The Link - Hillsmeade Primary School

Digital Learning

Hardev Singh: Learning Specialist ICT

Tips and Tricks of Using PowerPoint 

PowerPoint can be used for so many things.  Here are a couple of suggestions:

  • Create presentations from scratch or a template.
  • Add text, images, art, and videos.
  • Add transitions, animations, and cinematic motion.
  • Save to OneDrive, to get to your presentations from your computer, tablet, or phone.
  • Share your work and work with others, wherever they are.

For students, PowerPoint can be used for discussions, information reports, sharing ideas and presenting a collage of experiences.

 

Templates

Microsoft has a vast array of templates that you can use to start any project.  Templates give you a head start if you are new to PowerPoint or are stuck with a visual idea.  Once you choose a template and begin adding your information and other material, you can adjust it to suit your style of presentation.  Here are templates for education.  https://templates.office.com/en-gb/education One of my favourite templates are in, "Timelines".  These can be adapted for just about anything.  Check it out.  https://templates.office.com/en-gb/timelines

 

Tips and Tricks

  1. Use Consistent Fonts and Colors:  No one says that every slide should look the same. But choose a smooth and easy to read font and stick to it.  The same goes for colours. 
  2. Limit the Number of Your Slides: You may not have so much experience delivering presentations as a student.  The simple rule is one slide per minute of your presentation.
  3. Do Not Use a Lot of Text:  Remember that PowerPoint supports what you are saying.  You need to extract the main points of your presentation. Don't use more than six lines of text per slide.
  4. Special Effects: You can add special effects to your text, add videos in the presentation, or add music.  There are lots and lots of effects that can glitter your class presentation.  Have fun but make sure it does distract from your presentation.
  5. Be Innovative: You want your presentation to stand out! Be creative by using clip art, infographics and other animation to put your point across. 

If you are keen to be a master of PowerPoint, follow and watch Kevin Stratvert as he shares his knowledge of using Powerpoint.  Have a blank one open in Office365 to follow and try yourself. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcITARGg3CQ

Did you know?

PowerPoint was not created by Microsoft but by two men, Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin.  At first, it only ran on Apple computers until Microsoft bought it for 14 million dollars in 1987.  It is now worth billions.  Across the globe, 95% of all presentations use this software.  Well worth sending the time to learn how to use it, or create the next big thing!

 

 

Hardev Singh

ICT Learning Specialist

Year 5 Teacher

 hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au