Effective use of powerpoint for learning

10 years ago there was virtually no use of powerpoint within learning environments - classrooms, lectures, workshops and so on.  The visual media you might have seen were:

1. black and white overhead transparencies being whisked on and off at a great pace (with groans from participants because they were expected to copy the content of each slide!)
2. 35mm slideshows (these were generally a nice change!)
3. whiteboards 
4. flipcharts 

In the last 6-7 years powerpoint has in many instances taken over, good or bad?  Depends how it's used.

Here are 7 simple tips for using powerpoint (or mac keynote) effectively in learning environments:

1. The slides must complement the learning/message, not be the message.  There have been many studies (see the book Multimedia Learning for details) that show that learners cannot read and listen at the same time.  Therefore reading your slides to learners doesn't aid learning.
2. Strictly limit the use of animated text.  It doesn't help learning, it distracts from it. 
3. Do not use cartoonish clipart, what does it add (distraction).  Instead use real images, you can download many images from Microsoft's clipart page.  Just make sure to only use 'photos'.  These are free, the quality OK but for better images consider sites such as iStockphoto, not free but well-priced and excellent quality.  There are other good sources of images but check whether they allow you to copy them and/or pay royalties.
4. Strictly limit the amount of text you place on each slide (and make what you do use big enough to read).  Some people think fewer slides is better but not if that means densely packed text that is too small to read.  Each slide is free so why cram it full?  How much text?  Half a dozen words per slide would be about right - really! Provide a separate handout with the details. 
5. Plan your lesson.  Ask yourself what is the best way to get the message/learning across.  If the answer is a slide then use one.  If the answer is something else - activity, discussion, role play, brainstorm, group work .... then use this - don't just use slides because you can!
6. Read books on the effective use of powerpoint/keynote such as the excellent slide:ology by Nancy Duarte or PresentationZen by Garr Reynolds.  Both these books provide a great basis for effective powerpoint design (with a great emphasis on design)
7. Be brave enough to try new ideas, it's worth it! 

  These give you a quick starting point, before Visual Learning month is over I'll look more closely at the book slide:ology and PresentationZen, focusing on the importance of effective design within learning environments.