[OS X TeX] NASA, Word, TeX and PowerPoint

[Herbert Schulz]

On Feb 4, 2009, at 1:43 PM, Rene Borgella wrote:

> I've read a few of Tufte's books and have re-engineered my lectures  
> to take advantage of his insight. In short, what he recommends is  
> that:
>
> 1) presentations should focus on Visuals, NOT text
>
> 2) the majority of the text and details should be given in handouts
>
> 3) this allows the presenter and the audience to focus on the ideas  
> and to think
>
> 4)  Tufte argues that we are asking too much of our audiences if we  
> want them to listen to us, read the text, and look at the visuals  
> simultaneously, all while thinking about the ideas we are presenting
>
> 5) Later, those wishing more details can consult their handouts.
> He also argues that audiences may be initially surprised by this  
> unconventional approach, but the handouts will help them see that  
> you are thoughtful and what you have to share is substantive.
>
> 6) The specific problems with Power Point are that
> 	a) the canned themes are usually too busy or use fonts and style in  
> ways that defy good practices
> 	b) the bullets and indents structure our presentations in ways that  
> don't coincide with how we learn and communicate
> 	c) PP style presentations lower our expectations of actually being  
> engaged learners.
>
> For me, reading Tufte's books has fundamentally changed the way I  
> teach and present information to my students and colleagues.
>
> Regards,
>
> René


Howdy,

I still love the blackboard!!! Just a grumpy old retired professor of  
Physics.

Good Luck,

Herb Schulz
(herbs at wideopenwest dot com)