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OHP and Powerpoint - Ndita.L
Technology for educators (EDT 221)
University of Fort Hare
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Teaching aids
There are many different ways in which a trainer can make the learning experience more interesting and memorable for learners. One technique is to use teaching aids. These are things used in the classroom to aid teaching and training. They fall into two main categories: visual aids such as overheads; and interactive tools such as a video programme or resource pack. It is good to bear in mind that too much material and too many different themes can serve to confuse the class. It is best to stick to a few techniques and, perhaps, follow one theme, example or case study.
Visual aids
Visual aids are visual representations which support presentations in the form of text, cartoons, graphs, illustrations, photographs. These can be OHP transparencies, handouts, flipcharts, posters, objects etc. They help to break up the monotony, providing a visual stimulant to reinforce what the learners are hearing.
The three main techniques for this use projection onto a large screen that everyone in the class can see. The oldest is using a photographic slide projector. The more modern and flexible overhead projector enables presenters to design their own text as well as pictorial illustrations. The most high-tech version is the use of a data projector, a computer and presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
Overheads
Overheads are also known as OHPs, slides and transparencies. They are pictures or writing printed, written or drawn onto a sheet of acetate. This can be placed on the bed of an overhead projector and via light and magnification technology an image is projected onto a white wall or screen.
OHPs can be a very robust and resilient form of visual aid as the technology is cheaper, less prone to break-down and glitches than computer technology, and as you can write on blank transparencies, can be very responsive to classroom needs as when the trainer wants to elaborate on something or groups want a visual aid to feed back to class. They are also more flexible as you can change the order, and add or drop slides during a presentation according to need.
You should always test the equipment before you start your presentation. The focus may need adjusting, or the position of the projector or the screen. You should also assess the best place to stand so that everyone can see both you and the screen.
There are some helpful rules to follow when developing and using overheads to support your lectures and presentations:
Don’t have too much information on a slide Use a large font size (ideally at least 20pt), and a font that is easy to read
Using pictures, cartoons, your own illustrations, photos and diagrams is good as it breaks up the monotony of reading and listening. They can also be amusing. If you can’t find anything else, clip art is a useful resource
Studies show that participants pay more attention to colour overheads
Time your overheads well — if the class is copying you need to leave them up long enough
Don’t click swiftly through your overheads like a photo slide show
Don’t be afraid to elaborate while the OHP is up
If there is a pause without an OHP to show, switch off machine as the blank screen is annoying and the noise of the fan can be distracting
Try not to turn to the screen to indicate detail on the projected image, use a pointer on the OHP itself and face your audience
Try to ensure that the OHP projector is situated where you can use it without blocking the audience’s view
Presentation software
Presentation software is a special computer programme which allows you to design a format, draft text and include illustrations which can then be projected and magnified onto a screen for the class to watch while the speaker makes his/her presentation. The equipment configuration varies but usually there is a desktop computer or laptop linked to a data projector. There can sometimes be issues of compatibility with the computer equipment if the laptop is a different age from the projector, for example. It is important to test the equipment before starting the presentation. Although when first beginning to use powerpoint the technical expertise required to connect the equipment and bring up the image can seem rather beyond you, after a while you get to understand the tricks to set yourself up and to solve problems.
The software will also generate a variety of documents that can be used as handouts or as the basis for annotated speakers notes. It is advisable to attend training to learn how to develop computerised presentations. The training will cover how to design the layout, select fonts, insert illustrations, draft text and specify the speed and delivery of the text on the screen. When developing presentations you can select from a broad range of backgrounds, fonts, styles and formats. The software, particularly Microsoft PowerPoint, provides some of these and you can also customise to use company logos or personal favourite clip art, etc. Unless you have access to designer input, it is best to keep computer-based presentations as simple as possible. One big advantage of computer-based presentations over the other two techniques is that you can change the presentation very easily and there is no need to change a hard copy unless you are providing the software generated handouts.
Look at the tips provided for OHP design above for guidelines to help produce effective and professional presentations.
OHP and Powerpoint - Ndita.L
Course: Technology for educators (EDT 221)
University: University of Fort Hare
