PowerPointlessness

Jamie McKenzie makes the point that powerpointing can become a goal in itself (technology being done for technology's own sake).    I have witnessed the downside of powerpoint in  the school I work in.  Some students get so consumed with creating a spectacular powerpoint that the information is secondary at best.  It can be very fun and very distracting to make slides; for some students this is far more engaging and interesting than doing research.  I love the technology of powerpoint, but am concerned that it can be more of distraction for a school research project than a help at time.  Perhaps this is more true with young children who haven't learned much about doing research.

I've only created a few powerpoint presentations myself and while reading McKenzie's article, I realized how many mistakes I've made.  Powerpoint is a tremendous tool, but has potential to be a tremendous distraction as well.  I agree with his point that the proportion of research and thinking should be monitored so that it is not compromised by the time making slides.  If research should comprise 80% of the total project time, then creation of the presentation should be restricted until  the research is complete.  I'm now understanding the wisdom of our assignment for session 3. This is going to be very helpful!