USING COMPUTER CREATED PRESENTATIONS for educators. This article will introduce and illustrate the use of the outline, backgrounds, and fonts so that they enhance, rather than distract from, the presentation.

Computer created slide presentations can enrich the learning experience, but incorrectly prepared slide presentations can detract from learning. Following these guidelines can result in a presentation that is easily viewed in most lighting and projection situations.

The outline feature of the presentation software can assist the novice user in structuring the presentation. Individuals who are new to presentation software often put too much material onto the screen at one time. Experts suggest a maximum of five lines per page and seven words per line to assist the viewer to focus on the most important things. Using words and phrases, rather than sentences, helps the viewer to focus. The presenter then "fills in the blanks" with the spoken word. 

In most cases, a dark background and light text are recommended, especially if the room will not be completely darkened, to permit the viewers to take notes. In any case, clear contrasts are necessary, using either a dark background and very light words, or a very light background with heavy, dark text. For more information on the general use of color, search the entire EET for the word color. 

The face (the shape of the letters, and frequently called the font) should be a clear, legible type. For projection, the point size should usually be at least 20, and if the room is large, you may want to consider 24 as the smallest point size you will use. There are two major typefaces, serif and sans serif fonts. The type on this page is Times New Roman, a very commonly used serif font, with small leading or following edges, sometimes extending below the baseline, as in the letter "y". Sans serif fonts are more "blocky" without the leading or following dots. This typeface is Arial, a commonly used san serif font. While there is disagreement as to whether serif or sans serif fonts are more easily read, the font face chosen should be both large and legible. In general, the cursive script or fancy fonts, such as the one shown below right, should be avoided as they are usually more difficult to read. 

Properly used, the available software can assist the educator in presenting lectures that are more interesting, more easily followed by the students, and result in better learning. Using them in the most effective manner can resulting in presentations that enhance, rather than detract from, the effective communication of information.

Ruth Greene, SDSU Educational Technology Student; and Instructor, Exercise and Nutritional Science, 2001