TOPIC 4 - ELECTRONIC PRESENTATIONS

Topic 4 is about electronic presentation or power point presentations.

INTRODUCTION 

The use of electronic presentations as teaching and learning tools has become increasingly popular amongst teachers in schools. There are many kinds of software introduced. However, in this topic, our discussions will revolve around the use of Microsoft PowerPoint. 

Uses and Advantages  

There are many kinds of software available in producing electronic presentations. Among them are Microsoft PowerPoint and the Harvard Graphics

According to Shaifol (2004), the use of animation, graphics, audio, video and text in media for any presentation will:  Attract the interest of consumers  Motivate consumers  Facilitate easy understanding amongst consumers 

The electronic presentation characteristic which allows the continuous movement of slides makes it possible as a platform to produce animated movements without rendering. This electronic presentation is normally used as a preview at the initial stages before the animation is compiled. The aim of using electronic presentations in animated movement is to display the movement without having to rely on the rendering process, which is time consuming. 

Electronic presentations are user-friendly as well as possess command buttons that are easily understood and do not require programming codes. As a result of its user-friendly nature and its ability to combine various media such as video, animation, graphics, audio and text, this software is suitable in creating backdrop presentations.  

Layout 

Layout in electronic presentation software is the knowledge or skill used to lay and arrange media on display with the intention of creating an attractive presentation. The ability to lay and arrange good and effective media elements will bring positive results on the presentation. 

Contrast  To highlight the differences between two objects, the software designer has to choose contrasting colours (dark and bright). Contrast is also used to differentiate between elements with backdrop display. Besides showing the contrast of two items, contrast is also an effective way to enhance interest towards a creation. 

 Apart from the difference in colour, contrast can also be highlighted with a difference in font, a large object as opposed to a small one, a fine line with a coarse one, a smooth texture with a rough one, a horizontal element as opposed to a vertical one, a distant line with a close one and large in contrast to small graphics. 

 Alignment  In the principles of alignment, each item that has to be placed in the software must be similar with what is placed on the face of the software to ensure its attractiveness. The software designer must be deft in arranging these items to maintain balance. In other words, in the principles of alignment, items are to be arranged in a manner so as not to look awkward. Items should also have visual relations between one and the other on every software display. 

 Simplicity  Graphics and animation have to be simple and stimulate the user to understand the intended meaning. In other words, every graphic material and object placed on the face of the software has to stimulate curiosity and thinking. The visuals used must be simple, appropriate and easily understood to the user. In short, the use of graphics and media elements in the software must facilitate the user to be able to use the software easily. A simple picture as an example, would be more meaningful than a long text. 

 Proximity  In the principles of proximity, items used in the software have to be grouped in an area to ensure that the user is able to see the continuity that exists between items. This ability to view the continuity between items lends a favourable feeling to the user, who views the items as a group rather than separate entities. Hence, this element is seen as a single visual unit rather than separate units. 

Repetition  In the principles of repetition, a set of standard instructions will enable the user to comprehend and interpret simple instructions provided by the software. Repeated use of the various media presentation will enhance the userÊs understanding. This is because these software users usually have an inclination towards the media. Software designers may use media text, audio, graphics and videos repeatedly to put forth the same message. 

  

 The Development of Basic Slides Presentation 

-  five elements are artistic elements, presentations needs, target group, location and accurate message.

The arbitrary use of the media can produce negative effects on the presentation.   

Software designers need to think and analyse the target group for the software. If the target group of the software were kindergarten children, it would be appropriate to use lots of animation. However, this method would not be suitable for an adult target group. 

The location of a presentation must also be considered in developing electronic presentations. For example, if the presentation is in a large hall, using small fonts will inevitably prevent the audience from reading the message and subsequently bore them. Hence, it is important to bear in mind that a large font size would be necessary in situations like this. 

The use of media has to be relevant to the message that is imparted. In fact, the use of media must add meaning to the message in the presentation. Obviously, a presentation which depicts a sad and melancholic message should not be portrayed with loud and bright colours. It should in fact use soft and harmonious colours. 

To ensure that the message is imparted with its intended meaning, the software designer should choose media that is relevant to the message and not what is to his liking. For example, in a video clip portraying life in campus, it would be inappropriate to focus the introduction on techniques needed in playing a football game 

MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATIONS 

- The Framework of a Storyboard Presentation 

- A Storyboard is a compilation of sketches of designs on display screens used in the application of a multimedia software  

- The Advantages of a Storyboard

  (i) The storyboard allows the software designer to develop his thoughts and ideas. 

 (ii) The storyboard designer is able to plan his sketches on the software right at the initial stage.

 (iii) The storyboard facilitates the software designer to develop ideas before it is transformed on the computer screen. 

(iv) The storyboard allows the software designer to plan and apply learning theories and strategies easily. 

(v) The sketches done at the initial stage provides room for changes to be easily done. 

(vi) The use of the storyboard saves the time and cost of producing a software.

 (vii) The storyboard reduces the risk of leaving out important presentation information.

 (viii) The storyboard allows the software designer to apply various techniques in software designing. 

The elements to consider in the design of the storyboard are as follows:

 (i) Background colour

 (ii) Font type

 (iii) Size of alphabets 

(iv) Colours of the alphabets 

(v) Picture format 

(vi) Video format 

(vii) Audio format

 (viii) Animation format 

 Sample Storyboard  This storyboard is sketched in a flow, showing the sketches on the screen and the interactive patterns of the software. 

Manipulation of Objects 

You can shift objects from one corner to another simply by clicking, dragging and pasting the object at the required corner. To rotate the picture, click and drag the green circle (see figure) in the desired rotation. 

Making a Slide Presentation

To start the PowerPoint Programme

choose start>program>Microsoft PowerPoint. On seeing the initial display screen of the PowerPoint, select the text and content layout of your choice.

 Inserting colour   

To add background colour, select the button format>background and select the required colour. 

- Inserting Text  You can add in text by clicking on the specific field (Click to add title) to insert title text and type. Click the field to add the subtitle and type to add more subtitles. 

 Adding more slides  You can add on more slides by clicking on the icon Ânew slideÊ or click on insert and select new slide. 

 Inserting Pictures, Audio and Video  To insert pictures, click on insert and select the picture, then select clip art (from a collection of pictures found in the office collection) or from a file (pictures kept in another file). If you select from your file, you can decide which file you wish to insert. 

- Inserting video  To insert video, click on insert sound and movie, select Movie from Clip Organizer (movies are in the office collection) or From File (movies kept in another file). If you select from a File, you can select which file to insert. Movie files takes time to import. Movie displays are seen on the screen and you can decide how the movie is to be shown, either automatically or on click. 

- Inserting Audio   To insert audio, click on Insert sound and Movie, select Sound From Clip Organizer (sound is in the office) or From File (sound kept in other files). If you select From File , you will be given a choice of which file you would like to insert. You would also be given a choice of whether the audio is to be played automatically or on click. 

 To Add Special Effects on the Slide To add special effects on the PowerPoint that you have designed, click on the slide show on the toolbar and select slide transition. The slide transition menu box will appear. In the box, you can select special effect, speed, sound and how the slides are advanced, and the choice of whether the chosen transition is applicable to all slides or only to specific ones. 

You could also view your special effect selection by clicking the Play 

-  Adding Text Movement  To add the text movement element, click on slide show, then on animation scheme and then you can select the required text movement. 

-  Movement of Topic and Sub Topic On each PowerPoint slide, you can select the manner of entrance of topics and sub topics into the slide by clicking on Slide show and then selecting Custom Animation. After making the selection, you are able to view the selected movement by clicking the Play button. 

 Hyperlink To make the presentation more interactive, you need to add hyperlink. Darken or highlight the object field or words that have to be added on hyperlink as in figure 4.15 click insert> click hyperlink. Select the slide to be hyperlinked

Integration in Teaching and Learning  

(a)  Teaching Aids  Electronic presentations are used as Teaching and Learning Aids. As a teaching aid, it is used to impart information to learners. There are two categories in Electronic Presentation as teaching aids.  Presentation  In the teaching process using Presentation techniques, the teacher uses electronic presentations as a means of presenting information. 

Demonstration  In the teaching process using Demonstration techniques, the teacher uses electronic presentations as a means of conducting a demonstration. This method is utilised to describe a situation that is difficult to explain with words or through an experiment which may be costly, impossible or just too dangerous to carry out. 

(b)  Learning Aids  In the learning process using electronic presentations, learners can interact with the software. There are three electronic presentation categories as learning aids: 

Tutorial  In the learning process using the tutorial method, electronic presentations can be arranged according to lesson content and a fixed sequence. Tutorial Learning encompasses explanations, demonstrations and practice or exercises. The video clip shows an example of software using tutorial technique. 

Investigation  In the learning process using the investigation method, learners use electronic presentations as a medium to search and access information. This is to ensure the learning process would not be a tedious task especially in having to search for the suitable website. The connection to the website is made available in the software designed. 

(iii)  Application  In the learning process using the application method, electronic presentations are used as application aids (aids to help learners carry out certain tasks in learning), and not as a mechanism to channel information. 

Comparison of Strengths and Weaknessess  

 Strengths 

 - Motivation  Electronic presentation can motivate learners in learning. Learners are more motivated to learn using a new medium. The use of electronic presentation motivates learners to probe into the world of technology and communication. 

- Attractiveness  Electronic presentations that apply to all the attractive multimedia elements can attract the attention of users. Electronic presentations have a positive impact on learnersÊ understanding. 

-  Use Friendly  Electronic presentations provide instructions that are not confusing and are user friendly. Icons used in the design of the electronic presentations are easily understood. Hence, electronic presentations are easily designed and used even by a novice. 

-  Interactive  Electronic presentation allows the easy insertion of interactive elements in presentation. This interactive presentation encourages an active learning environment. The active learning in a multimedia environment allows the learner to gain knowledge through various orientations that are suitable to his cognitive needs and style. 

Disadvantages 

- Costly Equipment  The use of electronic presentation requires a computer and an LCD. These equipment are rather costly. Furthermore, the teacher also has to look into safety aspects when planning to use electronic presentation. 

- Sensitive Equipment  Electronic equipment is sensitive to temperature and extreme conditions. Hence, the teacher has to ensure a suitable 

environment and implement proper usage to maximise the lifespan of the electronic equipment. 

-  Design Time  To design a good and effective electronic presentation, the teacher needs to plan the electronic presentation using software design modules. So, enough time must be allocated to design a good and effective electronic presentation.