ERIC Number: ED429037
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998-Nov
Pages: 5
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Powerpoint versus Traditional Overheads. Which Is More Effective for Learning?
Ahmed, Christine
Researchers investigated whether there was a difference in learning when teachers used PowerPoint software. Study participants were 143 students in a teacher education program at a mid-sized midwestern university. Students ranged in age from 20-48 years and were primarily Caucasian. Class size ranged from 33-39 students each of the four semesters of the study. During the first two semesters, students were shown traditional overheads on elements of a comprehensive school drug education program. This lecture/discussion lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes. Six questions on a mid-semester test were from this lecture. Researchers developed a PowerPoint presentation for this exact set of overheads, using a colorful template that would appeal to a teacher education audience, with graphics and images added to the text to increase the visual impact. Transitions were added. The lecture/discussion time was again 1 hour and 20 minutes. The PowerPoint presentation was used in the next two semesters instead of the traditional overheads. Researchers gathered test scores again at mid-semester using the same instrument and questions. Data analysis indicated that there was very little difference in test scores when comparing test scores following traditional overheads and PowerPoint presentations. The study suggests that technology is not a magic bullet, and what is most important in the classroom is a good teacher. (SM)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A