Pointing With Power Or Creating With Chalk

Abstract

This study examines the attitudes of students on the use of PowerPoint and chalk/white boards in college science lecture classes.  Students were asked to complete a survey regarding their experiences with PowerPoint and chalk/white boards in their science classes.  Both multiple-choice and short answer questions were used.  The multiple-choice questions were analyzed quantitatively.  The short answer questions were coded into similar groups qualitatively and then recoded quantitatively in order to best compare data.  The students report that the majority of presentations in their college science classes use PowerPoint.  Their responses show that they clearly prefer the use of chalk/white boards and overwhelmingly say that PowerPoint does not keep their attention in comparison.