Creating and delivering presentations
AI-based presentation assistance has been available through Microsoft Powerpoint for a few years. This type of AI is not generative as it does not generate content for you, but other tools are available that can generate content that could be used in a presentation.
Learning benefits of presentations:
The learning value of presentations is in the preparation, especially in the research that you conduct and the thinking you do about what to include and how to communicate it in a way that is meaningful and engaging to your audience.
It’s likely that presentation assessments will have a substantial question and answer session at the end to test how well you understand the topic, so it will be very important that you have a deep understanding of the content beyond whatever is written on the slides or your notes.
Presentations also give you valuable practice at communicating ideas to an audience in a way that is persuasive and engaging, and this is an extremely important skill in many professions.
Impact of GenAI on presentations as a form of learning:
Given that learning mostly happens through the process of researching for and creating your presentation, there’s not much learning value in getting an AI tool to create a script, a set of Powerpoint slides or a video. Learning happens when you get the tools to do things with you, but not for you.
Doing the research and thinking about which ideas to include and how best to communicate them is where the learning value lies, so you still need to do these parts yourself, unless instructed otherwise by your teacher.
Strategies for using GenAI for presentations
Instead of getting GenAI tools to create a presentation for you, use them to assist your learning by:
1. Brainstorming initial ideas for the content of your presentation
To ensure the ideas are relevant, use key words from the assessment task or research question, and include any specific requirements or limitations that need to be considered. Once the ideas have been generated, compare them to any ideas you’ve already thought of, and decide which ones seem most important and relevant to your task.
Example Prompt: I need to give a presentation about the potential dangers of relying too heavily on Artificial Intelligence during the learning process. What are the most important issues I should discuss in the presentation?
| Part of ChatGPT’s Response (6/07/2023) |
|---|
When giving a presentation about the potential dangers of relying too heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the learning process, you can discuss several important issues. Here are some key points to consider:
To make your presentation more impactful, consider providing real-world examples, discussing case studies, and presenting both the potential benefits and the risks associated with AI in the learning process. Encouraging a balanced approach that combines the strengths of AI with traditional teaching methods can help mitigate the dangers and maximize the benefits of integrating AI in education. |
2. Suggesting possible structures for a presentation that will be engaging and suitable for your purpose.
First make sure you’ve checked any instructions or templates you’ve been given that regarding the structure, and always follow whatever advice you’ve been given. If in doubt, check with your teachers.
Example Prompt:
How could I structure this presentation to make it as persuasive and engaging as possible for an audience of undergraduate university students?
Part of ChatGPT’s Response (6/07/2023): |
|---|
To make your presentation persuasive and engaging for undergraduate university students, you can follow a structured approach that incorporates storytelling, visual aids, and interactive elements. Here's a suggested structure for your presentation: Introduction:
Provide a context:
Share success stories:
|
3. Providing feedback on the content, design and delivery of your presentation
Seeking and acting upon feedback is one of the most effective ways of learning. Tools such as ChatGPT or Bing Chat can provide feedback on your script in a similar way to getting feedback on any written text. Microsoft Powerpoint has a tool called Speaker Coach that gives you automated feedback on the delivery of your presentation.
In order to learn effectively, it’s a good idea to find multiple sources of feedback, including a consultation with a HELPS Advisor who can give you feedback on the content, design and delivery of an individual or group presentation.
A word of advice: when you include any GenAI created content in your presentation (i.e. data, images, text, sound or video), you must reference them. Visit the Study Guide to learn how to reference GenAI tools.
Do you want to learn more about how to prepare for your presentation effectively? Reach out to HELPS or attend one of our workshops.
