cs 1308 computer literacy and the internet. powerpoint considered harmful one of dijkstra’s last...

CS 1308 Computer Literacy and the Internet

PowerPoint Considered Harmful

One of Dijkstra’s last e-mails Why did he feel this way?

What this is?

A quick overview of some things I’ve learned about PowerPoint and using overhead projectors

Typefaces

Sans Serif Typefaces Are often more legible Can be used for page titles and headings This typeface is “Tahoma”

Serif Typefaces Often used for long passages of text because it is

considered “more readable.” This typeface is “Times New Roman”

Type Styles

Some possibilities Italics for special terms Bold for titles and headings ALL CAPS (NOT USED VERY OFTEN

ANYMORE) Underlining looks a lot like a hyperlink

Normal weight text is usually called Roman

Avoid overusing special types or too many different types on one page.

Point Sizes (44 point)

The size of characters is measured in points. 1 point is approximately 1/72 inch (24

point)

Printed text is usually between 9 and 12 points. (This is 12 point). PowerPoint text must be much larger.

(This is 28 point text.) Note that not all typefaces are exactly

the same size at the same point size. Make sure the print is large enough! Be especially careful with code, IDEs

and doc cameras.

Backgrounds

Keep it simple PowerPoint (and third party vendors)

offer an almost unlimited number of templates and you can create your own.

Make sure you have good contrast between the text and the background.

Page Layout

The most common layout is a header with a bulleted list.

Keep down the text density. Only use numbers if they are

significant. Too much text will tempt you to just read the text

to try and get the point across and then it looks like you’re just reading the text and students hate that. Keep the amount of text to a minimum.

Don’t get crazy

With the transitions And special effects I like this one And exits

Colors

Make sure that the colors you use are consistent and mean something.

For example, my using a color here makes no sense.

Pictures

Cute clip art is out.

Tips

Keep the number of slides to a minimum and expand on each point.

Use the PowerPoint presentation as a guide.

My personal opinion is to not use the “strip tease” method on slides. Makes the audience feel like they can’t keep up.

I don’t like this

When They just Show me a little Bit at a time

I like this better

When They just Show me a little Bit at a time

Questions?