If you're interested in developing multimedia presentation for your classroom this is the tutorial for you. Many faculty, instructors, and trainers are using presentation software to enhance their lectures. The purpose of this tutorial is to make it easy for you to develop a presentation using PowerPoint.
In this tutorial you will get:
- an introduction to PowerPoint,
- presentation design tips,
- an explanation of how to use templates, and
- a template that allows you to fill in the blanks to build your own syllabus presentation.
When you open PowerPoint, the new presentation dialog box appears and offers four choices:
- AutoContent Wizard- takes you through a series of questions in an attempt to determine the type of presentation you wish to make and then develop a fill-in-the-blanks presentation.
- Design Template- allows you to establish the background and color scheme from the available templates.
- Blank presentation- opens a new presentation with no template.
- Open an existing presentation- allows you to open previously created presentations.
AutoLayouts
After you have opened a new presentation, PowerPoint displays the "New Slide" dialog box containing AutoLayouts. AutoLayouts provide a pre-determined layout for each type of slide allowing for consistency throughout the presentation.
PowerPoint Development Area
PowerPoint 2000's normal view has a three-pane development area:
- Outline pane- contains each slide's title and typed information.
- Slide pane- what you see is what you get. It displays text you type and objects you insert on the slide. This is the area in which you will do most of your work.
- Notes Pane- allows you to type personal notes without changing views.
Inserting an a New Slide
Click on Insert and select New Slide. Choose the type of slide you wish to insert form the "New Slide" dialog box.
Inserting an Image into your Presentation
Click on Insert and point to Picture, a drop down menu will appear and you will be able to choose the location from which you will import the image.
Saving your Presentation
- Enter a file name and select the location where you wish to store the file, then click Save.
Tip 1: Do not include every piece of information you wish to discuss. Slides should contain brief, concise, descriptive phrases that help you and your students along your lecture.
Tip 2: Choose colors schemes that enhance your presentation display. Avoid colors schemes that are "loud" or make it difficult for viewers to concentrate on your lecture.
Tip 3: Use sound and visual effects sparingly. Only use sound and visual effects to bring emphasis to a point.
Tip 4: Choose a text size and font that is easy to read and avoid misspelled words.
To modify the templates simply click on one of the template links above (you will need Zip software). A "File Download" box will appear. Click on Save.
A "Save As" dialog box will then appear; browse to select a storage location then click Save. You may then launch PowerPoint, open the presentation, and enter your information.
Here are examples of presentations to assist you in completing yours:
PowerPoint 2000 Basics:
http://www.iupui.edu/~webtrain/tutorials/powerpoint2000_basics.html
