Reflections on PowerPoint Lesson Plan

When I opened the content files for module 4 in my Education class I was so excited. For this lesson we had to make a PowerPoint that would go along with our lesson plan we had made for the previous module. I haven't made a lot of PowerPoints but I have enjoyed each one I have made. I love being able to pick the background and animations I can use for the PowerPoint. The hardest part I had for the project was trying to give out steps for my lesson. I really didn't know if I was supposed to use the PowerPoint to teach my lesson or just explain it to a group of adults. Since my lesson was for the 3rd grade, you can see my problem. I decided to use my PowerPoint as a lesson for my 3rd grade "class". With that problem solved, I then couldn't decide on a background for my PowerPoint. I didn't like any of the standard backgrounds I found on the program. I decided I would look elsewhere for a background. My lesson plan was predicting the color that is found the most often in a regular size bag of M&M's. I decided to go to the M&M's website to see if I could get an inspiration. I found on their website you could make a background for your computer. I made a background and used it as my background for my PowerPoint. I thought it was so cute. After I figured out the background, it didn't take me long to have the whole PowerPoint made. It took longer to put all the required features in the PowerPoint than it took to actually make it! My finished PowerPoint is by far my favorite one so far that I have made. I am so glad my teacher gave me a challenging assignment.
After making this PowerPoint, I started to think about how I could incorporate multimedia into my other lesson plans. This is a big part of learning for today's students. They have grown up working on Ipods, computers, and cell phones. I realized I would need technology in all aspects of my teaching in order to be an effective teacher to today's technology driven students. I could incorporate technology by having my students work on their own PowerPoints. I really enjoyed this lesson I had done making a PowerPoint, so I knew my students would like to make one also. I could have my students, even as young as Kindergarten, read books and instead of the traditional book reports they could make a PowerPoint as to why the other students in the class should read that book. This gives the students a chance to tell their classmates if they liked the book and what was their favorite part. Another way I can use technology in my classroom is by having the students work on spreadsheets and word processing documents. I could provide my students with time to work on computers all during the day to provide them with skills they will need when they are older. They have grown up using technology, so why shouldn't they use it inside the classroom? I know in a lot of cases they probably know more than me when dealing with technology, but that is the exact reason why I am taking a Technology Education course. I want to provide my students with every opportunity I can for them to succeed!