Module: Preparing a PowerQuest

objective / samples/  task

 

 

Objectives:

PowerPoint can be used (or abused) for many purposes. It is primarily used as a presentation or demonstration tool. The focus of this module is to discuss how PowerPoint can be used as an effective tool to enhance student-centered, web-based learning.

PowerPoint often offers a quicker and easier alternative than a web site for  putting together a learning unit that will serve as a jumping board to the web.
A PowerPoint file does not need to be presentation slides with bullet points. It can be used to create web-based tasks, with hyperlinks to relevant sites, utilizing Microsoft's versatility of adding  images, media and interactivity for students to actively participate rather than passively observe.

 

 

Samples:

  

Two samples of student centered web activities:

The Bloom's cognitive process verbs are identified in bold.
 

Is There Enough Water? (Hebrew.  Level; Middle School)
Students identify the water shortage problems in Israel, analyze the historical and geographical causes, and examine the implications.  Students collect information about rainfall and water influx, and create a weather forecast radio broadcast.

Are We Ready For the Storm?  (Science:  Level: 5th grade)
Students predict an oncoming hurricane based on observing satellite images, and prepare an emergency  plan to stay safe in the storm.

 

 

Your Task:

1.  Select/create a student-centered task on a unit  that you have taught in your classroom.

Think of one that preferably uses the higher cognitive skills in Bloom’s Taxonomy.

 

 Analysis:
Definition: see patterns, organize the parts, recognize hidden meanings, identify components

verbs: analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test.

Synthesis:
Definition: use old ideas to create new ones ,generalize from given facts relate knowledge from several areas predict, draw conclusions

verbs: arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write.

Evaluation:
Definition: compare/discriminate between ideas, assess value of theories, make choices based on argument, verify value of evidence, recognize subjectivity

verbs:  appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate

 

2. Find five websites that relate directly or indirectly to the task.

 Interesting

Relevant

Age appropriate

3.  Create a PowerPoint presentation that walks the students through the task.  Make sure to use the verbs in Bloom's Taxonomy to identify the steps of the task, supported by links to relevant  websites.

PowerPoint slides:
bullet

 Guide students through the activity using verbs.

bullet

 Illustrate -- through images, sound and video

bullet

Actively engage students in task.

bullet

Use web links to expand and enrich task.

How to Create a PowerPoint presentation:

Basic instructions for creating PowerPoint slides

More PowerPoint Tutorials

Inserting Sound an Video

 

4.  Prepare a Microsoft Word Notes handout for students.

 PowerPoint offers the option to create a handout of slides with space for notes near each slide. The handout is designed for students to compile and record their observations throughout the task. 

File>Send to> Microsoft Word

5.  Save the file as PPS (PowerPoint Show)

 PowerPoint files can be saved as PowerPoint shows, so that the presentation runs in full screen mode.

File>Save as> file type- powerpoint show (pps)

6.  Optional:  Save PowerPoint for Web

 File>Save for web

This command creates a an html file and a folder with all the auxiliary files.  Upload both to your website.  Also, all embedded files (sounds and video need to be uploaded in order for them to work.