Andrew Smith’s article discrediting PowerPoint was surprising (Opinion,24 September). It made no attempt to open up the possibilities afforded by the software, merely assuming that PowerPoint delivery is always lightweight and dependent on bullet points.
Of course PowerPoint can allow the lecturer to communicate deeply rooted knowledge. The difficulty comes when there are too many words projected on a screen and the listener is torn between reading and listening. A lone word on a slide can lead to exploration of different intellectual and imaginative ideas. An image can open up new horizons. A sudden burst of noise – as, or for example,a burst of electronically contrived applause – can design students laugh. Ideas connect to memory and are alert for debate. Students go absent keen to develop their arguments.
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Source: theguardian.com