4. Lessons Learned
During module one, I learned how to combine shapes, words, and background
images. I used SmartArt and customized the SmartArt to fit text. Lastly, I
used the Morph function to create an animation of a slide with multiple
elements. I found all these tools to be helpful in creating more engaging and
professional presentations. I really like the look of taking an image and making
it the whole background. This style makes presentations look high quality and
customized instead of a standard PowerPoint format.
7. Lessons Learned
For module two, I created a slide with an image that filled the background, added a quote in a
text box with a translucent background, and chose a font that complemented the image. I
blurred the background of an image, created a timeline with shapes, lines, text, and icons,
created a lightbox effect, changed colors in a theme, used a downloaded templet, and made
changes to the slide master.
My favorite effect that I used in this module was the lightbox effect. As a social studies
teacher, I’m excited to use this new tool to emphasize key elements in historical documents. I
think it’s a great way to draw students’ attention and keep them engaged.
10. Lessons Learned
For module three, I created a narrated presentation. The presentation
included background music, images, and a narration about the summer I spent
in Italy. This was a fun project to work on and allowed me the opportunity to
explore voiceover programs and editing tools.
I’m very interested in the flipped classroom model, and I think this technique
would facilitate an engaging and supportive experience for students.
13. Lessons Learned
For module four, I learned how to embed a video into PowerPoint, insert and edit a
video in PowerPoint, and record a screencast video in PowerPoint.
I use videos almost everyday in my classroom and I was one of those teachers who
would flip back and forth between the presentation and the videos. The tools I’ve
learned in this module will save me so much time and will make my presentations
more professional. I also learned how to trim the videos I insert to only show specific
clips. Again, this is a game changer and time saver for my presentations.
