a presentation while it is live. When you are presenting your PowerPoint, move your cursor over the slide to reveal tools in the lower-left corner. One of the tools is a pen icon. Click this icon to choose either a laser pointer, pen, or highlighter. You can use your cursor for these options, or you can use the stylus for your smart podium computer monitor or touch-screen laptop monitor (if applicable).  

Just-In-Time Course Material

You can make your PowerPoint slides, outline, and/or notes pages available online 24/7 through Blackboard, OneDrive, other websites. Students can review the material before class, bring printouts to class, and better prepare themselves for listening rather than taking a lot of notes during the class period. They can also come to class prepared with questions about the material so you can address their comprehension of the concepts.

PART III: Engaging Students with PowerPoint

The following techniques can be incorporated into PowerPoint presentations to increase interactivity and engagement between students and between students and the instructor. Each technique can be projected as a separate PowerPoint slide.

Running Slide Show as Students Arrive in the Classroom

This technique provides visual interest and can include a series of questions for students to answer as they sit waiting for class to begin. These questions could be on future texts or quizzes.

• Opening Question : project an opening question, e.g. “Take a moment to reflect on ___.”
• Think of what you know about ___.
• Turn to a partner and share your knowledge about ___.
• Share with the class what you have discussed with your partner.
• Focused Listing helps with recall of pertinent information, e.g. “list as many characteristics of ___, or write down as many words related to ___ as you can think of.”
• Brainstorming stretches the mind and promotes deep thinking and recall of prior knowledge, e.g. “What do you know about ___? Start with your clearest thoughts and then move on to those what are kind of ‘out there.’”
• Questions : ask students if they have any questions roughly every 15 minutes. This technique provides time for students to reflect and is also a good time for a scheduled break or for the instructor to interact with students.
• Note Check : ask students to “take a few minutes to compare notes with a partner,” or “…summarize the most important information,” or “…identify and clarify any sticking points,” etc.
• Questions and Answer Pairs : have students “take a minute to come with one question then see if you can stump your partner!”
• The Two-Minute Paper allows the instructor to check the class progress, e.g. “summarize the most important points of today’s lecture.” Have students submit the paper at the end of class.
• “If You Could Ask One Last Question—What Would It Be?” This technique allows for students to think more deeply about the topic and apply what they have learned in a question format.
• A Classroom Opinion Poll provides a sense of where students stand on certain topics, e.g. “do you believe in ___,” or “what are your thoughts on ___?”
• Muddiest Point allows anonymous feedback to inform the instructor if changes and or additions need to be made to the class, e.g. “What parts of today’s material still confuse you?”
• Most Useful Point can tell the instructor where the course is on track, e.g. “What is the most useful point in today’s material, and how can you illustrate its use in a practical setting?”

Positive Features of PowerPoint

• PowerPoint saves time and energy—once the presentation has been created, it is easy to update or modify for other courses.
• PowerPoint is portable and can be shared easily with students and colleagues.
• PowerPoint supports multimedia, such as video, audio, images, and

PowerPoint supports multimedia, such as video, audio, images, and animation.

Potential Drawbacks of PowerPoint

• PowerPoint could reduce the opportunity for classroom interaction by being the primary method of information dissemination or designed without built-in opportunities for interaction.
• PowerPoint could lead to information overload, especially with the inclusion of long sentences and paragraphs or lecture-heavy presentations with little opportunity for practical application or active learning.
• PowerPoint could “drive” the instruction and minimize the opportunity for spontaneity and creative teaching unless the instructor incorporates the potential for ingenuity into the presentation. 

As with any technology, the way PowerPoint is used will determine its pedagogical effectiveness. By strategically using the points described above, PowerPoint can be used to enhance instruction and engage students.

Alley, M., Schreiber, M., Ramsdell, K., & Muffo, J. (2006). How the design of headlines in presentation slides affects audience retention. Technical Communication, 53 (2), 225-234. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/43090718

University of Washington, Accessible Technology. (n.d.). Creating accessible presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint. Retrieved from https://www.washington.edu/accessibility/documents/powerpoint/  

Selected Resources

Brill, F. (2016). PowerPoint for teachers: Creating interactive lessons. LinkedIn Learning . Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/PowerPoint-tutorials/PowerPoint-Teachers-Create-Interactive-Lessons/472427-2.html

Huston, S. (2011). Active learning with PowerPoint [PDF file]. DE Oracle @ UMUC . Retrieved from http://contentdm.umuc.edu/digital/api/collection/p16240coll5/id/78/download

Microsoft Office Support. (n.d.). Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities. Retrieved from https://support.office.com/en-us/article/make-your-powerpoint-presentations-accessible-to-people-with-disabilities-6f7772b2-2f33-4bd2-8ca7-ae3b2b3ef25

Tufte, E. R. (2006). The cognitive style of PowerPoint: Pitching out corrupts within. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press LLC.

University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine. (n.d.). Active Learning with a PowerPoint. Retrieved from https://www.unmc.edu/com/_documents/active-learning-ppt.pdf

University of Washington, Department of English. (n.d.). Teaching with PowerPoint. Retrieved from https://english.washington.edu/teaching/teaching-powerpoint

Vanderbilt University, Center for Teaching. (n.d.). Making better PowerPoint presentations. Retrieved from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/making-better-powerpoint-presentations/

Suggested citation

Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. (2020). Teaching with PowerPoint. In Instructional guide for university faculty and teaching assistants. Retrieved from https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide

Phone: 815-753-0595 Email: [email protected]

Connect with us on

Facebook page Twitter page YouTube page Instagram page LinkedIn page

Number of items in cart: 0

• Your cart is empty.
• Total: $0.00

What Are the Key Benefits of Using PowerPoint in Teaching and Learning?

Table of Contents

The Importance of PowerPoint Presentation in Teaching

An education-based PowerPoint presentation templates have become an integral part of teaching in today’s classrooms. They provide educators with a versatile tool for delivering engaging and interactive lessons. PPT presentations also offer numerous benefits for students, including the ability to improve concentration and comprehension levels.

Additionally, by using PowerPoint slides in conjunction with other instructional materials, such as textbooks and handouts, teachers can ensure that all students are able to access the information being presented in class. PowerPoint presentations can be a powerful tool for teaching and learning when used effectively.

The main reason behind this is that PowerPoint presentations enable you to interact with your audience psychologically. So, here we’re going to discuss the power of PowerPoint in education.

In most cases, presentations are designed for businesses and applied very commonly in business areas. Moreover, presentation slides are likewise used in the education sector and can make your educational or research content compelling.

Let’s get started. Scroll now to read the key benefits of using PowerPoint in teaching and learning .

Why PowerPoint Templates Are the Best Tool for Teaching?

PowerPoint templates are an excellent tool for teaching. They provide a consistent and professional look to your presentations and help keep your ideas organized. Presentation templates also make updating and changing your slides easy, so you can always keep your presentations fresh and up-to-date.

When teaching a subject like biology, getting your audience interested in what you have to say is essential. PowerPoint templates can help you set the tone for your presentation and reinforce the type of content you will discuss. There are various templates out there, so you can find one that will let you teach your subject efficiently and keep things neat and organized.

In addition, PPT slides can be easily shared with other teachers so that you can collaborate on projects and assignments. Overall, PowerPoint templates are a versatile and valuable tool for any teacher. With their help, you can create engaging and informative presentations to help your students learn and succeed.

How PowerPoint Templates Let You Engage Your Students or Audience?

At present, it’s more important than ever to be able to engage your audience. Whether you’re giving a PPT presentation to a group of students or speaking to a potential client, you need to be able to capture their attention and keep them engaged.

One way to do this is by using PowerPoint templates. With templates, you can create visually appealing and informative presentations. By using engaging visuals and helpful content, you can ensure that your audience stays interested in what you’re saying.

In addition, templates can help you save time when creating presentations. All you need to do with everything already laid out for you is add your content. Accordingly, templates can help you create professional and effective presentations.

Although presentation skills are essential for everyone, they are particularly important for educators. After all, a large part of a teacher’s job is to present information to students engagingly and effectively. Fortunately, there are some simple tips that can help to improve any presentation.

• First, it is important to be well prepared. This means clearly understanding the material that will be covered and knowing how to effectively communicate it to the audience.
• It is also significant to be aware of the audience’s level of knowledge and adjust the presentation accordingly.
• Finally, it is significant to be confident and keep the presentation interesting using various techniques such as humor, stories, or multimedia elements.

By following these tips, any teacher can deliver a successful presentation.

How to Create an Educational Presentation Quickly?

PowerPoint templates are a great way to teach your students detailed data. For your lessons to be practical, you need your students to focus and pay attention, so having templates allows them the tools they need to learn more effectively.

It’s a wise way of helping children in school hone their PowerPoint skills. Many children feel overwhelmed when they have to start creating presentations from scratch-templates give them a structure they can follow and tweak to make their own.

Additionally, templates can be reused multiple times, which saves you time in the long run. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that PowerPoint templates are becoming increasingly popular in educational settings.

If you’re finding a way to help, your students learn more effectively, consider using PowerPoint templates in your next lesson.

However, you can create an informative and engaging presentation with some preparation and organization. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Choose a subject that is interesting and relevant to your audience.
• Gather information and resources on the topic.
• Outline your presentation content.
• Create visuals or slides to accompany your presentation content.
• Practice giving your presentation.
• Time yourself so you can keep it within the desired time frame.

Let’s walk through the best practices to create a unique educational PPT presentation.

Choose a Subject That Is Interesting and Relevant to Your Audience

When creating an educational PowerPoint, choosing a subject that is interesting and relevant to your audience is essential.

This will help engage the audience and ensure that they learn from the presentation.

Also, choosing a relevant topic will help keep the audience’s attention focused on the PowerPoint. There are a few different ways to determine what subject would be most exciting and pertinent to your audience. One way is to consider the age range of the audience.

Another way is to think about what type of information would be most helpful to them. Additionally, you can research the interests of the audience ahead of time. Considering these factors, you can choose a subject for your PowerPoint that will be both interesting and relevant to your audience.

Gather Information and Resources on the Topic

If you want to create an educational PPT presentation, it’s essential to gather information and resources on your topic first. This will ensure that the PowerPoint is informative and accurate.

There are a few different ways to go about gathering information. One option is to do some online research. Another option is to visit a library and look for books or articles on the topic.

Once you have brought together all the necessary information, you can start putting together your PowerPoint presentation. Remember to include only appropriate information and to present it in an organized and visually appealing way.

If a little effort is put into creating a PowerPoint, you can come up with an educational presentation that you will like.

Outline Your Presentation Content

You will need to describe your content thoroughly when creating educational PowerPoint slides. This will be useful to organize your thoughts and ensure that your presentation is cohesive and informative. Begin by brainstorming the main points that you want to cover.

Then, create an introductory presentation outline, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Once you have a general overview of your content, you can begin to flesh out the details. In the body of your presentation, include supporting evidence for each point you make.

In conclusion, summarize the key points of your presentation and leave your audience with something to think about. By wisely and efficiently editing and structuring your content, you can create a captivating and interactive PowerPoint lesson that is both informative and interesting.

Create Visuals or Slides to Accompany Your Presentation Content

You must include visual components to reveal information in an instructional PowerPoint presentation. It will help to engage the audience and provide them with a more immersive experience.

Additionally, visuals can help clarify and strengthen the key points you are trying to communicate. If used effectively, they can also help to add interest and excitement to your presentation.

When choosing visuals, be sure to select ones that are high quality and relevant to your topic. Avoid using too many visuals, as this can overwhelm your audience.

Instead, focus on choosing a few useful visuals to support your presentation and help your audience understand your message better.

Practice Giving Your Presentation

Whether you are allowed to give a speech, practice builds expertise. By practicing your presentation, you can ensure that you are delivering your material in the most effective way possible.

Being careful with your delivery, body language, and overall clarity is essential when practicing. Remember that eye contact is key and that you want to project confidence in your ability to speak on the topic at hand.

It can also be helpful to tape-record yourself so that you can listen back and identify areas that may need improvement. With a bit of practice, you will be capable of giving an educative and memorable presentation.

Time Yourself So You Can Keep It Within the Desired Time Frame

If you’re planning for an educational presentation, it’s important to time yourself stay within the desired time frame. This can be exceptionally important if you’re giving a presentation to a group of students who have a limited attention span.

You can ensure that your presentation stays on track and doesn’t run over by timing yourself. There are a few different ways to time yourself. One option is to use a stopwatch or timer.

Another option for keeping track of where you are in your presentation is periodically checking the clock.

Whichever method you choose, ensure you give yourself enough time to practice to stay within the desired time frame when giving your presentation.

How an Educational PowerPoint Presentation Skyrocket Your Success

A well-designed PowerPoint slide can be the key to success in any educational setting. A PowerPoint presentation can help students grasp complex concepts and remember key points by organizing visually appealing and easy-to-understand information.

Additionally, a PPT presentation can add excitement and interest to a dull lecture or dry text. When used effectively, a PowerPoint presentation can engage students and encourage them to participate actively in learning.

As a result, an investment in a professional educational PowerPoint presentation can pay off handsomely in terms of student success.

PowerPoint templates are must-haves for both inexperienced and veteran educators. One of the top reasons is that it saves hours of manual work and struggles.

For instance, if you’ve picked a premium customizable education PPT template, it only requires a couple of minutes to edit and craft your presentation layout. It means you can develop professional PPT presentation infographics within half an hour.

There are countless templates that educators can use for a wide variety of subjects, including maths, science, humanities studies like literature and history, and many more.

It allows your children to have a hands-on, experiment-based curriculum where they can visualize key concepts while paying attention to multimedia elements tools provided by PowerPoint templates along the way.

Now, let’s walk through the top tips to present an impactful educational PPT presentation that will comprehensively drive knowledge to your potential audience.

• Arrange your presentation objective in a way that attracts your audience and familiarizes the area of discussion in seconds. You can use animated PPT templates or other visual aids to make it attractive and appealing.
• Try to insert at least one brief one-liner highlighting the relevance and benefits of learning that particular topic.
• Include self-image or videos to personalize your presentation content.
• Add animations and slide transitions to explain the key learning steps.
• Include charts, maps, infographics , images, and graphs that illustrate your topic at hand. A well-organized chart could be vital to driving your point home. Regarding corporate PowerPoint presentations , adding Gantt Charts and other business-related details is better.
• Avoid having several ideas on one single slide. It may overwhelm your viewers.
• Leave a little more white space around each element in your PPT slide.
• No need to add every sentence you intend to speak on your PowerPoint slide. Instead, add sharp points that are easily read and comprehended. Then, explain it.

It is not surprising that technology has fundamentally changed education. In former times, the only way to learn about a topic was to hear a lecture from a professor in a classroom. Today, virtual presentations have become an essential tool for educators. There are many reasons why online presentations are so valuable in education. So, learn how to create virtual presentations that capture your audience’s attention .

Advantages of Purchasing Fully Editable PowerPoint Presentation Templates for Teaching

As we discussed above, PowerPoint templates are a great teaching tool for many reasons. They allow the presentation to maintain a uniform look and feel, which is key for understanding the message. Moreover, it can quickly add sense to your teaching.

It is the only wise choice to purchase a fully-editable premium PowerPoint presentation layout for teaching purposes. Then, you can professionally teach your audience the way you want to educate them.

Here are the top reasons why one should turn to fully editable premium education PPT infographics:

• Fully editable PPT themes for education will let you overcome the stress of starting with a blank slate each time.
• All premium education PowerPoint layouts are made with plenty of ideas and unique designs to effectively present your education or research topic.
• When you have a fully editable PPT theme, you will easily add videos, images, and your brand logo.
• You can edit and customize anything in the layout without losing quality in minutes. There is no need to have any design skills to edit and customize them.
• These editable PowerPoint presentation templates will help you save hours of manual work and confusion.

Top Points to Keep in Mind While Preparing a PowerPoint for Teaching

Characteristics that your students like about education PowerPoint slides are:

• Graphs, charts, and maps can increase the understanding of content.
• Bulleted lists that let them focus on the top ideas.
• Animations and slide transitions are the best visual aids.
• Cliparts and creative layouts.
• Present your ideas in short phrases rather than lengthy paragraphs.
• Spoken words with images are better than pictures with text.

Note: Cliparts are the perfect choice to get your audience’s attention in seconds. It is helpful in education PowerPoint presentations for small children and students. However, try to avoid Cliparts if your presentation is for technical students or medical students.

Characteristics that your students don’t like about education PowerPoint slides are:

• Too many ideas on a single slide.
• Templates with too many colors.
• Irrelevant images and WordArts decrease understanding and learning compared to presentation layouts with no picture or animation.

Find the Best Education PowerPoint Presentation Slides for Teaching

PowerPoint presentations have a great power to share your ideas comprehensively, especially for educational purposes. Therefore, picking the suitable PowerPoint presentation template that fits well will help you significantly convey your presentation.

Moreover, choosing the appropriate theme or design is the base part of the entire PPT presentation.

There may be several PPTs available in the free source, but always remember that they may not assure you the quality and features needed for a powerful PowerPoint template.

Therefore, it will be wise to pick a premium PPT template designed by professionals . Selecting an ideal template for creating an attention-grabbing educational presentation is crucial if you wish to make your presentation’s tone professional. Thus, say goodbye to typical, boring PowerPoint templates that ruin your presentation.

Explore the top highlights of our exclusive educational PowerPoint presentation template below:

• 100% Fully editable PowerPoint slides & design elements.
• 2 Aspect ratio (4:3 & 16:9).
• One-time purchase (Free download for life).
• Unlimited downloads (Come back anytime to download the files again).
• Lifetime free updates (We update by adding more slides regularly).
• Lifetime free customer care support.

There you can view the best-in-quality education or research topic presentation themes designed by our expert graphic designers.

You can find a selection of creative, unique PPT themes here at FlySlides , in addition to education PowerPoint templates or research presentation PPT slides. All our premium PowerPoint templates are fully customizable and come with unlimited download and update options.

Besides our PPT templates, we also have a tremendous selection of fully customizable Keynote presentation templates and Google Slides themes . So it’s up to you to select your preference. With FlySlides, you can quickly create your education presentations on PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides.

You can also refer to:

• Tips to Develop a Powerful Business Presentation .
• 10 Proven Tips to Make a Great Sales Presentation .

What’s more, Look into our library and take a look at our templates. They’re available in as many presentations as you want and skyrocket your success as a PowerPoint presenter. Why waste your precious time? Just explore our top selection of PowerPoint presentation layouts for education and find the best templates for your next presentation .

Written by FlySlides Editorial Team

FlySlides is one of the leading and high-quality Free and Premium PowerPoint, Google Slides & Keynotes Templates providers on the internet.

FlySlides is one of the leading and high-quality premium PowerPoint, Google Slides & Keynotes Templates provider on the internet

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter, and receive updates, free templates, and amazing special offers

Follow Us On Social Media

Follow us for instant notification and updates

Recent Blog Posts

Recently published blog posts

How to Create Virtual Presentations That Wow Your Audience

How to Create a Visual Brand Identity That People Love?

10 Tips on How to Make a Perfect Sales Presentation

12 Essential Tips to Create a Powerful Business Presentation

13 Important Tips for Finding the Perfect PowerPoint Presentation Template

Recent templates.

Check out some of the latest presentation templates

Africa Continent and Country Maps Keynote Template

Africa Continent and Country Maps Google Slides Template(Theme)

Africa Continent and Country Maps PowerPoint (PPT) Template

Timeline Bundle Infographic Diagrams Keynote Template

Unsorted Timelines Infographic Diagrams Keynote Template

Timeline Bundle Infographic Diagrams Google Slides Template (Theme)

Read more interesting posts.

Quick links

• Make a Gift
• Directories

Teaching with Powerpoint

Pedagogical considerations for powerpoint.

PowerPoint is a presentation program. It automatically creates a sense of formality in a classroom. Many students respond to PowerPoint the same way they respond to a lecture. They tend to be quieter, more inclined to listen than to talk, and even may take notes. If you desire a more relaxed classroom atmosphere, some of the options described later in this chapter offer suggestions for reducing the formality of PowerPoint.

Bridging with PowerPoint

Using PowerPoint when you are in the seminar style classroom can create a sense of technological continuation between the classrooms. You might want to incorporate some of the material produced in the LAN into a PowerPoint presentation.

When and How to Use PowerPoint

How much you use PowerPoint will vary based on your particular teaching style. The next section provides a list of suggestions for incorporating PowerPoint into daily instruction. Keep in mind that using PowerPoint requires planning; you need to prepare your presentation in advance.

You will find detailed instructions on how to use PowerPoint in the  CIC Student Guide  portion of this manual.

Options for Using Power Point

Option 1: illustrated lectures.

When giving a lecture or mini-lecture, you can use PowerPoint to highlight key points in your presentation. The visual format of PowerPoint allows you to easily project timelines, and images. You can also use PowerPoint to provide an outline of your talk, without writing on the board.

Option 2: Instructions

You can use PowerPoint to present instructions for a paper assignment or class activity. The sequential order of the slides lends itself to providing step-by-step instructions.

Option 3: Paper Proposals

Students can present their paper proposals or outlines to the class via PowerPoint. For example, a student could present his or her claim on one slide, following by an outline for the paper on another. Or the student could combine the table feature to present two possible outlines for the paper side by side.

SAMPLE ASSIGNMENT (Kimberlee Gillis-Bridges)

This assignment gives students the option of using PowerPoint.

The proposal assignment allows you to develop a tentative thesis, pose arguments related to this thesis, identify potential evidence and consider organizational strategies for your comparison/contrast essay. You may submit the proposal in a word-processed format, or you may use PowerPoint. You may also integrate images into the proposal, particularly as you discuss shots and scenes you will analyze in the essay. In completing the proposal, you will produce a roadmap to guide your drafting process.

Although the proposal can take a variety of formats, it should include the following components:

• A tentative title for the essay.
• The names of the films you will compare/contrast.
• The theme you plan to address and an indication of how you plan to narrow the theme.
• A tentative thesis that addresses the significance of the films’ similarities and differences.
• An overview of the similarities and differences you will address in the essay.
• A description of the shots or scenes you plan to analyze, with notes on the arguments you plan to make about these shots and scenes.
• An indication of the order in which you plan to make your points. You may do this in the form of a list, a descriptive outline, or any other format that works for you.
• A list of any questions you have regarding the assignment or your ideas-in-progress.

While I have listed the elements you should include, you can address them in an order you wish. For example, you may integrate the overview of similarities and differences and the listing of shots/scenes into the outline of points. You may also incorporate anything else that will help you draft the essay (excerpts from your electronic responses; quotations from lecture, readings, or others’ electronic responses; notes taken during in-class presentations, etc.).

Option 4: Discussion Prompts

You can use PowerPoint to project a discussion prompt to the class. This technique is particularly suited to a short writing exercise. Since the prompt is already legibly written on the slide, students can refer back to it easily as they complete a writing activity prior to discussion. You can then use PowerPoint to project bulletin board or other class materials relevant to the prompt and/or follow up questions.

Note : projecting a quote from a Bulletin Board discussion followed by a discussion question is a simple and effective way to bridge discussions when moving between rooms.

Option 5: Test or Quiz Answers

PowerPoint gives you the ability to project a test or quiz question, discuss it with the class, and then project the answer below or alongside the question. You can also use PowerPoint to project student responses to questions.

Option 6: Grammar Exercises

You can use PowerPoint to grammatical instructions, samples from student papers, and revised sentences, among other possibilities. The ability to reveal the text on the screen a section at a time allows students to clearly see the editing process.

Option 7: Student Projects

Most of the options described above are also suited to student presentations. You can require students to use PowerPoint for individual or group presentations or you can give students the option of using PowerPoint. You may be surprised how many students will take the option.

SAMPLE EXERCISE: USING POWERPOINT FOR STUDENT-LED GROUP DISCUSSION OF TEXTS (Laurie George)

An excellent pedagogical means of keeping class discussion lively, the discussant pool diverse, and the selected texts intellectually engaging is to assign a pair or a group of students to lead a discussion on a given text. The exercise can include close reading exclusively, or it can include the researching, summarizing, and presenting of one or two critical articles on that text.

The technique works particularly well if presenters are required to quote short passages from the articles on PowerPoint slides and to provide summaries of whatever quoted—a requirement that reinforces in each class session the practice of never allowing a secondary quoted source to stand alone without critical interpretation.

The technique also works well if portions of class sessions are set aside to allow students to research articles (on campus, via the UW Libraries English Research Guide  as well as to allow adequate preparation time for presenters to confer and design their PowerPoint drafts—best to set limits on these, say, five or eight slides, as presenters rarely gauge time accurately and always have more to say during the discussion than they initially anticipate.

Also helpful is to require that the last PowerPoint screen include at least two but no more than four questions about the textual subject under discussion/ and or the textual relevance of the articles summarized.

Here’s an example from a senior seminar discussion of Ali Smith’s novel Hotel World :

Below is an explanation I included within my syllabus about using PowerPoint as an aid to discussion leading; the course was a senior seminar that focused on variations of voice in literary texts:

For Group or Solo Presentation (Discussion Leading) Projects

Everyone in class needs to take responsibility for leading a class discussion about a particular aspect of voice used in our course texts.

A short PowerPoint slide show is required for all presentations, and we’ll use class time to prepare at least skeletal drafts of the PowerPoints.

Here’s how to prepare:

• Coordinate with me and other presenters before the actual presentation to ensure variety rather than redundancy in topic matter that centers on style and voice in your assigned text.
• Rehearse your presentation, and if it bores you at any point or doesn’t reveal something interesting about a writer’s voice as conveyed in style, revise the presentation so that it does engage and interest.
• Produce and rely on a brief (3- 5 PowerPoint screens) to cover the points that you are explaining. Quote short textual passages on these screens and mark them so as to make them largely visible and to keep people’s attention on the screen and your voice.
• Use another audio/visual aid (besides your own voice and not just the print book you’re working with) in your presentation to give your presentation pizzazz—and don’t hesitate to employ words like pizzazz in your PowerPoint script, as this is a class about literary voice!  Item 1

Additional Resources

• YouTube Comedy Video on How NOT to Use Powerpoint This 4 minute video is a low-key way to introduce students to some of the more extreme abuses of PowerPoint.
• Bedford St. Martins   Tutorial on Preparing Presentation Slides This is an online tutorial with some solid nuts and bolts guidelines for building audience-friendly slides. It can also be used as a point of discussion for how "rules of thumb" can cause problems in presenting complex material.
• Excerpt from Edward Tufte's The Cognitive Style of Powerpoint This essay is a classic for critiquing how Powerpoint can reduce the analytical complexity of data and conclusions, in some cases leading to bad and even dangerous decisions in technical environments. 
•   Facebook
•   Instagram
•   Twitter
•   Newsletter

Teaching, Learning, & Professional Development Center

• Teaching Resources
• TLPDC Teaching Resources

How can I use PowerPoint more effectively?

Prepared by david forrest                                                                                 see the pdf version, introduction.

When used thoughtfully, presentation software such as PowerPoint and Keynote (Macintosh) can be very powerful teaching tools. Conversely, when used poorly, these programs can dilute and distract from your lesson. Below are some philosophical tips for focusing your use of presentation software in the classroom. At the bottom of this page are links to a tutorial, demonstration videos, and Texas Tech's policy for conference presentations. (Though the following tips apply to all presentation software, because of its widespread popularity, this paper will primarily discuss Microsoft PowerPoint.)

Decide the Role(s)

PowerPoint can play a variety of roles in your lecture. Below is a list of suggested roles that PowerPoint may serve in your class. For you, PowerPoint might serve one or a combination of these purposes. Decide the role or roles that you want PowerPoint to play in your classroom and clearly communicate those roles to your students.

• Lecture outline : PowerPoint can be an effective means for communicating the structure of your lesson.  Use the first or second slide to give students an overview of the main points to be discussed.  Then insert transition slides that cue students when you are moving to the next point in your lecture outline.  This will help them follow a long lecture and stay focused.

• Note-taking aid for students : Some instructors choose to have students take notes from the PowerPoint slides. If so, take care to keep your text to a minimum word count. PowerPoint is not well-suited to deliver lengthy definitions. Textbooks are better suited for that type of content. Also, the more time students spend transcribing information from the PowerPoint, the less attention they will likely give to anything the instructor says. This can seriously frustrate students who feel they have to choose between focusing on two things at once. An effective technique for using PowerPoint as a note-taking aid is to use fill-in-the-blank slides. (See Example 1.) Make a slide with key words and terms missing. After discussing the missing information with the class, advance the PowerPoint show to a slide with the missing information filled in. This technique will help communicate to your students what information is noteworthy as well as engage them actively in the presentation.

Example 1: Fill-in-the-blank Slides

Notice that this is a very different role than “lecture prompt for instructor.” Combining these two roles effectively requires a conscious understanding of the different types of information that might appear on the screen and what you expect the students to do with that information.

• Visual Aid : PowerPoint was designed to be a visual aid.  (See Example 2.)  Graphs, charts, and photography communicate very well in PowerPoint as do complicated or detailed diagrams that would take too long to reproduce on the chalkboard.  Just like with text, keep your images to a minimum.  Excessive text and/or graphics can distract students from the chosen concept and upstage your lecture.  Be sure that everything that appears on the slide relates to your topic.  Google Images is a great resource for finding online graphics.  (Be aware that some images are copy written and some websites charge a fee for their images.)

Example 2: Visual Aid Slides

• Timed quizzes : There are a number of creative, nontraditional uses of PowerPoint.  One is to put simple quiz questions on individual slides and setup the show to transition at timed intervals.  This type of quiz can be effective for drilling simple recall content.  Be sure and number the quiz questions and add a transition sound to alert students when a slide changes.

Do not rely on PowerPoint to deliver the lesson content.  PowerPoint should play a supporting role to the lead actor, the instructor.  In the words of Patrick Winston, your presentation tools should be the “condiment to your entrée.”  If you allow your PowerPoint to upstage you then the students will tune you out and miss the important material.

Whichever role(s) you choose for your presentation software, maintain consistency.  Students appreciate consistency and can similarly be confused by inconsistency.  Students can get frustrated when the purpose of the PowerPoint changes without warning.  If, for example, the first 10 slides are simply organizational prompts for the instructor, don't be surprised when students don't automatically write down the key terms on slide 11.  Similarly, if the first 10 slides are note-taking slides then the students will be likely to start transcribing whatever appears on slide 11 whether it is intended for that purpose or not.

Appearance: Less is more

Keep the appearance of your slides simple.  Consider the two slides in Example 3 as a visual catalogue of do s and don't s in PowerPoint slide design.  Both slides introduce the same content but the slide on the left suffers from a host of distractions that would impede students' ability to synthesize and focus on the important lecture content.  Below are some simple tips for producing focused, legible slides.

• Background : Use a plain, neutral background.  Patterned or photographic backgrounds can be distracting.  Backgrounds with severe changes in contrast can make the text hard to read.
• Content : Avoid information overload. 
• Keep text and graphics to a minimum. 
• Avoid clip art. 
• Leave space around text and graphics; don't overlap. 
• Use the slide to focus the students' attention and leave the details to lectures and textbooks.  If you need to put more information, make a new slide. 
• Don't include irrelevant information.
• Font : Choose simple, easy to read fonts in either black, for light backgrounds, or white, for dark backgrounds.  Make sure your font is large enough to read.  Most fonts need to be at least 24 point in order to be legible.
• Animation : If you choose to use animation, keep it simple too.  “Appear” and “Fade” are the only custom animation tools you need in a lecture format.

Example 3: Complicated vs. Simple Appearance

To post or not to post Some professors and departments have great success posting their PowerPoint documents online for students to download and review.  Others have reported lower attendance and participation when students know that they will be able to get the notes online.  Many students appreciate the study assistance that online PowerPoint notes offer.  The trick is to communicate that downloading the PowerPoints is not a substitute for attending class. Here are some tips for making the most of freely available PowerPoint shows.

• Use an outline format for your PowerPoint (see “decide the role” section above).  Providing the formal structure of the lesson will help focus students' independent study without feeding them the detailed information in the lecture.
• Use a fill-in-the-blank approach to your PowerPoint (see “decide the role” section above).  For the online version of the PowerPoint, replace key terms or definitions with blanks.  Again, this will help students focus their study or catch up on a missed class while maintaining the importance of class attendance.
• As with all things that you post online, be aware of any copyrighted information that may be embedded in your PowerPoints including images and quoted material.

Murphy's Law of Technology

Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.  Think of all of the individual components that need to be present, functional, and compatible in order to deliver a PowerPoint show to your class: computer, operating system, PowerPoint software, your PowerPoint document, computer to projector connection, projector, screen, clicker, electricity (extension chords and/or power strips in older buildings).  When transferring a PowerPoint document from one computer to another via email, website, or thumb drive, each of the components listed above could present their own conversion or compatibility issues.  If the font you used to create your show is not available on the presentation computer, the text could show up as gibberish.  If your show includes sound you may have to deal with internal volume controls, external volume controls, and speakers.  Laptops are often dependent on battery life.  A host of connection and security issues can arise if you choose to make use of network or online tools.  The classroom computer may use a different version of PowerPoint than your work computer.  The projector connection wire may not interface with your laptop.  Many of these components are out of your control and each is an opportunity for failure.  It is an awful feeling to have spent time preparing a quality lesson only to have the students watch you and the nearest computer tech try to diagnose and fix a technical problem for the greater part of class.  Here are some tips for avoiding disaster, making the most of class time, and ensuring a quality lesson.

• Always prepare a backup plan .   Assume that there will be a technological failure of some sort and be prepared to conduct class without your PowerPoint show.  This may mean preparing a paper handout or developing a familiarity with your PowerPoint such that you could write the salient concepts on the board.  (This is another reason to keep your PowerPoint shows simple.)  Consider preparing an alternative, “rainy day” lesson that could substitute at any point in the semester.  This would allow you to delay the planned lesson for another day and resolve the technological issue after class.
• Practice your PowerPoint show with the exact equipment you will use one day beforehand.  This is especially important if you are using unfamiliar equipment or equipment that may be used by other people.  With many classroom machines, you have no control over which settings another user may have changed.  Scheduling a quick test run will give you an opportunity to discover, diagnose, and resolve any issues before the students arrive.
• Do your best to limit the number of components outside of your control.  Individual situations will vary depending on classroom setup, department policies, etc.  If possible, use the same computer to develop and project the PowerPoint document.  This will ensure that there are no issues with different PowerPoint versions, operating systems, hardware performance, font translation, animation changes, etc.
• Get to know the technology support staff in your building or the building in which you teach.  Ask them about equipment reservation procedures for the rooms where you teach.  Make note of their phone number and email in case you need technological assistance.

The best strategy for incorporating all of the above advice is to create your PowerPoint show after you have completely planned the corresponding lesson.  Working from a complete lesson will ensure that the main content is in your lecture and that your PowerPoint show is supportive in nature, clear, and, if necessary, expendable.

Online Resources

• Faulkner, D. (2008) “PowerPoint and the Art of Student Dis/Engagement,” videotaped presentation at the The Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center.  Click here for video
• This session explores the "how" and the "why" of using PowerPoint, not only as an efficient medium for information, but also as a tool that can compel your students to participate actively. Topics addressed include effectively using animations and templates, and incorporating video.
• Jobs, S. (2001) Introduction of the first iPod --   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0SVBCJqLs
• Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computers, is famous for using a less-is-more approach to presentation software.  This YouTube video exemplifies his presentation style.  Notice his use of short, focused text, plain backgrounds, and clean graphics.
• PowerPoint Tutorial -- http://www.electricteacher.com/tutorial3.htm

There are many tutorials available online.  This one from ElectricTeacher.com is pretty straight forward for the PowerPoint beginner.  This tutorial is complete with screen shots (from Office 2007) to show you exactly how to find each button. 

• Texas Tech Identity Guidelines -- http://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/identityguidelines/idguidelines/ttu/commsystem/presentations.php
• Refer to this site for TTU policies regarding PowerPoint slideshows for conferences presentations.  The site includes downloadable templates of how presentations should appear.

Contact TTU

7 Ways Elementary Students Can Benefit From PowerPoint

Teaching elementary students is an important job you can do in many different ways. Parents and teachers often brainstorm the best ways to teach children in school; one popular method is using PowerPoint. So, what are some ways that PowerPoint can aid young students?

Table of Contents

1. PowerPoint Videos Are a Learning Aid

One of the best parts about PowerPoint is how you can put more than one thing on a page. Video is one of the most popular items for elementary students to put on a PowerPoint presentation. 

Kids love videos, and teaching with them has numerous benefits for elementary students. It is a widespread opinion that children can learn more when videos are a part of the curriculum. With the digital age upon us, kids are often more receptive to video learning experiences than the old-fashioned teaching methods . 

You can use videos combined with other PowerPoint tools to help develop an understanding of a topic. You can use them for numerous subjects when you are teaching elementary students. Some of the most popular topics to teach with video on PowerPoint include: 

Suppose you only have an hour to teach a class a science experiment or show them how something grows over time. In that case, you can incorporate a video into your lesson that can use time-lapse or skip ahead so that your students can see the final result of something in much less time. 

Students Learn by Seeing Real-Life Situations Unfold 

When you incorporate a video into your social studies lesson, you can add a video that relates to the instance you are trying to explain. Suppose you want to show the importance of communication at home. Including a video that demonstrates positive interaction in a household can be beneficial. 

2. You Can Help Children Learn With PowerPoint Images

So give this approach a try next time you teach your students various subjects and watch them learn and grow. You’ll see smiles on their faces and hopefully increased engagement when you spruce up your lessons with images that will capture their attention and make learning a little more fun again. 

3. PowerPoint Allows Students and Teachers To Collaborate.

PowerPoint is an excellent method for teaching students how to collaborate with classmates and teachers. 

One of the best qualities of PowerPoint is that you can add to it at any time and share the presentation with others so they can, too. This ability to share with others is an excellent tool for elementary school teachers to use that they can share with their students to contribute to the lesson with their classmates while they are learning. 

Here is a video from Envato Tuts+ on how you can collaborate on PowerPoints: 

Collaboration between teachers and their students can make the lessons more dynamic. Teachers know a lot, but students can sometimes add something the instructor wouldn’t have imagined.

This collaboration is a great way to give your children some independence and make them feel like they are adding something to the conversation. PowerPoint allows children to add their contributions using technology to see how they can make a difference in class.

Collaborating with other students and teachers also allows children to have fun. Add some excitement to your lessons by giving children an opportunity to discuss with each other what they think should be included in their studies or letting them choose an image or video. 

This use of team-building gives students a chance to be creative and have a good time when they are learning. 

When you allow children to collaborate with you, the teacher, and the other kids, you give your elementary students a better chance of having a positive view of themselves. 

4. Students Can Review Lessons on PowerPoint at Home

We all remember the dreaded word from various stages of our education: homework. But in all seriousness, homework is a critical aspect of teaching and learning. While elementary students should not get overwhelmed by homework, it is a good idea to have some assignments each night to keep the information fresh in their heads. 

5. Teachers Can Use PowerPoint To Organize Their Information

There are many ways that teachers can organize their lessons on PowerPoint. It is really up to the instructor and their classroom on what they think is best. However, one of the ways that most people learn better, as discussed earlier, is through visual learning tools. 

Some of the very best ways that you can incorporate visual tools into your lessons to help organize your curriculum and give your students the best chance at learning and retention include: 

 A PowerPoint presentation that is neatly organized and follows a deliberate structure is a great way to show your students how to arrange something for their benefit.

Some of the ways that you can teach organization through PowerPoint include: 

6. PowerPoint Provides Benefits to Children With Disabilities

The best part about using PowerPoint in classrooms is that it can reach more students than other traditional learning methods. Not everyone learns the same way, and PowerPoint is an effective way to combine multiple mediums so that students can learn at their own unique pace and in their style. 

There are numerous conditions that students have that can benefit from using PowerPoint. Some of these are:

Furthermore,  it doesn’t just benefit students with autism. There are numerous disabilities ranging from mild to severe that affect children. Many of these children with disabilities learn better when they use PowerPoint.

PowerPoint is an effective way to capture elementary students’ attention by letting them interact. You can use numerous tools with PowerPoint to capture the attention of your students with learning disabilities, such as: 

7. Powerpoint Aids Student’s Creativity

You can have your students do many different PowerPoint activities to help build their imagination and tap into their creative side. Whether you want them to get experience with their pencil skills or posting videos or photos, there are many exciting and varying ways that you can help your elementary students be creative while using PowerPoint. 

Creativity is just another one of the many benefits that your students will get from using PowerPoint. 

Whether they are learning with you in the classroom or practicing creating a slideshow at home with their parents, you can make your students test the limits of their imagination using this tool. Parents, students, and their teachers can work together to let their elementary students have fun learning on PowerPoint. 

Final Thoughts

As outlined in this article, PowerPoint is a hugely beneficial learning tool that makes participation engaging and creative. All good teachers should try to incorporate PowerPoint and equivalent digital tools in to lessons and activities.

Thanks for reading the article - we hope that your teaching query has been answered with helpful information and insightful advice. Feel free to share this article with friends and let’s help the Teacher How community grow!

Recent Posts

Teacherhow.com, a leading online website committed to empowering those concerned with education, proudly announces the acquisition of MontessoriOnMars.com, an inspirational platform dedicated to the...

• Entertainment

Find Out the Importance of PowerPoint Presentations

Microsoft PowerPoint is a widespread instrument that is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 package. PowerPoint presentations enable students to learn complex and sophisticated concepts. In the present-day academic environment, teachers and students use this software as it allows creating engaging slideshows.

Are you willing to figure out the importance of a PowerPoint presentation? Let`s have a closer look at our detailed guide. PowerPoint enables users to share their presentations both online and offline. Either way, they help communicate important ideas in an attractive way. This instrument enables the speaker to interact with the target audience and convey his or her ideas and insights.

PowerPoint presentations have complex functionality. Thus, many people are wondering what makes this instrument better than its alternatives. The proficient PowerPoint presentation writers from  Fresh-Essay.com  have shared their observations about the PPT projects. Find them in our article.

Why PowerPoint Presentations Are Still Great?

Teachers and students use PowerPoint presentations in the classroom settings. They provide students with an opportunity to practice various language system areas. Students strengthen their vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and writing skills. Besides, students gain more confidence and good communication skills. Students, who managed to succeed in creating catchy presentations, are able to communicate their ideas in a clear way. This skill helps them in their workplace and personal life.

The skills obtained when working on PowerPoint presentations are useful both in and outside the classroom. A PPT project serves as a channel for sharing ideas and opinions with others. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to showcase the expertise in and awareness of the subject. Many students prefer this assignment as it enables them to expand on their understanding of various topics. A confident presenter has more chances to succeed in the career he or she is pursuing.

The Importance of PowerPoint Presentations: The Ease of Use

Although there are many alternative ways to create presentations, none of them can be compared to the ease of Microsoft PowerPoint. This instrument works fine both for students and teachers, who are not techno-friendly. If you try using this software, you will see that it is very simple and easy. In a couple of clicks of your mouse, you can add animation effects, choose correct formatting, as well as use the appropriate font. For users, who want to make their works more creative, advanced options are available.

High school, college, and university students can easily create PowerPoint presentations. Of course, high school students use simple templates and communicate ideas that are easy to understand. The university students use appropriate charts, diagrams, and tables to support their arguments.

On the web, one may find a lot of exemplary presentations, which can serve for boosting inspiration. Yet, only the authentic and original piece may bring you the best result. This means that you need to write it from scratch.

One more great benefit of PPTs is that one can see their positive effects on the student’s learning outcomes shortly. No matter what discipline you are studying, you need to work on a PowerPoint presentation task.

Choose Your Own Design When Creating a PowerPoint Presentation

Students like creating PPTs as they provide them with room for creativity. This means that you are free to control the visual appearance of your presentation. Since you are free to make your work customized to the subject you are working with, you can fix the important elements and use them the way you want.

If you have no time to create a personalized template, you can choose the most appropriate one on the web. There are a lot of websites with ready-made templates. No matter what the topic of your presentation is, you will find a suitable template that could help you uncover your ideas in the best way. When choosing a template for your presentation, make sure it is visually appealing. If your target audience gets bored, you will never receive positive feedback.

Flexibility and Content Sharing

If you are going to share your PPT online , you need to choose the time that will be convenient for your audience. You are free to upload your presentation on YouTube or any other platform. In addition to the text included on the slides, it is necessary to add your comments and recommendations. They have to ease understanding of your ideas for the audience. If you want to upload your presentation on YouTube, you need to click on the “File” and choose “Save and Send.” Then, you need to click on the “Create a Video” tab.

Depending on the purpose of a presentation, it can be text-heavy or image-heavy. Either way, you need to customize it to your needs, as well as the guidelines provided by your tutor. A text-heavy presentation is appropriate if you are willing to provide your audience with a great number of details related to the topic. For instance, it is possible to share the lecture material with the group to enable them to take notes. The image-heavy presentations are created in a conversational style since they provide the target audience with visual cues. You will be able to benefit from your PPT  if you manage to combine two approaches.

Let the Presenter View Help You

If you have to deliver an important presentation but you are unsure if you have done everything right, you can rely on the Presenter View. This option will enable you to practice your work before turning it in. This approach will help you fix all the logical flaws and inconsistencies.

Additional Tools

You already know that Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful instrument for creating eye-catching works. If you start using this software, you will receive access to myriads of options. Let’s have a closer look at the benefits you receive:

• It is easy to add personalized images and videos ;
• It allows using appropriate graphics;
• It helps present big projects to the audience;
• Various platforms support it;
• It can influence the target audience by different means;
• It helps establish eye contact with the audience;
• It allows highlighting the most significant aspects of the topic.

Whether you need to share important information with your audience or bring visual delight to the viewer, this software will help you reach your goals.

You may like or dislike working with PPTs. Nevertheless, they are powerful tools for sharing ideas and opinions with the audience. The importance of PowerPoint presentations is huge. It provides the individual with various tools for influencing people. This software provides its users with considerable advantages. Thus, it is reasonable to admit that this powerful tool will remain the key power broker in E-learning . Do you want to be a successful student? Practice your presentation-creating skills and achieve your goals!

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The Technology Behind Online Casinos: Ensuring Fair Play

Shifting the Odds: How to Get Rid of Bad Luck in Gambling

The Most Important Features to Look For in an Online Casino

How to Play Blackjack: Rules and Features

5 Dangerous Apps that Allow Predators to Contact Children Online

Legality of Online Betting in Malaysia

Legal Psychedelic Tourism in The Netherlands

Essential Components of a Successful Project Manager Cover Letter

The State of Adult Entertainment Regulation Across Europe

How to Create an Interactive Experience at Your Exhibition Stand

What Does a Jacuzzi Do for You?

• Business 605
• Education 189

12 Reasons Why Presentation Skills Are Important for Students 

Hrideep barot.

• Education , Presentation

Learning presentation skills as a student is like striking gold in the treasure hunt of life! It’s like having a superpower at your fingertips because, let’s be honest, your learning capacity right now is off the charts! But wait, there’s more! Presentation skills aren’t just about talking in front of the class (although that’s super cool too). They’re like the secret ingredient that helps you master the art of communication.

Think about it – you’re not just learning how to present your science project; you’re learning how to navigate the whole wide world. 

So, why’s this the primo time to become a presentation ninja?

• Super Learning Mode: Your brain is in turbo mode right now, absorbing info like a champ. What you learn about presentations during this time becomes your lifelong sidekick.
• Ace Communicator: Being a student means you’re in a constant chat with teachers, friends, and books. Presentation skills give you the superpower to communicate like a pro.
• World Domination: Okay, maybe not the world, but you’re certainly setting yourself up to shine in any situation life throws at you.

Remember, these skills aren’t just for school. They’re for life! So, grab that mic (or marker or mouse) and get ready to rock those presentations. You’re gearing up to be the superhero of communication! 🎤

WHAT ARE PRESENTATION SKILLS:

Have you ever thought about what makes some presentations stick in your memory while others vanish into oblivion? Well, here’s the scoop: presentation skills are the secret sauce, and they’re not just a bag of clever tricks. Nope, they’re the mighty keys to cracking the code of effective communication, letting you hook, enlighten, and amuse your audience.

At their very core, these skills are all about forging a connection with your crowd, whether it’s your school buddies, coworkers, or even a gang of pals at a shindig. They’re like the crafters of a message that’s crystal clear, totally convincing, and as smooth as a jam session with your favorite jazz band.

But wait, there’s more! Presentation skills are your golden ticket to success in all sorts of life’s adventures, from nailing that class project to wowing your boss in a big meeting. They’re the secret tools that turn everyday tasks into unforgettable experiences, etching your message deep into the minds of your audience.

So, as you embark on the journey to master these presentation skills, remember it’s not just about what you say; it’s how you say it. Whether you’re facing a jam-packed auditorium or a cozy gathering of pals, may the enchantment of presentation skills guide you, transforming every moment into a mesmerizing performance.

The 12 Reasons Why Presentation Skills are Important:

Presentation skills are not just crucial for students but also for individuals of all ages and professions. Here’s why they matter and how they impact everyone:

1. Effective Communication :

• Effective communication is the backbone of all human interactions. Presentation skills equip individuals with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Whether it’s explaining a project at work or delivering a compelling speech, the capacity to communicate effectively is indispensable.
• Example : In a business meeting, a project manager adept in presentation skills can elucidate a complex project plan. They articulate the project’s goals, milestones, and potential challenges, ensuring that everyone understands the roadmap to success.

2. Career Advancement :

• The workplace is highly competitive, and presentation skills can be the differentiating factor that propels individuals forward in their careers. Being able to present ideas, strategies, and accomplishments with confidence and clarity garners recognition and opens up opportunities for advancement.
• Example : A marketing professional who excels in presenting marketing campaigns not only impresses the team but also demonstrates leadership qualities. This can lead to promotions and increased responsibilities.

3. Building Credibility :

• Credibility is vital in professional and personal relationships. When you can present your ideas convincingly, you gain the trust of your peers, colleagues, and superiors. Your credibility extends to the content you’re presenting, making it more likely to be accepted and acted upon.
• Example : An environmental scientist delivering a presentation on climate change with well-researched data and compelling visuals gains credibility among policymakers and the public, potentially influencing policy decisions.

4. Persuasion and Influence :

• Presentation skills encompass the art of persuasion. Individuals who can engage their audience, create a compelling narrative, and support their arguments effectively are more likely to influence others. This skill is invaluable in negotiations, sales, and leadership roles.
• Example : A charismatic motivational speaker can use their presentation skills to inspire audiences, motivating them to take action or adopt new perspectives.

5. Problem Solving :

• Strong presenters are often adept problem solvers. They can analyze complex issues, break them down into understandable components, and present solutions clearly and persuasively. This ability is crucial for addressing challenges in personal and professional life.
• Example : During a corporate crisis, a CEO who can present a well-structured crisis management plan to stakeholders demonstrates effective problem-solving skills and reassures concerned parties.

6. Personal Branding :

• Effective presentation skills contribute to personal branding. Consistently delivering engaging and informative presentations enhances one’s reputation as a knowledgeable, confident, and trustworthy professional.
• Example : A tech entrepreneur known for captivating product launch presentations builds a strong personal brand, attracting media attention, investors, and customers.

7. Adaptability :

• Presentation skills encompass the ability to adapt to various formats, audiences, and settings. This adaptability is invaluable in today’s diverse and ever-changing work environments, where individuals must navigate different communication channels and styles.
• Example : A teacher who can seamlessly transition from in-person classroom presentations to delivering engaging online lessons demonstrates adaptability in response to changing circumstances.

8. Lifelong Learning :

• Embracing presentation skills encourages individuals to engage in lifelong learning and self-improvement. As presentation techniques evolve and audiences change, individuals who continually refine their communication abilities remain relevant and effective.
• Example : A retired professional who continues to develop presentation skills for community workshops and public speaking engagements not only shares their expertise but also stays engaged in lifelong learning, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Presentation skills are universally essential as they enhance communication, facilitate career advancement, build credibility, enable persuasive influence, promote problem-solving, strengthen personal branding, foster adaptability, and encourage lifelong learning. These skills empower individuals to succeed in various personal and professional endeavors, making them essential for everyone.

Let’s look at a comprehensive overview of these trending presentation skills:

Allow me to introduce you to the 12 skills that encapsulate the very essence of the world’s most exceptional presenters.

1. Effective Communication:

Presentation skills are the ability to communicate ideas, information, or messages to an audience clearly and persuasively. It’s about conveying your thoughts with impact and resonance.

2. Audience Engagement:

These skills encompass techniques to engage and capture the attention of your audience. It’s not just about talking; it’s about connecting with your listeners on an intellectual and emotional level.

3. Organization and Structure: 

Presentation skills involve structuring your content logically and coherently. It’s about creating a roadmap that guides your audience through your message, ensuring they follow and understand your points.

4. Visual Aids Usage:

Effective use of visual aids, such as slides, graphics, and multimedia elements, is a crucial component. It’s about enhancing your message with visuals that reinforce your content without overwhelming your audience.

5. Confidence and Presence: 

Presentation skills entail projecting confidence and a strong presence while speaking. This includes body language, tone of voice, and maintaining eye contact.

6. Adaptability: 

These skills are versatile. You must adapt your presentation style to suit different contexts, audiences, and purposes. Whether you’re giving an academic lecture, a business pitch, or a motivational talk, adaptability is key.

7. Preparation and Research: 

A significant part of presentation skills is the preparation phase. It involves conducting thorough research on your topic, understanding your audience, and meticulously planning your content.

8. Problem Solving: 

Effective presenters are skilled at handling unexpected situations, such as tough questions or technical difficulties during a presentation. Presentation skills also encompass the ability to think on your feet and respond confidently.

9. Storytelling: 

Storytelling is a potent tool for presentation skills. It involves weaving narratives that resonate with your audience, making your message memorable and relatable.

10. Time Management: 

Presentations often have time constraints. These skills include managing your time wisely, and ensuring you cover all key points within the allocated time frame.

11. Feedback Utilisation: 

Presentation skills are a continuous learning process. It involves actively seeking and utilizing feedback to improve your future presentations. Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth.

12. Audience-Centred Approach: 

A critical aspect of presentation skills is adopting an audience-centred approach. It’s about tailoring your content and delivery to meet the needs and interests of your specific audience.

What is the purpose of a presentation?

A) information sharing:.

At its core, the purpose of a presentation is to share information. Whether you’re in a classroom, boardroom, or on a stage, you’re conveying knowledge, insights, or ideas to an audience. This information can range from academic research findings, business proposals, and project updates, to even personal stories or creative concepts.

B) Education and Understanding:

Presentations are powerful tools for education and comprehension. They provide a structured format to break down complex topics into manageable, digestible pieces. By presenting information in a clear, organized manner, you help your audience grasp concepts more easily.

C) Persuasion and Influence:

In many situations, presentations aim to persuade and influence. Whether you’re convincing potential investors to fund your startup, persuading your classmates to support your project, or advocating for a cause, effective presentations can be a catalyst for change.

D) Engagement and Connection:

A well-crafted presentation can engage your audience emotionally and intellectually. It’s an opportunity to connect on a human level, share personal experiences, and evoke empathy or enthusiasm. Storytelling is a powerful technique to create this connection.

E) Problem Solving:

Presentations often tackle real-world issues and problem-solving. Whether it’s proposing solutions to business challenges, addressing societal problems, or discussing scientific breakthroughs, they serve as a platform to present ideas that can bring about positive change.

F) Decision-Making: 

In professional settings, presentations play a pivotal role in decision-making processes. They provide decision-makers with the necessary information and insights to make informed choices. Presenters aim to influence these decisions in their favor through compelling arguments and evidence.

G) Inspiration and Motivation: 

Some presentations are designed to inspire and motivate. They encourage the audience to take action, pursue their goals, or embrace change. This purpose often applies to keynote speeches, commencement addresses, and motivational talks.

H) Celebration and Recognition: 

Presentations aren’t always about serious business; they can also serve as a platform for celebration and recognition. Think of award ceremonies, where individuals or teams are honored for their achievements.

I) Entertainment and Artistic Expression: 

Presentations can be a form of entertainment and artistic expression. Think of performances, artistic displays, or creative storytelling. Here, the purpose is to captivate, entertain, and stir emotions.

J) Knowledge Transfer: 

Lastly, presentations facilitate the transfer of knowledge from one person to another or from one generation to the next. This is particularly important in educational settings, where teachers present information to students in a structured manner.

In essence, presentations are versatile tools with multifaceted purposes. They are not just about delivering information but about connecting, persuading, educating, and inspiring. Understanding the specific purpose of your presentation is the first step toward creating a compelling communication experience for your audience.

Why is it important to have good presentation skills for students?

Imagine this scenario: You’re sitting in a classroom, and your professor asks you to present your research findings. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and the butterflies in your stomach have a party of their own. Sound familiar? Well, that’s where good presentation skills come into play for students, and they’re more than just a ticket to survive the classroom spotlight. They’re a gateway to personal and professional success.

First and foremost, presentation skills are the ultimate communication tool.

They help students articulate their thoughts, ideas, and findings with clarity and confidence. In an academic setting, this means you can engage your peers and professors effectively, making your voice heard and your ideas stand out.

But it doesn’t stop at the classroom door. These skills are your secret (because not everyone knows this) key in the professional world. Picture yourself in a job interview. Your potential employer asks you to discuss your qualifications and why you’re the right fit for the role. With polished presentation skills, you’re not just answering questions; you’re painting a vivid picture of your capabilities and potential.

Furthermore, good presentation skills are a confidence booster.

They transform nervous jitters into a sense of empowerment. When you can stand before an audience and convey your message convincingly, it’s a feeling like no other. This newfound confidence seeps into other aspects of your academic and professional life, making you a more resilient and adaptable individual.

In essence, good presentation skills are the key to unlocking doors of opportunity. Whether you’re excelling in class discussions, wowing your professors with a well-structured thesis defense, or nailing that crucial client pitch, these skills are your trusty companions on the journey of personal and professional growth.

So, the next time you find yourself in the spotlight, remember that presentation skills aren’t just about public speaking; they’re about showcasing your potential, building confidence, and paving the way for success. Embrace them, and watch your academic and professional horizons expand like never before.

What are the benefits of learning presentation skills for students?

I. effective communication: .

Good presentation skills are the linchpin of effective communication . In both academic and professional settings, students must articulate their thoughts, ideas, and findings clearly and persuasively. Without these skills, even the most brilliant concepts can get lost in translation.

II. Academic Success: 

Strong presentation skills can significantly impact academic success. Students who can express themselves eloquently often excel in class discussions, group projects, and thesis defenses. They stand out as knowledgeable and confident learners.

III. Confidence Booster:

 Public speaking and presentation practice are fantastic confidence boosters. They empower students to express themselves in front of their peers and teachers, gradually reducing anxiety and building self-assuredness.

IV. Leadership Development:

 Presentation skills are often associated with leadership qualities. Students who master these skills tend to emerge as leaders in group projects, clubs, and extracurricular activities. They can effectively convey their vision and rally others behind it.

V. Professional Readiness:

 In the world of work, professionals are frequently required to present their ideas, proposals, and reports. Students who develop strong presentation skills are better prepared for their future careers, making a positive impression on potential employers and clients.

VI. Critical Thinking: 

Preparing a presentation necessitates critical thinking. Students must organize their thoughts, conduct research, and analyze information to craft a compelling narrative. This enhances their analytical and problem-solving skills.

VII. Time Management: 

Creating a presentation involves managing time effectively. Students must set priorities, meet deadlines, and allocate resources wisely. These time management skills are valuable both in academia and the professional world.

VIII. Adaptability:

Presentation skills encompass various formats, from traditional speeches to multimedia presentations and virtual meetings. Students who can adapt to these different modes of communication are better equipped to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

IX. Networking Opportunities:

Presentations often provide opportunities to network with peers, professors, and professionals. Building connections can open doors to collaborations, mentorships, and job opportunities down the road.

X. Problem Solving:

During presentations, unexpected challenges may arise, such as tough questions from the audience or technical glitches. Students learn to think on their feet, respond confidently, and solve problems as they arise.

XI. Enhancing Creativity:

Crafting engaging presentations encourages creativity and innovation. Students seek unique ways to capture their audience’s attention, whether through storytelling, visuals, or interactive elements.

XII. Global Communication:

In an increasingly interconnected world, students with strong presentation skills can effectively communicate with diverse audiences from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

These skills equip students for success in various aspects of life and contribute to their personal and intellectual growth.

How can students improve their presentation skills?

Improving presentation skills is a gradual process that requires dedication and practice. By following these steps and staying committed to self-improvement, students can become confident and effective presenters.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice:

The foundation of presentation mastery is practice . Start small by presenting in front of a mirror or recording yourself. Pay attention to your voice modulation, gestures, and overall delivery. This self-assessment helps you identify areas for improvement and build self-confidence.

2. Preparation is Key: 

The best presenters are often those who are the most prepared. Know your topic inside-out. Create a well-structured presentation with a compelling opening to grab your audience’s attention and a memorable closing to leave a lasting impression. Visual aids can enhance your message, but use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience.

3. Real-Life Experience: 

Gain real-life presentation experience by participating in clubs, engaging in debates, or volunteering for class presentations. The more you expose yourself to different audiences, the more comfortable and adept you’ll become in handling diverse situations.

4. Learn from the Pros: 

Study presentations by seasoned speakers and experts in various fields. Watch TED talks, analyze speeches, or follow your favorite orators. Observe their techniques, storytelling abilities, and audience engagement strategies. Incorporate these insights into your style to make your presentations more captivating.

5. Feedback Fuels Growth: 

Don’t be afraid to seek feedback. Share your presentations with peers, friends, or teachers and ask for their honest opinions. Constructive criticism is like a roadmap to improvement. It highlights your strengths and pinpoints areas where you can refine your skills.

6. Embrace Growth as a Journey: 

Remember that improving presentation skills is a journey, not a quick fix. It takes dedication and time to refine these skills. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate small victories along the way. With consistent effort, you’ll see significant progress and reap the benefits of enhanced communication and self-assuredness.

So, as you embark on your journey to become a presentation pro, keep these elements in mind. Each step, from practice to feedback, preparation, real-life experience, and learning from experts, contributes to your growth. Over time, you’ll not only become a confident and persuasive presenter but also open up doors to academic and professional opportunities. You’ve got the potential; now, let it shine!

Conclusion:

So, here’s the scoop—presentation skills aren’t just about fancy speeches. They’re your superpower for rocking academics, acing your career, and unleashing personal growth. Mastering these and mastering your life would be the best way to put it. We wish you all the best for your presentation and hope this article helps you.

If you wish to know more about how you can communicate effectively, you can try our coaching here .

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

How the 10,000-Hour Rule Applies to Public Speaking 

Go From Passive to Assertive with These 6 Top Tips

Feeling Nervous? Congratulations, You Care

• [email protected]
• +91 98203 57888

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

• Powerpoint Tutorials

What Is PowerPoint And What It Is Used For?

All of us who are familiar with this multifaceted presentation software, Microsoft PowerPoint create the slideshow. With text, pictures, charts, videos, and animations, you will be able to present information in such a manner that it not only reads well but also entertains. For students, tasked with making presentations for school projects, professionals, tasked with the duty of presenting business proposals before an investor, or an educator, tasked with presenting ideas – definitely PowerPoint is the first choice.

So, PowerPoint is very popular, they even claim it to be the world’s most widely used slide show software. How’s that? And what do people use it for? Now let’s go into how it works and the many ways it could be helpful to you.

Making Presentations with PowerPoint

Fundamentally, at its core, PowerPoint is a tool for creating slideshows. You can create hundreds of slides, and each slide might contain a combination of various types of content, including:

• Text: To communicate the ideas and present information.
• Images: Make the slide pretty to look at.
• Graphs and Charts: For the clear illustration of information.
• Videos: For an engaging, dynamic story.
• Animations and Transitions: Give it a professional look.

These slides are set up in such a way that you can stand up and present your information step by step without confusion. Another reason PowerPoint is excellent to use is due to its flexibility. You can give your presentation to a small group in a meeting room or to an auditorium filled with full of people based on your presentation need.

What Can I Use PowerPoint For?

1. business presentations.

Apart from the media orientation, business people have been using PowerPoint presentations as a voice of expression in the world of business. These were used for meetings, proposals, and even corporate training. It is very popular among business people as it allows for the clear representation of data through charts and graphs, report showcases, and entertains the audience with visual and animation effects.

2. For learning

Teachers and students have used PowerPoint to explain concepts or even to introduce their projects. Teachers can split complicated ideas into smaller parts with slides that the students can comprehend. Further, adding images and videos to a presentation makes learning interesting.

3. Marketing and Sales

Marketing people can use PowerPoint while launching new products, running campaigns, or even pitching sales. What is presented becomes an attractive, well-structured piece of information that makes presentations powerful enough to blow the minds of the listeners.

4. Events and Workshops

PowerPoint can be used as a guide to help participants through topics. Applying PowerPoint helps the presenter to stay on topic, meanwhile giving visuals to the audience for better clarity of understanding.

5. Pitch Decks for Startups

When pitching to investors, startups often turn to PowerPoint to create pitch decks. These slides sum up the business idea, problem, and growth of startups.

Why Use Premade PowerPoint Templates?

Of course, making your very own presentation from scratch is not too time-consuming an activity unless you know little about design principles. That’s what the premade PowerPoint templates are for. You get established, professional-looking slide layouts with templates. With that, you can just input your own content without being overly particular with minor design details.

Millions of professional PowerPoint templates are available online, from business proposals to academic presentations. You will save time and effort using them, and your presentation will look just right. To learn how to download PowerPoint templates, see our blog on How to Download Templates for PowerPoint .

Tips on How to Create an Appealing PowerPoint Presentation

PowerPoint presentations should not only inform but also captivate your audience. Here are some tips to just get started:

• Limit Text: Use fewer words by putting bullet points and preventing long paragraphs.
• High-Quality Images: The visuals make or break a presentation. Use clear images of high resolution that relate to your topic.
• Engage with Animations: It is good to add some transitions and animations for your slides but not too much.
• Readable Fonts: You can use clear readable fonts like Arial or Calibri, and contrastive colors for the text and backgrounds.

To learn more about this, read our post on “ How Can You Make Your PowerPoint Presentation Attractive? “ .

How Do I Begin Using PowerPoint?

PowerPoint is not difficult to use, but if this is your first time using the software, you can download free and paid templates, or simply look through the various design options as a learning curve for figuring out how you can make an attractive presentation with minimal hassle. If you still feel a bit confused about where to begin, you can refer to our PowerPoint Tutorials for step-by-step guidance .

If you have been considering for some time where to search for free PowerPoint templates , sit back and relax—there are lots of sources that can be found online.

Microsoft PowerPoint is much more than some general slide presentation tools. It is a wonderful versatile platform through which you would be able to make ideas relate to people in the most perfect possible way, from a business pitch to lecturing the class or preparing some school project. The thing is that with good technique and good templates, you would be able to create presentations that are engaging in appearance and inspiring to the audience.

You can even scan through online templates to easily change the looks of your presentations. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, PowerPoint really has something that would surely suit everyone’s taste.

Spread Love

Related blogs.

Arockia Mary Amutha

Arockia Mary Amutha is a seasoned senior content writer at SlideEgg, bringing over four years of dedicated experience to the field. Her expertise in presentation tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva shines through in her clear, concise, and professional writing style. With a passion for crafting engaging and insightful content, she specializes in creating detailed how-to guides, tutorials, and tips on presentation design that resonate with and empower readers.

Recent Blogs

How to Create an Effective Lesson Plan Presentation?

A significant first step towards creating a great lesson plan presentation is vital to any teacher who wants his lesson...

How to Create a Jeopardy Game in Google Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jeopardy is a popular quiz game that challenges participants with answers to which they must respond with the correct questions....

How to Make Animated Videos on Canva Slides in 2 Simple Ways

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of creating animated videos, Canva Slides is the tool for you – it’s...

SIGNUP FOR NEWSLETTER

10 Ways to Apply PowerPoint in Education

Updated: Nov 27, 2022

While at school and college, students are learning to incorporate various tools into the education process for better results. However, while some devices seem to be already deeply integrated into education, others are still falling behind just because teachers and students still don't understand how to apply them.

One of the handiest tools that still requires attention is PowerPoint. Lots of schools and other educational facilities are using it rarely to create presentations, but they still don't realize that there is much more to it.

If we dig deeper, we can find plenty of practical ways to apply this tool in education. All you need is a bit of creativity, and this universal and beneficial tool will help you gain the best result!

How to make the most efficient use of PowerPoint in the classroom? Below, we have gathered some of the best tips!

For Students

Self-study sessions.

Everyone knows that a considerable part of students' activities (especially when they are already at college) depends on self-learning. In their spare time, young people make notes, search for additional materials, and now, there is another excellent tool for your self-study sessions!

There are plenty of helpful PowerPoint presentations online that can help youngsters learn better.

Visual Interpretations

Facing a complex topic, many students spend days and nights trying to grasp the main idea. That's when they are missing out on the most significant benefit of using PowerPoint as a tool for education! Building visual interpretations of phenomena, facts, events, and other things, one creates associations that help memorize the terms better!

Moreover, never underestimate the power of visualization. Know that any complicated information on your most researched essay may be presented via PowerPoint. If you feel anxious about crafting the presentation itself, note that there is always a way to ask for professional help.

Creative Writing and Poetry

The homework assigned during the course of different creative subjects often lacks visualization. However, with the help of PowerPoint, students can disclose more of their creative potential and turn a regular assignment into the real piece of art. This will increase engagement in the classroom and also teach students valuable tech skills. Also, you can visit sites like Studycrumb for more practical advice on writing a variety of content

Creating a PowerPoint presentation on a historical event or another academic topic, students generally memorize the given material better as they need to draw the key points and facts from it. Thus, making group or individual slideshows can help gain more in-depth knowledge.

Test Preparation

In many cases, visualizing the educational material helps students memorize it faster than they would do if they just read it in the textbook. This fact makes PowerPoint a truly universal tool for covering the material. Thus, creating quick visual notes can be extremely handy during exam preparation.

For Teachers

Interactive classes.

PowerPoint is perfect for making your lessons more interactive! This tool allows incorporating different types of fun activities that will contribute to faster and better learning in the classroom!

One of the easiest ways to start using PowerPoint in the classroom is to prepare fun, interactive quizzes with its help. It will be fun for the whole class because instead of the piece of paper and a pen, students can interact with each other and watch a neat visual presentation meanwhile.

Instructions for Lab Sessions

As a rule, during any laboratory session, a teacher needs to provide the students with detailed guidelines for further assignments. Doing so with the help of a slideshow is easy and convenient.

First of all, this automates the learning process and, most importantly, when all the instructions are displayed on the monitor for the whole class to see, this minimizes the number of mistakes to be made by students.

Charts and Graphs

Statistical data is always a great way to support a specific statement or fact, so this is something teachers are dealing with all the time. Providing this data in a visual form helps learners perceive and memorize the material better. Thus, using a presentation for sharing graphs and charts is a great idea!

Educational Games

Speaking of younger learners, they also can benefit if teachers start using PowerPoint for educational purposes. It is not a secret that youngsters perceive information the best in the form of games, and this tool allows teachers to prepare fun, interactive, and educational lessons with ease!

Final Words

PowerPoint has been around for a while. However, it seems like we are just getting started discovering its full potential.

This smart tool for creating presentations can actually come in handy in numerous ways, be you at home, workplace, or school!

Wrapping up, let's look at some of the biggest pros of integrating PowerPoint into the educational program:

● It motivates students when used right;

● It allows adding more creativity and interactivity into the classroom;

● It is fun, so students should enjoy both watching and making such presentations;

● With the right approach, it can help schools accommodate all learners' needs.

These are just some of the most significant pros of using PowerPoint! Thus, it is fair to say that this tool should be integrated into every modern learning program for creativity, engagement, and performance boost!

Recent Posts

Beyond the hype: what can you really do with Copilot in Microsoft 365?

Advanced chart types actually possible in PowerPoint & Excel

Unlock productivity with the Slide Master in PowerPoint

Presentation Training Institute

A division of bold new directions training, the benefits of using powerpoint in presentations.

You are probably familiar with the phrase “death by PowerPoint†and may have even experienced it yourself. After all, most of us have sat through a presentation where the speaker bored us to death by reading directly from a cheesy slideshow. However, the fact is, when used appropriately, PowerPoint can be an effective tool for communicating your message. 

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most popular presentation tool used by teachers, professionals, and students worldwide. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it easier to convey information and engage audiences. Here we will take a look at some of the benefits of using PowerPoint to craft engaging presentations. 

1. Visual Appeal

Research has shown that 65% of people are visual learners, meaning they need to see information in order to retain it. PowerPoint allows presenters to translate facts, data, and information into visual images that make it easier for the audience to understand. Furthermore, presenters can create visually appealing presentations with a variety of design templates, themes, and multimedia elements that help engage audiences and captivate their interest. 

2. Organization and Structure

Delivering a presentation in front of an audience can be nerve wracking and it’s easy for speakers to lose their place and get off track. PowerPoint provides a structured framework for the presenter to outline their content in a logical and organized manner. A well-designed slide deck can serve as a guide for presenters so they don’t have to worry about forgetting any of their main points. 

3. Audience Engagement

PowerPoint allows presenters to engage their audience through interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and hyperlinks. These features encourage audience participation and make the presentation more dynamic and memorable. 

4. Explain Complex Information

PowerPoint makes it easier for the presenter to explain complex concepts through easily digestible visuals. For example, charts, graphs, and infographics act as visual representations of complex information. This helps avoid confusion and clarifies information in a way that audiences can easily understand. 

5. Boosts Presenter Confidence

Most people dislike public speaking so it can be helpful to have a PowerPoint as a guide for the presentation. This makes the presenter feel more relaxed and at ease knowing that they don’t have to worry about getting off track or forgetting their material.

9 Reasons Why Presentations Must Be a Part of School Curriculum 

Have you ever wondered why some people are always on the stage, conducting sessions, anchoring events, and confronting large gatherings, while some are always in the audience? Well, the only difference between the two is that the prior ones were taught how to deliver presentations and speak publically when they were in school. 

Let us consider examples of how young students have started movements. We all know the nineteen-year-old Greta Thunberg, who raised her voice against people, leaders, and nations for environmental damage. Besides addressing huge crowds of people at rallies and marches, she was not afraid to express facts and opinions at the United Nations conferences and world summits. It was through her speeches that millions of people were made aware, perhaps a voice that was trained young in the classroom. 

Therefore, if we want to raise a generation of fearless, expressive, and courageous human beings, we ought to teach young children the essential skills that will help them grow, and create a difference.

Let us go through some reasons why teaching presentation skills to the younger generation in school is so essential.

1. Ignites Creativity

Building presentations allow students to play with colors, fonts, graphics, and designs and tickle their creative sides. For instance, when students are given considerable freedom to create projects, they would fuse in thoughts and imagination. This would allow them to combine things that wouldn’t usually go together and help them develop new ideas and styles. This can considerably increase their grasping power, enabling them to learn things with ease.

2. Boosts Confidence

When a student stands before his mates and presents, his confidence increases multifold times. From jittering and stammering in front of the class to confidently compering for events, this transformation is extremely crucial for a child. And the best place to embark upon this journey is the classroom!

3. Improves Communication Skills

One of the most important skills that can be learned young is effective communication . The most successful people are often the ones who efficiently communicate their unique selling points through creative presentations.

Let us take the example of Mamaearth, a unicorn startup that communicated its niche of being one of the only brands that were safe for babies. This effective use of communication helped it grow gigantically and made its way into the unicorn club within five years.

4. Polishes Research Skills

The future of everything, be it a product or a service, lies in research and development. Companies are spending huge amounts of money just to hire efficiently trained employees who have a knack for research. Making presentations forces students to read about specific topics and sub-topics, enables them to surf through websites, find unknown facts, conduct market surveys, and research extensively.

5. Prepares Them for Future Job/Business

Every job needs employees who can present and run the show by themselves. No matter if you are a part of finance, editorials, HR, or if you are an entrepreneur, there will always be situations where you will need to explain compellingly and lock up deals. From presentations to pitches, such opportunities will knock on the door now and then, and if you cannot present yourself at that moment, you’ll be pushed to a corner.

Thus, such foundational skills are best taught in schools where students are given enough chances to make mistakes, learn, and master this art to perfection.

6. Creates Leaders

Every significant event in history was led by a spine of steel – by men and women who were leaders with strong minds and the ability to speak, amplify and create a change for themselves and their people.

For instance, let us look through the story of Malvika Hegde, the current owner of Café Coffee Day, a popular chain of coffee shops in India. With a debt of over 7200 crores after the death of her husband (also the founder of CCD), Malvika took over the company and, like a true leader, faced the obstacles with excellent resilience. She helped retain 25000 staff and reduced the debt by over 5000 crores within two years! 

Therefore, students can be given responsibilities of being prefects, hosting events, collaborating on campaigns, and conducting competitions through presentations, which will help build their leadership skills.

7. Helps in Being Organized

Presentations induce organizational skills. When students make presentations, they arrange data. They are bound to compile, sort, and put their information in a systematic manner, which makes their slides easier to understand. This increases their capacity to be organized.

8. Improves Body Language

During presentations, one is conscious of his/her body language. One learns the use of gestures, postures, and eye movement and how they can create a big difference in the delivery of content. Always remember that the first presentation might not be the best one, but with time, you learn to develop your body language .

9. Helps to Expand Networks

Presentations allow like-minded young adults to form groups. It increases their ability to meet people, speak to them, and have a network of birds with the same feathers. However, when a student is not equipped with such skills, they lose upon this golden opportunity to expand their friend circle and meet new people.

Educating students about the importance of presentations and methods of improving their work can help them go a long way. The most effective way of doing this is by being a real-life example for them.

Here is an anecdote from my school that made me realize the value of presentation skills. When we started our new sessions, there were orientation programs conducted for every batch. These sessions consisted of extremely insightful, creative, and fun presentations that made us look forward to our new classes. These were given by not just our teachers but the Principal too was a part of them. Witnessing such captivating presenters inspired each one of us to become one of them, and whenever an opportunity struck, we made sure to never leave that behind. This was possible only because we had a wonderful example of how presentations are the backbone of life.

Therefore, institutions can create change and produce leaders and world changers!

Getting opportunities from a young age is key in preparing our youth to be equipped for the future. I appreciate how you’ve laid out the multi-faceted benefits that school-aged kids can gain from doing presentations. This resonates with me on a personal level as well because I was a very introverted kid growing and hated speaking in front of the class BUT because I was given that opportunity many times I then started to practice beforehand. I definitely know that this experience in high school has been the foundation of my current speaking and Emceeing career. Thanks for the inspiration to pass this on to the next generation

Leave a Response Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: 2 + 6 =

Ashish Arora

You might also like.

Essential Tips to Find the Right Audience for Your Next Presentation

Expert Tips to Handle Distractions When You Speak on Stage

9 Tips to Craft the Perfect Title for Your Next PowerPoint Presentation

Unleash the Power of Agile Communication in the Fast-Changing Digital Realm

Persuasive Presentation Topics for Students: 100+ Compelling Ideas

Discover 100+ persuasive presentation topics for students, covering social issues, education, environment, and more. Find the perfect topic to engage and convince your audience.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Presentation Topic?

• Relevance: The topic should be timely and resonate with your audience's interests and concerns.
• Controversy: Persuasive topics often spark debate. Choosing a subject with differing viewpoints can make your presentation more engaging.
• Clarity: The topic should be clear and straightforward, enabling the audience to understand your stance and arguments easily.
• Passion: Choose a topic you are passionate about. Your enthusiasm will come across and help persuade your audience.
• Researchability: Ensure there is enough credible information available to support your arguments.

How to Choose the Right Topic for Your Presentation

• Identify Your Audience: Consider their interests, knowledge level, and viewpoints.
• Define Your Purpose: Are you trying to inform, persuade, or inspire your audience? Your goal will shape your topic choice.
• Brainstorm Ideas: Write down all potential topics that come to mind, even if they seem unconventional.
• Narrow Down Options: Filter your list based on feasibility, interest, and relevance.
• Do Preliminary Research: Ensure you have enough data to back up your arguments and develop a compelling case.

100+ Persuasive Presentation Topics for Students

1. social issues.

• Should social media platforms be regulated more strictly?
• Is the #MeToo movement effective in preventing sexual harassment?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is cancel culture harmful or beneficial to society?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized worldwide?
• Are social media influencers a negative influence on young people?
• Is affirmative action still necessary in modern society?
• Should all public places provide gender-neutral restrooms?
• Is the death penalty an effective deterrent against crime?
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?

2. Education

• Should schools switch to a four-day school week?
• Is standardized testing an accurate measure of student ability?
• Should college education be free for all?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
• Should financial literacy be a mandatory subject in high schools?
• Are single-sex schools better for students?
• Should students be required to wear uniforms in school?
• Is technology in classrooms a boon or bane?
• Should teachers' salaries be based on student performance?
• Is year-round schooling more beneficial for students?

3. Environment and Sustainability

• Is climate change the greatest threat to future generations?
• Should plastic bags be banned globally?
• Is nuclear energy the solution to our energy crisis?
• Should governments enforce a meat tax to combat climate change?
• Are electric cars truly eco-friendly?
• Should deforestation be made illegal?
• Is fast fashion harming the environment beyond repair?
• Should the use of pesticides in agriculture be banned?
• Is it better to invest in conservation or sustainable development?
• Should recycling be mandatory worldwide?

4. Technology and Innovation

• Are AI and automation leading to mass unemployment?
• Should there be a legal limit on screen time for children?
• Is the use of drones a violation of privacy?
• Are self-driving cars safe for widespread use?
• Should governments regulate cryptocurrency?
• Is genetic engineering ethical?
• Should social media companies be held accountable for fake news?
• Are video games more harmful than beneficial for children?
• Should there be limits on personal data collection by companies?
• Is the internet making us more or less intelligent?

5. Health and Wellness

• Should healthcare be free for all?
• Is a vegan diet healthier than a non-vegan diet?
• Should the government regulate the fast-food industry more strictly?
• Is the anti-vaccine movement dangerous?
• Should mental health days be mandatory in schools and workplaces?
• Are alternative medicines effective?
• Should there be stricter laws against cosmetic surgery for minors?
• Is addiction a choice or a disease?
• Should physical education be mandatory in schools?
• Are sports drinks beneficial or harmful to children?

6. Politics and Government

• Should voting be mandatory?
• Is the two-party system effective for democratic governance?
• Should there be term limits for all elected officials?
• Are current immigration policies fair?
• Should hate speech be protected under free speech?
• Is political correctness beneficial for society?
• Should foreign aid be prioritized over domestic needs?
• Are economic sanctions an effective tool for diplomacy?
• Is the current tax system fair?
• Should countries have open borders?

7. Science and Ethics

• Is animal testing necessary for scientific research?
• Should cloning be allowed for medical purposes?
• Are GMOs safe for consumption?
• Should human genetic modification be allowed?
• Is space exploration worth the cost?
• Should organ donation be mandatory?
• Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment?
• Should there be a limit on human lifespan extension research?
• Is euthanasia morally acceptable?
• Should we prioritize research on renewable energy over fossil fuels?

8. Business and Economics

• Should minimum wage be raised to a living wage?
• Is globalization beneficial or harmful?
• Should gig economy workers receive benefits and protections?
• Are monopolies always bad for consumers?
• Should advertising to children be banned?
• Is outsourcing jobs unethical?
• Should luxury goods be taxed higher?
• Is the wealth gap a threat to democracy?
• Should companies be penalized for environmental damage?
• Are cryptocurrency and blockchain the future of finance?

9. Entertainment and Media

• Is reality TV harmful to society?
• Should violent video games be banned?
• Is there too much censorship in media?
• Should celebrity influence on social issues be encouraged?
• Are awards shows still relevant today?
• Should pirated content be more severely punished?
• Is binge-watching harmful to mental health?
• Are eSports real sports?
• Is the portrayal of women in media improving?
• Should books with controversial topics be banned from schools?

10. Personal Development

• Is the concept of work-life balance achievable?
• Are college degrees necessary for success?
• Should everyone practice mindfulness and meditation?
• Is failure necessary for success?
• Should personal finance be a compulsory subject in school?
• Is time management the key to success?
• Are goals more effective than resolutions?
• Should everyone have a social media presence?
• Is self-discipline more important than motivation?
• Should travel be an essential part of education?

Tips for Creating an Effective Persuasive Presentation

• Start with a Hook: Begin your presentation with a question, statistic, or anecdote to grab your audience’s attention.
• Structure Your Arguments: Use a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure each point logically follows the previous one.
• Use Strong Evidence: Support your claims with facts, statistics, quotes, and real-life examples.
• Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and refute them with solid reasoning.
• Engage with Your Audience: Ask questions, use visual aids, and interact with your audience to keep them engaged.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery and confidence.

Create PPT using AI

Just Enter Topic, Youtube URL, PDF, or Text to get a beautiful PPT in seconds. Use the bulb for AI suggestions.

character count: 0 / 6000 (we can fetch data from google)

upload pdf, docx, .png

less than 2 min

Mehjabi Khan

10-Minute Presentation Topics: 100+ Ideas for Your Next Presentation

27 September 2024

Interesting Psychology Topics for Presentation for Students: 100+ Topics

Mental Health Topics for Presentation for Students: 100+ Ideas to Get Started

Leadership Topics for Presentation for Students: 100+ Topics to Inspire and Educate

Which Questions Should Not Be Considered When Evaluating Potential Topics for a Presentation?

What Are Good Topics for a Funny Presentation? 50+ Hilarious Ideas to Get You Started

How to Choose the Perfect Presentation Topic: A Detailed Guide

How to Add a Text box in Canva

Interesting Health Topics for Presentation: 100+ Ideas to Engage Your Audience

Stunning presentations in seconds with AI

Install MagicSlides app now and start creating beautiful presentations. It's free!

Get AI-Generated Presentations Ready in Seconds

Free AI PPT Tools

The 10 Best Presentation Tools for Students in 2023

Presentation tools for students have come a long way.

Students have access to all sorts of digital presentation tools, from legacy slide-based tools like PowerPoint to truly inventive and experimental new formats that incorporate live and prerecorded video and audio. The rise in virtual, hybrid, and flipped classrooms has made the need for education-focused online presentation tools for students all the greater.

Wondering which tools will help your students create the best presentations? We’ve shown you tools before, like 20 classroom technology tools you may not know , but many of those were teacher-focused. Here are 10 of the best student presentation tools your kiddos can use in 2023. And listen to this episode of EdTech Heroes with Sultan Rana to see how you can revolutionize presentations for students this year!

Importance of students learning to use a range of presentation tech tools 🎬

Before we get into this list, it’s fair to ask: Is it really all that important for students to get comfortable using technology-based presentation tools? 🤔

We believe the answer is an emphatic “Yes!”

The modern world we live in already depends on all sorts of tech and that dependence will only increase. Today’s students are tomorrow’s adults, and it’s vital they develop media literacy skills now. This is behind the push for digital citizenship , or teaching children to use tech safely and responsibly so they can effectively participate in society in the future.  

Many students are already comfortable navigating smartphone apps, video games, smart TVs, and social media. But throw a PowerPoint or other business tool in front of them, and it’s another story. They aren’t technology averse. But neither are they automatically comfortable with all the different software and user interfaces that they’ll encounter in the professional and business world.

As the world grows more technologically complex 🤖, the professionals of tomorrow need exposure today to the language of technology. 

By engaging with a range of presentation tools — along with edtech tools like Google Classroom and other LMS platforms — students gain a more well-rounded understanding of how to interact with productivity-oriented tech. They learn how to communicate their ideas and collaborate across physical and virtual spaces with ease. 

With that question answered, let’s jump into the top 10 student presentation tools that will support your students’ tech skills and overall growth. 

1. Screencastify Submit

Screencastify Submit does many things. It allows teachers to create presentation assignments for students. It also allows students to easily record and submit these short video assignments on any device. It’s a great way to practice giving live presentations without the pressure of an audience, plus it helps students gain skills with talking and presenting on camera. 🎥

Another advantage for students: Students can practice their presentation skills and wait to submit until they’ve recorded their favorite take. 

Screencastify Submit is simple because it’s designed to be a secure, closed system between teachers and students. However, the broader Screencastify suite — one of the top Google Chrome extensions for educators and students — has plenty of integrations with popular LMSes and edtech platforms. 

2. PowerPoint and Google Slides

Two of the classic slide-building apps, PowerPoint and Google Slides feel very traditional compared to many of the other tools listed here. Still, both apps are easy introductions to the concept of creating basic 2D designs and visually appealing presentations. PowerPoint Presentations and Google Slides allow students to create slideshow content with transitions, animations, multiple slide layouts, and more.

These presentation software solutions help students prioritize the information that’s most useful to their audience and hone the ability to present that material in a visually engaging way. They can also be used in conjunction with screencasting or screen sharing to present in a more live or interactive manner.

These apps are both widespread and integrate seamlessly with a variety of tools. For Apple users, Keynote is another option in this same style, but it’s limited to only macOS and iOS, making it less widely adopted.

Note that Google Slides is free for everyone with a Gmail account, but PowerPoint requires an individual subscription or a school-wide license.

3. Prezi Next

The original Prezi was like a cooler, snappier version of PowerPoint. It did away with the feeling that every slide was a static rectangular image and let users create presentations that felt more like unique little worlds 🌍  than like conference room snooze-fests 😴 .

Unfortunately, it was built on Adobe Flash, which is dead and gone .

Prezi Next is the new generation of Prezi, built fresh in HTML5. It keeps the feel of the original and enables students to produce creative, imaginative presentations full of both whimsy and functionality. Templates in Prezi Next allow students to be creative, detailed, and look great in the process.

Prezi also integrates with major video conferencing apps like Google Meet and Zoom, allowing students to present their Prezi live. 

4. Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is another slide-based presentation app. It’s entirely cloud-based, meaning you can access Haiku Deck from the web. The big differentiator with Haiku Deck is its automated image search. The app intelligently analyzes the text that your students add to their slides, then it suggests photos and slide designs that make sense for that text.

Haiku Deck gives users access to over 40 million royalty-free images (meaning no more watermarks or pixelated backgrounds) and includes dozens of themes designed by pros, complete with complementary fonts picked out for each one.

Haiku Deck is mostly a standalone tool. So, while you don’t get deep integrations with other tools, you might not really need them.

Related: Learn about the best tools for student engagement in this episode of EdTech Heroes !

5. Pear Deck

Before they ever explain what Pear Deck is, the team behind Pear Deck points to research showing that learning has both social, emotional and academic components and goes into great detail about the research-backed instructional strategies that the platform supports.

So, this tool comes from a team that’s dedicated to improving educational outcomes for all kinds of learners. But what does it do, exactly?

Essentially, Pear Deck operates as an add-on to Google Slides or PowerPoint and allows you to turn those static presentation tools into dynamic, interactive educational experiences. You can embed quizzes, tutorials, and other interactive content and see student responses in real time.

Although it’s aimed at teachers, it can be used by students to enhance their own presentations with engaging content like Q&A or audio and video, and gives them more creative freedom. 

Sutori is a tool that’s purpose built to help students create timelines and roadmaps and tell stories. It’s simple and streamlined, making it easy for students of all ages to use. Students can even embed media on their Sutori timelines, and Sutori is easy to use online and via remote learning.

Sutori’s timeline focus makes it perfect for social studies or history and any other linear, time-based lessons. The company also lists use cases for English, Language, Arts, and STEM teachers. It’s a great tool for fostering multimedia collaboration, critical thinking (via both primary and secondary sources), and research skills.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words 📸, and if that’s true, how much more is an infographic worth? A lot, when it comes to the classroom. Infographics are great storytelling tools, not to mention visual aids. The trouble is that making great infographics from scratch have required graphic design skills🧑‍💻  — until tools like Easelly.

Easelly lets anyone make quality infographics in a wide range of styles. Students can better visualize data and content, which is great both for their own critical thinking and logic skills as well as their public presentation skills.

Easelly includes numerous templates that make it easy to transform content from dry text and statistics into beautiful infographics.

Easelly doesn’t directly integrate with other tools, but infographics created in Easelly can easily (hence the name) be exported to other tools to be shared or presented.

8. Glogster

Glogster is a tool for creating multimedia posters that can include 3D elements. Students can embed a wide range of media into a Glogster, including screencast videos, graphics, images, audio, and even 3D and VR objects.

Glogster is somewhat like an oversized poster board to make a class project or report, but also interactive and zoomable. It’s a digital canvas that makes just about anything visual possible, all within one space.

Students can practice their visual storytelling skills and get comfortable navigating and embedding multiple media types with Glogster.

9. VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a unique tool that lets users collaborate and discuss just about anything: videos, images, documents and more using features like annotations, highlights, pausing, zooming. It’s essentially a media-focused video chat tool.

In the K-12 landscape, VoiceThread is great for students who want to share a specific media file with others and collaborate either in discussion or in a Q&A after a presentation. Viewers can add video comments and questions directly to a presentation, giving a more personal level of engagement especially for fully remote classrooms. Students can develop great conversational and presentation skills using VoiceThread, too.

Miro is a visual collaboration tool designed primarily for teams to get work done. In other words, it’s a business-focused digital whiteboard tool that has a lot of value for classrooms too. 

Students (and teachers) can use it for idea mapping 🗺, brainstorming, creating workflows or diagrams, and all sorts of other visual collaboration and presentation needs. 

It’s great for group projects where students might want to get a bunch of ideas mapped out prior to creating their polished presentation in another tool. Miro also has some effective templates that can help students work quickly.

Because it’s a business tool, Miro has all kinds of integrations with all the top business apps. Some of these are useful in education, such as Zoom, Google drive, and Microsoft Teams integrations.

Find out why students and teachers love Screencastify 🍎 

Screencastify is fantastic for any teacher who needs to create screencast videos quickly and easily. But it’s great for students, too! 

Students can use Screencastify Submit to easily create video responses to their teachers’ assignments, using the desktop, laptop, or mobile device they have at home. Older students can even use Screencastify themselves to create their own screencast presentations for virtual reports, class presentations, and more.

Click to learn more about what Screencastify can do for educators and students alike.

Helping educators accomplish more, create visible success and inspire new ways of teaching.

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life
• University of Miami
• Division of University Communications
• Office of Media Relations
• Miller School of Medicine Communications
• Hurricane Sports
• UM Media Experts
• Emergency Preparedness
• Connection and Transition
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Student Engagement
• Well-Being and Resiliency
• Departments and Areas
• 'Canes Care for 'Canes
• Latest Headlines
• Student Affairs
• Subscribe to News@TheU Newsletter
• UM NEWS HOME

Kevin Kruger Reflects on the Evolution of Higher Education

By Jen Rau 09-26-2024

On Monday, September 23, the University of Miami’s Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement had the honor of hosting Kevin Kruger, former President of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), in the Shalala Student Center Ballroom. With over 40 years of experience in higher education, Kruger delivered a profound reflection on the evolving challenges and opportunities within student affairs and higher education leadership.

Attendees included staff from Student Affairs, Alumni Engagement, Center for Student Navigation and Success, Human Resources, Strategy and Transformation, and Auxiliary Services.

Kruger’s presentation provided a comprehensive look back at his extensive career, focusing on the significant evolutions he has witnessed within the field. He underscored the need for continued support of low-income and first-generation students, emphasizing the importance of meeting their needs at every stage of their educational journey. He also identified mental health and well-being of students as institutional priorities.

Pat Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement, who has served the University of Miami for over 40 years, invited Kruger to speak. Whitely, a national leader in student affairs, recently co-chaired the search for the next NASPA president and has been recognized for her extensive contributions to higher education. Reflecting on the event, she remarked, “Kruger’s presentation was thought-provoking and filled with invaluable insights and data, providing our teams with strategies to elevate their work and further support for student success.”

Kruger also addressed pressing campus issues, including the need for innovation to address belonging and well-being across diverse student populations and navigating financial constraints. His analysis offered a roadmap for collaboration between student affairs professionals and academic staff to tackle these critical challenges effectively.

Addressing the pressing issues on university campuses, Kruger called for continued innovation to tackle challenges such as belonging and mental health, finding commonalities across diverse student populations, and navigating fiscal constraints. His insights offered a valuable perspective on how student affairs professionals and academic staff can collaborate to address these critical issues and support student success.

This event reinforced the importance of professional development for university staff as the institution continues to prioritize student success. Kruger’s insights will inspire ongoing efforts to enhance the support provided to students, ensuring their continued growth and achievement within the University of Miami community.

Division of Student Affairs

• 1252 Memorial Drive Coral Gables , FL 33146
• 305-284-4922 305-284-4922
• [email protected]
• UM News and Events
• Alumni & Friends
• 'Cane Watch

Tools and Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Department Search
• Parking & Transportation
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices Title IX & Gender Equity Website Feedback

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .