So, you have finally decided to ditch the overhead projector
and jump with both feet into the cold waters of Powerpoint® presentations.
Congratulations! While it might take your breath away at first, the water will
feel warmer if you just keep swimming!
When used in a creative manner, PPT presentations can be
engaging, exciting and effective for a wide variety of learners in your
classes.
But, when used improperly….things can go badly. Very badly.
But, when used improperly….things can go badly. Very badly.
So, as a newbie to the world of PPT, what things should you
keep in mind when creating a new presentation??
1. Choose a simple Slide Design with clean lines
and contrasting colours. There are a variety of pre-made slide designs already
embedded in PPT and hundreds more to choose from in Microsoft’s Office.com
2. Use Smart Art to simplify text and make it
appealing to visual learners
3. Insert videos/animations directly into your
presentation to avoid switching between programs.
4. Use hyperlinks
to take you a specific web page, or another slide in your presentation. Here’s how.
5. Less is more. Please don’t crowd your slide with
everything you are going to say. Use the notes
section to insert speaker notes.
6. Less is more again. Limit the number of slides
to the audience. 75 slides in 75 minutes is tough. It’s tough to present and
tough to watch.
7. Watch the custom animations. Some students (and
adults) are easily distracted by 
or paragraphs that fly in from
the left and then rotate 5 times before being able to be read. Custom
animations can be effective if used sparingly and in the right context.
or paragraphs that fly in from
the left and then rotate 5 times before being able to be read. Custom
animations can be effective if used sparingly and in the right context.
Interested? Intrigued?
Let me provide the wetsuit and diving board to help you get your
feet wet using PPT in your classes. Book a Tech Session for next week.
Already a PPT user? I can help you make your slides MORE
engaging and exciting for your students!
Okay, it’s time. Jump in!
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