Purposes for Using PowerPointWhy use PowerPoint?Does our use of technology in the classroom promote student learning?When is PowerPoint unnecessary?

Effective PowerPoint PresentationsWhat makes a PowerPoint presentation effective from a design standpoint?What are characteristics of ineffectively designed PowerPoint presentations?

Why is Design Important?Enhances the effectiveness of your presentationsHelps communicate your main points Recent study*: Students place high value on PowerPoint in areas of learning and motivation * Tang, Thomas Li-Ping, and M. Jill Austin "Students’ perceptions of teaching technologies, application of technologies, and academic performance." Computers & Education 53.4 (2009): 1241-1255.

Best Practices for PPT DesignSimplicityReadabilityInteractivity

SimplicityNotes function vs information overload on screenStudies have shown “More is not better” in terms of using technology to teachAvoid Information OverloadPowerPoint expert Cliff Atkinson, author of Beyond Bullet Points says, "When you overload your audience, you shut down the dialogue that's an important part of decision-making." He points to research by educational psychologists: "When you remove interesting but irrelevant words and pictures from a screen, you can increase the audience's ability to remember the information by 189% and the ability to apply the information by 109%.”

SimplicityNotes function vs information overload on screen“More is not better” in using technology to teach

Simplicity:Information OverloadPowerPoint expert Cliff Atkinson, author of Beyond Bullet Points: "When you overload your audience, you shut down the dialogue that's an important part of decision-making."

Simplicity:Information OverloadAtkinson:"When you remove interesting but irrelevant words and pictures from a screen, you can increase the audience's ability to remember the information by 189% and the ability to apply the information by 109%.”

Simplicity: Less is MoreKeep words at a minimum 6 x 6 guide; no more than 6 points per slide and 6 words per pointKeep slides at a minimum3 slides per minute max

Simplicity: Less is MoreKeep fonts simple2 max per page, including variations on a single font bold and regular of Arial = 2 fontsportability of fonts & substitutions

Simplicity: Less is MoreWhite space is your friendAvoid pictures or graphics in backgroundAvoid brightly colored backgrounds

Simplicity: Skip the TricksMinimize or avoid animated texts, sounds, and fancy transitions Can be effective in certain situations, but often distract your audience from your main points

Simplicity: GraphicsWord art: When words become art, and when that’s not necessarily a good thing

Simplicity: GraphicsOptions for creating graphics, charts, and diagrams:“Smart Art” in PowerPointWeb 2.0 program (free):gliffy: http://www.gliffy.com/

Simplicity: Graphicshttp://sxc.hu/ site for illustrations & photos

Readability: Basic Design TheoryContrastRepetitionAlignmentProximityAlso known to graphic designers as “CRAP” or “PARC” Principles

Readability: ContrastStrong contrast adds “visual interest” and keeps your students’ attentionMakes content more attractiveHighlights the most important conceptsDifference implies importance

Readability: ContrastStrong contrast adds “visual interest” and keeps your students’ attentionMakes content more attractiveHighlights the most important conceptsDifference implies importance

Readability: ContrastUsing colors to create contrastBlack text on white background White text on black background

Readability: RepetitionRepetition involves repeating design concepts on each pageCreates unity and consistencyProfessional design practice: brandingTemplatesIn PowerPointFive sample templates on HWI site branded for Farmer School of Business

Readability: AlignmentNothing should be placed on a page arbitrarilyEvery element should have some visual connection with another element on the pageCreates a clean, fresh, sophisticated look

Readability: AlignmentIdeally every object (graphics, photos, or text) should be aligned with other objectsIncludes vertical and horizontal alignment

Readability: AlignmentHorizontal alignmentIdeally every object (graphics, photos, or text) should be aligned with other objectsIncludes vertical and horizontal alignment Vertical alignment

Readability: ProximityGroup similar items togetherSimilar to paragraphing in writingHelps readers organize informationUsing bullets and templates to achieve “proximity” in design

Readability: Type SizeMake sure your fonts are legible and large enough“Floor test" for readability

Readability: Type SizePreview your presentation in the classroomShould be able to read the slides from the back of the room

Readability: Type StyleAvoid all capsserif vs. sans serif

Readability: Focal PointRelated to contrast and white spaceUse design consciously to create and emphasize your message

Readability: Focal PointImagesEyes move from top to bottom, left to rightLogos usually at lower right

Interactivity: Student Learning Inquiry-based learning Interactive PowerPoint: An oxymoron?Ideas for interactivitypose questionsFill in responses Have students take notes responding to questions on PPT Post notes to Bb siteOther ideas to make PPT more interactive?