Information Literacy

Literacy has taken on many more meanings in recent years. Usually when someone thinks of literacy, they think of being able to read or write. However, being literate means a lot more. A person now needs to be not only able to read and write, but extract information and use it as well as being able to use a computer.

One component of being able to use a computer is to use PowerPoint effectively. Students need to be taught how to use PowerPoint because it is a great tool and by the time college, or perhaps even high school comes, they are expected to know the program well. Since the program enhances the classroom experience by giving a visual to what the speaker (teacher) is explaining, it can be used in early grades (as in 4-8 grades). The students at this time can also learn how the slides are supposed to look like as long as the teacher knows how to effectively use the program. By the time students begin to use PowerPoint on their own, they will have a basic idea on how it is supposed to be used. PowerPoint also is a great tool to teach students how to give speeches. The program is not meant to have every single word written out, but basically an outline of important information the speaker will say.

With teachers and students becoming knowledgeable on how to use PowerPoint, an article like PowerPoint Is Evil will never be true. Scoring Power Points gives a great outline on how to create a great slideshow that will enhance any classroom or speech. I think, at least from my own experience, PowerPoint brings a lot to the classroom. I'm the kind of person who will zone out from just listening to someone talk, however PowerPoint keeps me interested by stating what is going on and lead to what is important and what notes to take. At times, the graphics and perhaps an animation halfway through keeps the audience engaged.