Presentation Software
Presentation Software is a computer program used to display information. Some capabilities of presentation software include, inserting and formatting text, inserting graphics images that can be manipulated by size, color, and animation, and different methods and transitions to show the slides. Some often used features include:
Font style, color and size
Background color and texture
Slide transitions such as Swipe, Blinds, Checkerboard and Box In
Animation Schemes that range in effect from subtle to exciting
Sound effects for words, pictures and slide transition
Movie clips
Slide shows can be powerful presentation tools when used correctly. However, more often than not they are abused. Any presentation software should be used as a tool by the presenter not in place of the presenter. An article entitled “PowerPoint Made Perfect” discovered on the NCDPI website confirmed my belief. It admonishes PowerPoint users to subscribe to the “Joy of Six.” This means limiting yourself to 6 lines of text/points per slide and 6 words per point. Limiting yourself in such a fashion forces the author to interact with the product as it is used to present information. After all, if all we want is for someone to read what we wrote, presentation software is the wrong format by requiring them to read large amounts of text from a screen. Massive amounts of printed material should be provided in a print format.
While presentation software typically comes with standard features provided, I discovered from the “How To” presentations of my classmates that there are numerous slide backgrounds, animations, sounds, etc. available free online. One site I found particularly useful is www.brainybetty.com.
I prepared the accompanying presentation to demonstrate how finances gained through a grant were used in my classroom. This presentation incorporates not only the typical characteristics of slide animation and transition but also the incorporation of a movie and Digital Photos.