Ruud's idea of banning powerpoints is highly retrograde. Geology,
structural geology and tectonics in particular, is a 4D time/graphic
subject. Complex ideas and forms are best conveyed by
well-thought-out, designed and drawn coloured diagrams presented in
powerpoint form, which enables animation. The notion of trying to
describe the structure and evolution of the Connemara Dalradian in
words would leave most people speechless. Even the aid of a chalk or
white board would render the description inaccurate. A really good
powerpoint can get a complicated idea across with great clarity.
Agood picture is worth a thousand words. John Ramsay's comments are
spot on. We need simple, succinct, and beautifully-presented
minimalist powerpoints with no unreadable tables, padding, extraneous
matter, hesitation, repetition, jokes, or sunsets. Perhaps some
gentle booing and hissing of really bad powerpoints would help a
gradual transition to better presentations.
John Dewey
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John F. Dewey, Professor of Geology
Department of Geology
UC Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis CA 95616
Telephone Nos:
530 754 7472 (office)
530 757 7915 (home)
530 752 0915 (Fax: )
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