Slideshows as a Tool for Learning and Assessment: Pros and Cons as Perceived by Students

Abstract

In academic studies, some course assignments take the form of presentations. The art of presentation involves conveying messages and one of the methods is by delivering presentations, either face-to-face, synchronously, and/or asynchronously. Presentations require analyzing a topic, processing an article, analyzing ideas, dilemmas, lesson plans, etc. This study examines the benefits and shortcomings of slideshow presentations as a means for learning and as an assessment tool, as perceived by students. The study included 66 respondents, undergraduate students in a department of education at an Israeli university. The study combined qualitative and quantitative tools. From the research findings it is evident that the students perceive the benefits of slideshow presentations as improving learning capabilities, as well as enhancing learning and the student’s personal development. Another benefit emerging from the findings is that students see presentations as a means not only for presenting their knowledge to the lecturer but rather also for conveying information to their peers. Namely, the presentation has meaning both on the academic level and on the collaborative level. This benefit is perceived by the students as very important in the current era, where the collaborative dimension is receiving extensive place and emphasis in processes of teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as constituting part of students’ learning outcomes. Creating a supportive learning community that generates a social-academic climate and boosts one’s sense of efficacy and resilience in an era of change is meaningful and will remain with them in their future jobs as well. Concerning the difficulties experienced by students, they noted that slideshow presentations give rise to stage fright, a finding that tops the list of human fears. At the same time, the students noted as benefit the fact that facing an audience is an important skill that should be mastered, where through use of presentations they can attempt to overcome their inner difficulties and develop. The research findings shed light on the use of slideshow presentations as a tool and as a means for supporting learning and assessment. These findings may contribute to improving students’ learning processes and to assessing their scholastic and personal development. For this purpose, however, it is necessary to train students to experience the preparation of effective presentations and to present to an audience, as well as to develop a culture that entails a collaborative-learning climate suitable for an era of digital innovation. Delivering presentations and speaking to an audience are essential skills in the modern workplace. Students will find themselves in professional situations that require them to present information, usually via slideshows and by conveying messages to an audience of listeners or viewers. It is possible to learn how to present to an audience and to acquire presentation skills, and there are even ways of successfully dealing with fear and enhancing confidence in such situations. Good strategies and techniques will grant the necessary training and tools to prepare and deliver presentations in an efficient and relevant manner.