A Useful Site for PowerPoint Users

One of my objectives this summer is to advance my PowerPoint skill beyond the basics. PowerPoint is an incredible tool, but like most software, we only use about five percent of its capabilities. Effective visuals are a powerful way to connect with and engage learners...especially younger learners who are accustomed to seeing life play out in front of them via virtual worlds and gaming systems.

One blog I've enjoyed reading is Dave Paradi's PowerPoint Blog. While the stated focus is towards business uses of PowerPoint, most of what he writes about is very applicable for educators.

Here's a sampling of his recent posts:

• June 17/08 Slide Makeover Video Podcast available
• New source of speaking blogs: Alltop
• The importance of finding the benefit for your aud...
• PowerPoint Tip: When to give handouts
• New Slide Makeover Video Podcast available
• The single most misspelled word
• Slide Makeover Video Podcast launched
• PowerPoint Tip: Distributing your presentation in ...
• Virtual presentations can offset skyrocketing gas ...

Dave is also the publisher of ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com, which is filled with tips and helps for those wanting to advance their PowerPoint skills.

There is also an important secondary lesson here for educators: technology can be utilized in many forms and fashions, and some of the best examples of how you can use a given technology may come from outside the educational community...especially when it comes to standard applications like PowerPoint or any of the Microsoft Office applications. Learn to explore and have fun with technology.