Introducing Teachers to PowerPoint Presentation in a Technologically Challenging Environment: Action Research

Abstract

We tried to equip teachers with PowerPoint skills in the face of inadequate internet communication and technology (ICT) facilities through modeling and cooperative learning. The participants consisted of 20 part-time post-diploma teachers from the University of Cape Coast. Their ages were between 22 and 40 years and comprised 40% females and 60% males. It was a mixed methods sequential action research in which data was collected using a questionnaire, interview, observation and content analysis. The results showed the teachers were able to prepare their Power Points by sharing skills and resources. They were successful with the Power Point task as a team to a large extent but some of them had individual challenges, which were not met. The lack of ownership of computers was a major challenge. We concluded from the study that even in the face of challenges teachers can be equipped with some skills for PowerPoint through cooperative learning but the empowerment will be more effective if some of their challenges, notably lack of personal computers are met. It is therefore suggested that teachers should be helped to acquire computers and the skill of making Power Point presentations should be integrated into initial teacher training in Ghana.