Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2006

To Slideware or Not to Slideware: Students' Experiences with Powerpoint Vs. Lecture

Nicole Amare University of South Alabama

Abstract

This study analyzes the performance and attitudes of technical writing students in PowerPoint-enhanced and in non- PowerPoint lectures. Four classes of upper-level undergraduates ( n = 84) at a mid-sized, Southern university taking a one-semester technical writing course were surveyed at the beginning and end of the course about their perceptions of PowerPoint. Of the four sections, two classes were instructed using traditional lecture materials (teacher at podium, chalkboard, handouts); the other two sections were instructed with PowerPoint presentations. All four classes were given the same pre- and post-test to measure performance over the course of the semester. Traditional lecture or PowerPoint presentations consisted of at least 50% of the course, with the remaining time spent on exercises and small group work. Results reveal that while most students say they preferred PowerPoint, performance scores were higher in the sections with the traditional lecture format.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2006-07-01
DOI
10.2190/03gx-f1hw-vw5m-7dar
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
writing pedagogy teacher development collaborative writing technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

  1. Wolfe et al. (2024)
    Advancing the Knowledge Base on Effective Presentation Slide Design: Three Pilo…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Boettger et al. (2013)
    An Overview of Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research in Technical Commun…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  3. Johnson (2012)
    Film School for Slideware: Film, Comics, and Slideshows as Sequential Art
    Computers and Composition
  4. Amare et al. (2009)
    Examining Editor-Author Ethics: Real-World Scenarios from Interviews with Three…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. MacKiewicz (2008)
    Comparing Powerpoint Experts' and University Students' Opinions about Powerpoin…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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CrossRef global citation count: 42 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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