Are PowerPoint presentations fulfilling its purpose?

Nowadays, most lecture classes are conducted using PowerPoint presentations, assuming that incorporation of computer technologies would enhance student learning and sustain interest in the topic. But is it fulfilling its purpose? Therefore, to understand the student perspective on this issue, 72 students of II MBBS were given a questionnaire, wherein they were asked to choose as to which method of presentation is the preferred one for the various given attributes. Chalk board (CB) and Power Point (PP) were the two methods that were compared. According to the students, clarity of words, illustrations, real pictures and summarizations were some of the attributes best dealt with on PP, whereas, explanations, clarity of concepts and learning to draw diagrams are better done on a CB. Majority of students feel that both CB and PP should be used simultaneously in all classes. An appropriate and discrete mix of both PP and CB would be beneficial for enhancing student learning and achievement.